Question:
Is it true that we don;t absorb fat, just sugar? And if so is it okay

to eat foods they may have a high fat content, i don't mean like greasy foods, but things like shrimp scampi? Although I make a lower fat version that is yummy but I still use a tablespoon of Smart Balance butter,1tsp olive oil,and 1tbsp of sour cream to make it creamy-I only eat about 3-4 shrimp and if I have room maybe a tablesppon of asparagus. My other question is I plan on making a cheesecake this weekend because I just have a taste for desert honestly, and I am going to use regular cream cheese, the recipe also calls for heavy cream, and I am going to use some Splenda or Somersweet-Do you think this will be ok since I keep reading that we malabsorb fats anyway-I have been mostly concerned with protein and veggies-staying away from sugar-I still try and make low-fat choices but is it bad if I don't? Sorry this is so long...Thanks for your help-Tori    — TotallyTori (posted on April 23, 2003)

April 23, 2003
Tori - I think that unless you are a very distal RNY or a DS that you absorb fats to some degree. If you can eat fats, then consider yourself lucky. I dump on high-fat stuff...JR
   — John Rushton

April 23, 2003
Do I just ask my surgeon if I am distal or Ds or whatever else there is out there?
   — TotallyTori

April 23, 2003
If we did not absorb fats we would die. Fats are necessary for life. Many people feel they must still diet after surgery. My dietician says we must enjoy our food. We need flavors. Real salad dressing, though less. Shrimp is fine. Eat like a normal person but keep the carbs low and try only healthy carbs. Keep away from sugar and other white stuff, bread pastas etc. You may occassionally have these but eat them after you have eaten protein. If you remember protein first, 64 os water and walk, walk, walk, you will do well. Oops, forgot, take your vitamins religiously.
   — faybay

April 24, 2003
something to keep in mind, low-fat usually = higher sugar content or higher carb contents and are usually worse for you than the full-fat sibling of nearly any dish. If you don't dump on fats you can certainly enjoy a few of them. Fat doesn't make you fat!
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 24, 2003
We do malabsorb some fat, but the exact amount is anyone's guess. Distals (more intestine bypassed than proximals)absorb less that proximals who absorb more of what we eat. Ruth is right, lo or no fat stuff is usually not good for you as it has higher carb and sugar contents and usually just as many calories. I don't count fat grams at all-doesn't mean I eat high fat, greasy foods, as they make we slightly ill, but as a rule I do not count fats. Full fat salad dressings for me!
   — Cindy R.