Question:
Sugar
Hi everyone, I had surgery about 4 1/2 years ago. It will be 5 years in June 2007. My question as time goes by I am really craving sugar. Not sugar free stuff but real sugary stuff. I have no control. I am still at my same weight as 4 years ago, which is 150 - 152 - 157 lbs. Is there something out there that i can take so that I won't crave sugar. Please help me if you can. — irma617 (posted on December 27, 2006)
December 27, 2006
I had a similar problem about a year out. My surgeon told me that it was
because of a lack of carbs in my diet. I added some pasta and other carbs
to my diet, and it seems have resolved the problem.
— Harry King
December 28, 2006
Like you, I am over 4 years out and sometimes crave some old favorite sweet
foods. For me, the cravings tend to be associated with emotional
connections I've made with those foods, rather than an absolute
physiological need to have them. So, when it happens, I will try to
analyze what prompts the craving (not always successful), try to distract
myself (which sometimes works for about 20 minutes), reach for something
healthy if need be (although I try to avoid this coping mechanism because I
have wanted to avoid replacing using sugary, high-carb foods for emotional
reasons with low-carb foods), and then just try to white-knuckle it. MOre
often than not, I am white-knuckling it.
The only other time I find myself craving sweets and carbs is when I have
been eating lots of carbs-- as you know, our bodies want to maintain some
sort of equilibrium, so as blood sugar spikes and then dips (when our
bodies produce insulin) we will tend to crave more carbs (like sweets) to
boost that blood-sugar level. For me, to avoid those cravings, I have
needed to continue to be very strict about consuming high glycemic index
foods.
Not to dispute what others have been told by their surgeons, but I tend to
dispel the belief that our bodies crave sweets in response to a need for
carbs, particularly given that consumption of simple carbs will prompt
greater cravings (because of the blood sugar impact).
Of course, if your cravings are very strong, it might be a sign to be
checked out by your PCP who might want to check your blood sugar levels to
be certain that there are not some other reasons for your intense cravings.
— SteveColarossi
December 28, 2006
Definitely get some bloodwork done to rule out any physical cause for your
cravings.
— Patricia R.
December 28, 2006
I am 1 year graduate from WLS and I am also have a gravings for sweet(whole
my life).My advice to you is eat fruits(fresh or dry) with mixture of
different nuts.In addition,you may try to eat dark chocolate(60%-up to
80%).The higher % of cacao and smaller amount sugar (like 11gram) is
better.Always choose anything with less amount of sugar.Good luck with your
war with the sweets.
— Tatyana B.
December 28, 2006
Do research on how to keep your blood sugar level. That is the secret to
cravings. I'm thinking that the November issue of Readers Digest had a big
article on these issues. It was quite enlightening. I plan to read it again
and really concentrate to get it in my head.
— geneswife
December 28, 2006
Irma: I am very familiar with what you are going through. I am almost 3
years out, and the desire for sugar-stuff is high. I don't eat a ton of
it, but I feel deprived, like I need a small sugar-fix several times a day.
Here's the thing. It seems like I have no control, but it is my mouth,
and I have control. I have to choose to leave my hand out of the sugar
stuff and say no to myself. I have control, and Irma, so do you. I make a
deal with myself, and give myself a small treat (usually 2 small "fun
or mini" sized treats) in the later part of the day. If I treat
myself early, I will do it again later too, so I just make myself be good
until later and then give myself something that I want. I never had wls to
deny myself any foods (unless they make me sick), but moderation in all
areas of my life was my desire, and my goals. If I can't follow my own
rules as an adult, then I throw out the treats and refuse to buy until I
will comply with my own rules. I seem anxious about sugars, but the choice
is mine, and Irma, the choice is yours. We are not little children anymore
who have no control. Obesity is a head issue with a body consequence.
Deal with the head issue, and we also deal with the body consequence. Keep
fighting, it is a daily battle, even 3,4,or 5 years out, even more. Be
thankful for where you have come from, I sure am, enjoy those treats from
time to time, keep up the water and exercise, and enjoy the wonderful
benefits you have received. The choices are yours, every day! I will say
that adding a few more carbs may help, and checking with your doctor is
probably a good thing, but I will admit that eating fruit, or carbs or
fruit didn't help for me. It was strictly a sugar craving. It is
beatable, atleast manageable, but it is a daily struggle. Best to you,
Patricia P
— Patricia P
December 28, 2006
I'm 12 years out and I use protein supplement (made with water) to help
fight the sugar cravings. I find myself craving certain textures more than
just the sugar itself. In other words, leaving me in a room with M&M's
is safe because the texture isn't right. DO NOT leave me with Camp Fire
mints or other cream wrapped in dark, hard chocolate. You might want to
check with the other long termers on the Grad list. WE all do battle with
this monster and other ppl have different methods. Here's the link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
— vitalady
December 29, 2006
When was the last time you had bloodwork done? Get it done to rule out any
medical issue. How much protein and water are you getting in everyday?
Should be 80+ on protein and 64+ on water. You maybe thristy. I always
try that first before putting something in my mouth that I am not suppose
to. I am only 5 months post op but I think this would work for everyone.
And then if you still want something with sugar have it but keep it under 4
grams at one time.
Go to www.bariatriceating.com
— ccstann
January 1, 2007
I am only 4 weeks post op. I took classes on nutrition as well as classes
in preparation for WLS. Prior to surgery, I told the dietician that I
sometimes craved sugar. She suggested that I make sure that I eat my
fruits in the morning rather than later in the day and according to the
nutrition planned outlined for me. I did eat my fruits in the morning and
my sugar cravings subsided. She gave me several reason why you crave sugar
but the main reason is that your body requires a certain amount of natural
sugar. If you provide your body with natural sugars from the fruit you're
not depriving your body of the necessary sugars thus easing the sugar
cravings. I am not an expert and I'm sure some would disagree with me.
But why not give it a try? What do you have to lose by trying it? Good
luck to you!
— trenansac
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