Question:
I'm 3 weeks post-op and craving everything-have no problem

with eating sugar, and because I am so sick of blended soups I have been eating water ice and not the sugar free kind I know it's bad for me so don;t criticize if you leave a message but I am craving things that are cold and sweet. I usually eat one can of blended campbell's chunky soup through the day drink some juice and either eat 4 oz of pudding or 1/2 cup to a cup of italian ice I can eat more of the water ice because it turns into liquid as soon as it hits your tongue-Am I hendering myself from losing weight-and I'm never hungry so I'm not eating every 2 hours but I do notice I can eat a whole can of blended soup because it is liquified, but when i eat more solid foods I'm good because I fill up quickly-Help how do I stop the cravings-Sorry this is so long...Tori    — TotallyTori (posted on March 31, 2003)

March 31, 2003
Eating sugar makes you crave more sugar. Sometimes even eating sugar-free (but artificially sweetened) stuff can also make you crave sugar. I don't know of any way to stop it except to go "cold turkey" with the sugar. Try substituting protein snacks for sugar -- you really need protein, especially now.
   — Suzy C.

March 31, 2003
Victoria, Hi there, tought I would post on in, Have you tried rather then the frozen Icee's that have no nutritonal value, have you tried like Golden Swirl ? It's Fat free, sugar free, low carb frozen yogurt, tastes just like ice cream.... Yummy ! I love it, I'm like you I crave the sweet cold stuff and at first was doing the same frozen icee with sugar free syrup, but it didn't last long after I ran into Golden Swirl I was sold, what's really awesome is that you get 3 grams per each cup.... I usally can eat about 12-16 ounces of it, seeing by the time it hits my little tummy it's melted, Talk about 180 calories, no fat, little carb, and an added bonus a killer 12 grams of Protein ! Try it out, I would search in your area for one. Hope this info helps, Best of luck,' Post op 10 months down 127 pounds
   — tannedtigress

March 31, 2003
Tori, I do think you will hinder your weight loss if you continue this way. As you are not training yourself early out as you should be. I also think you answered your own question when you say: "when i eat more solid foods I'm good because I fill up quickly". Perhaps a conversation with your Surgeon regarding this will advance you to more solid foods sooner? Did they outline a food guidle line for you to follow? Are you trying to follow it at all? If so, what do they say you should be eating right now- and why are you not following it? The other posters offer good advice in trying to find a sugar free alternative- as sugar will make you crave more sugar, and more foods. More than likely sugar is not on that list the surgeon gave you. So it is not a CHOICE for you, period. We ALL went through major cravings the first weeks out- but if you stick to the game plan, this soon fades. Good advice I see on this board often is "just because you can, doesn't mean you have to"... I am not trying to be harsh or critical; but your smaller sized stomach is only half the battle, it is up to you to control what foods you put in. Get into good habits early, especially with protein. Filling up on foods that offer no nutritional support to your body- will not help you in the long run (vitamin deficiencies, hair loss etc.) if the Doc will let you, ask if you can eat a pickle. Usually a pickle will control your sugar cravings. Just chew the heck outta it. Also what about cold, sweet chocolate flavored protein drinks? Surely you can try and find one that will help your craving but supply your body with nutrients AND fill you up. Don't loose your window, time is of the essence here. Good luck.
   — Karen R.