Question:
Do I have to give it up to ....

You know what? I was doing an HONEST inventory on my eating habits last night. I'm wondering if consumption of 1 (one) 8oz. cup of my favorite gourmet coffee almost every other morning has contributed to gaining the *extra weight* I've recently been plagued with? It's called a Caramel Praline Latte by Mocha Delites. It's really YYuummy. I normally have mine sugar-free, with lite whipped cream and pralines on top. Don't bash me now, 'cuz I know that some of US are not doing EVERYTHING just right, WE just don't tell it 'cuz we're afraid of what others might say and it would, in essence, 'tarnish' OUR image. I'd get one EVERY DAY, if I could stand it. I just don't want to go through that nauseated feeling. As it is now, I rarely dump anyway, (don't vomit and all like some RNY's do), but I know that this might be an issue. I'd like your thoughts, ideas or suggestions? Thanks! PROXIMAL LAP RNY 9/3/02 5'2" 265/177/126-115, Hadiyah, a.k.a.~~~    — yourdivaness (posted on November 10, 2005)

November 9, 2005
Perhaps you can find out the caloric, fat, carb, etc. count so that you can make an informed decision regarding whether this is your roadblock. If it's 750 calories, it only takes five to make 3500 calories or what is equivalent to gaining one pound. I know that I've seen people lose weight just by dropping coke/soda from their diet. It's amazing how quickly calories can add up when we're "not looking." Also, any time you have a question regarding your health and/or diet, you should contact and consult with your healthcare provider(s) and/or dietician. Best, Vanessa
   — Butterfly Reborn

November 9, 2005
I am a big believer in not depriving yourself of the little treats in life, even if it does slow the loss a tad. I agree w/the previous poster .. see if you can find out the nutritional information on it, then make sure there's room for it in your caloric day. You might also cut back a little more, say, to once a week (maybe as a jump-start on your week or a nice reward at the end of it) and see if that helps. Often, when I want something "naughty", I tell myself, "not now, but you can have it later." That trick has worked well for me. Sometimes the craving passes and I don't even think of it when "later" comes. And for what it's worth, I agree that some are afraid of telling it like it is for fear of "tarnishing our image". That attitude does no one any favors, neither us sinners, nor the newbies who are looking for the whole truth about WLS.
   — Jeanie

November 10, 2005
Listen, my method is not for everyone. I knew I had problems with candies and ice cream, so I abstain from any sweets. I don't feel deprived because I knew the effect they were having on me (and I appreciated how they would have undermined my weight loss). That being said, the Mocha Delites website description of your treat beverage reads like candy you drink. Of course it's slowing down weight loss and contributing to the gain. But, how many of us, in those moments of honest assessment, find just a single indulgence that could lead to a little regain? But, you've done well (actually, you have remarkable long term results) with the program you've chosen-- if the extra weight is bothering you, you know how to drop it. Maybe it's eliminating the Mocha-sugar-express, maybe it's cutting down to one per week and reducing some other hazard food. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

November 10, 2005
I'd just like to say, I know how you feel. I have not yet attained my goal weight, yet after a long day I recently indulged in my "favorite" craving. I had a flaming case of PMS complete with bloating and back pain. I had a long drive ahead of me and stopped at a local convenience store for a big flavored coffee and some peanut butter cups. For me, it's not only the coffee but the company it keeps. My gastroenterologist already suggested that I give up my coffee because I still get acid reflux sometimes. My biggest problem with coffee is that it seems when I have it I crave chocolate and/or cookies. I can lie to myself or "forget" that I have had something I shouldn't eat, but the scale never lies. So, I know I shouldn't have it and should totally omit it from my diet. But it's so difficult for me to give up. I am going to make an honest attempt at it after Christmas vacation during my break between semesters. I hope I can give it up, but if not - I guess I am happy enough where I'm at. As long as I feel good, sometimes I wonder how much I should chase an elusive number that someone set for me as a goal. As long as I'm exercising and feeling so much better, maybe I should allow myself an indulgence once in awhile. But, at least I can cut back. So you may want to consider decreasing the frequency if you think it is hindering your progress. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck, and health and happiness always!
   — Donna F.

November 10, 2005
Hadiya, that drink and possibly other small infractions probably are adding to a slow loss or none at all. Sooo...having said that, I've been strung out on toffee nut lattes from starbucks before. When I found out just how many calories and sugar was in that thing, I made alterations to it. I order it with fat free milk and no whipped cream. That cuts out almost half of the calories and it really doesn't taste that much different. After a few weeks of doing that, I started to alternate between that drink and a non-fat latte with a sugar free syrup. (even fewer calories) This way I still got to have my treat (with fewer calories) at least a couple of days per week. Adding in the even lower calorie drink on alternating days still helped with the cravings AND cut more calories over a weeks time. I eventually cut out the toffee nut drink all together and stuck with the NF/SF one. I have one every other month or so, but I don't want it more often than that. Good luck.
   — RebeccaP

November 14, 2005
You need to find out the food values of the coffee. If it is too high, you might consider making it an occassional treat.
   — Novashannon