Question:
Just how many grams of sugar are too many?

I have just tried using 'not from concentrate' orange juice to mix my unflavored protein powder in. For an 8 ounce cup of o.j. it lists 22 grams of sugar. Too high? And can anyone tell me if you should substitute the protein drink for a meal? I do not snack and never want to eat more than three meals a day. This makes it difficult for me to get the protein drink in. RNY October 30, 2002 -70lbs.    — Ginger M. (posted on January 22, 2003)

January 22, 2003
This is all according to my nutritionist others will probably vary. I was told to stick with less than six grams of sugar per serving. She was ok with OJ, but said to dilute it with water. 22 grams of sugar may make you dump and it may not. Also, she did not want me substituting protein drinks for meals. Even though I admit I did it a lot in the beginning. I've heard it can qualify as a meal if you put some type of fruit or yogurt in it.
   — Lisa N M.

January 22, 2003
Our limit was 6g per MEAL. The source of the sugar doesn't matter. Fruit will make me fat again. 22g of sugar would also make me dump. What do you use to revive a diabetic? I'm scared of OJ. Even if I diluted it down to that 6g, it would be so tasteless as to why bother? In the beginning, I did protein in place of a meal. Now, I do them IN ADDITION to meals. I start with protein, then meal, then protein, etc. I do 4 meals (1 is really a snack), and 6 protein drinks. I don't necessarily recommend that others do the 6, but 4 are mandatory for my surgery, and I prefer the way I feel on 6 or more. I have fewer appetite control issues.
   — vitalady

January 22, 2003
I am able to handle a 4 oz. glass of OJ each morning, which is what I take my iron & vitamin c with. My surgeon's program recommends no more than 7g of sugar per serving when newly post-op. I have found I can handle about 12g per serving and I don't push it beyond that (unless you count those Christmas treats I indulged in). Perhaps you could try your unflavored protein in some sugar free Tang? I've never tried it myself but have read where a lot of other posties like the SF Tang. You may change your idea of no snacks as you get further out and hunger does strike (for me at about 6 months post-op). I've been able to curb the sweets craving as well as add fiber by having a piece of fresh fruit as a snack or a Blue Bunny Lite 85 yogurt with some grape nuts. Best wishes for your continued success! 70 lbs is awesome! - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -106lbs.
   — Anna L.

January 22, 2003
I'm with everyone else on keeping it to 6 grams or less at each meal. My experience is that if you eat more than that at a time, it sets up the craving for more sugar. I learned this at christmas time. :)
   — joeandteri

January 23, 2003
You might want to try Diet V-8 Splash Tropical Blend or Berry Blend. They are sweetened with Splenda and taste great. They have 10 calories per cup with no sugar, no carbs, nothing artificial.
   — gvlgal

January 23, 2003
Have youtalked to the dietician with your surgeon if there is one? Mine said not to count sugar from fruit, milk etc, and that those things were generally very well tolerated. as far as processed white sugar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, etc, she said not to eat products with >2grams. It can be very hard to sortout where the sugar is coming from, so label reading is a must as far as the ingrediant list. There seem to be many different ideas as far as what is proper nutrition for a post op patient. the bottom line for you needs to be what your Dr. & Dietician say for your own needs. Mine lean towards a balance, protein first, then fresh fruits and veggies, other carbs last and sparingly. If I never ate fruit again I would never poop again, so I eat fruit every day. I have lost 60 pounds in 3 1/2 months and am thrilled. I would like to lose another 60, the (laughable) charts say I should lose another 80-90.
   — **willow**

January 23, 2003
Have you talked to the dietician with your surgeon if there is one? Mine said not to count sugar from fruit, milk etc, and that those things were generally very well tolerated. as far as processed white sugar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, etc, she said not to eat products with >2grams. It can be very hard to sortout where the sugar is coming from, so label reading is a must as far as the ingrediant list. There seem to be many different ideas as far as what is proper nutrition for a post op patient. the bottom line for you needs to be what your Dr. & Dietician say for your own needs. Mine lean towards a balance, protein first, then fresh fruits and veggies, other carbs last and sparingly. If I never ate fruit again I would never poop again, so I eat fruit every day. I have lost 60 pounds in 3 1/2 months and am thrilled. I would like to lose another 60, the (laughable) charts say I should lose another 80-90. I never wanted to be a size 0 so Ill be happy to be a little heavier than the charts.
   — **willow**

January 23, 2003
In OJ, the sugar is natural fruit sugar and not the bad refined sugar. I'd check with your surgeon for their recommendations. For anyone interested, check out my profile or webpage: www.freewebs.com/recipes-after-rny for alternatively sweetened recipes.
   — Lynette B.