Question:
Sorbitol

I have experienced sever dumping after eating a cup of Italian Ice which contains Sorbitol. Anyone else had this problem? I have followed my post-op diet to the T and this is the only addition. Ken    — kechols15 (posted on April 22, 2006)

April 22, 2006
Some times your body will change after WLS. Things you could eat before you can not tolerate anymore. I would keep away from that for a while. As for following your diet, congrats on what you are doing. I also followed the program but for 7 months. 7 months and 1 day, all hell broke lose. 5 strictures and a hernia. So, be careful and follow everything like your dietican suggests. Listen to your body, it will tell you when you are doing well, and if you are over doing anything. Steve OH Leader.
   — Steve Cohen

April 22, 2006
Ken- Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol and the classes I took told us we should try to avoid sugar alcohols as well as sugar. Try making the lemon ice with your crystal lite and chopped ice and a blender.
   — dabby

April 23, 2006
Hi Ken! Yes, sorbitol is known for causing dumping, even in non-WLS people. Years ago, I ate a handful of chocolate candies containing sorbitol, and well, let's just say that my intestines emptied so rapidly that the toilet flushed just like I'd poured a bucket of water in..... Ugh! Since my WLS, I've been eating some foods containing other sugar alcohols, like xylitol, mannitol, and lactitol. They have caused some gas, but nothing too horrible. Encouraged by this, I had two little pieces of Dentyne Ice gum. Oh, my stars and garters! I felt like I had taken a very nasty laxative, and it lasted for two days. :-( But I lost three pounds! :-) You need to read labels very carefully, sorbitol is used in a lot of diet foods, and it can have horrible effects on those of us sensitive to it. Congratulations on sticking so closely to your diet, I wish I was as good as you are! --Mary
   — mwilson523

April 24, 2006
Hi Kenn- Wow, how ironic...I just asked my doctor this question about Sorbitol! I am pre-op and concerned because sorbitol is the ingredient in many sugar free breath mints and I am concerned about bad breath. Anyway, sorbitol is also known to cause diarrhea. So, I asked him if he knew of any sorbitol free solutions for bad breath which is caused by the keto. after surgery. Anyway, I would suggest to stay away from the stuff. My husband had a lap RNY 2 years ago and he has a hard time with it as well. For those who have not had wls, Sorbitol has been known to cause gastro upset. It is usally found in sugar free foods. Good luck to you!!!
   — amysocko

April 26, 2006
My nutritionist cautioned that all the blood sugars(meaning you look for words that end in "ol") can cause dumping or big time gas problems. She advised sticking with Splenda. Nutrasweet doesn't normally cause problems, but can cause headaches. Good luck.
   — Jenny1