Question:
Can we eat cereal bars?

They are easy for me to grab and eat on my way to work when school starts. I have looked at the boxes and they contain about 12 sugar grs. I don't don't if that is too much or what? Can anyone help?    — Becky G. (posted on July 8, 2003)


July 8, 2003
I think 12 gms is too much. My surgeon's rule is 2 gms or less is fine. If over 2gms, we must read the label. If the first 5 ingredients contain anytype of sugar we should stay away from it. Of course, yogurt and tomatoe products do not fall into this category due to natural milk and tomatoe sugars. I know they are easy but sugar is bad and so are the carbs found in those types of cereals. You might want to try a meat roll up for breakfast instead. Hope this helps.
   — Kim A.

July 8, 2003
I would say these don't meet the "protein first" rule. They probably are much higher in carbs and sugar than protein.
   — mom2jtx3

July 8, 2003
These all have too much sugar and are loaded with refined carbs. Believe me, I keep looking at the labels! If you want a bar to grab on the way out the door, why not find a protein bar you can eat? That way you will get some protein out of the bargain instead of empty calories . . .
   — ctyst

July 8, 2003
Becky, I concur with what everyone else said, you are so new to the whole process that I wouldn't eat those refined carbs just yet. Remember, PROTEIN FIRST! If you want something as easy as a bar, try a protein bar as Cherri indicated. I like the ZOne Bars. Heather (Open RNY 8/15/02 305/190/150)
   — heathercross

July 8, 2003
Even as a new post op, I did very well on 12 grams or less.
   — Danmark

July 8, 2003
I agree with Daniel, in that I did fine on 12 grams of sugar too. However, I think the question here is what kind of diet are you seeking to live on the rest of your life? Cause that is kind of what we're all trying to learn as we go thru those first few months. If you are going to incorporate cereal grains into your diet, there are far better choices than the extremely refined grains that are used in cereal bars. Why not grab a bowl of more whole grain cereal? Grape nuts, 100% bran. If you literally want grab-n-go food and want carbs/grains, a piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter, I think, would be a better choice, or 1/2 a whole grain bagel. But then it's up to you. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 8, 2003
You are still somewhat of a newbie,therefore I would limit the cereal bars I think due to the carb issue and low protein. I mix my protein drink with water and ice, shake it in a shaker, and drink this en route to work. Quick, easy and high protein for me who never used to do breakfast pre-op UNLESS I was dieting. The sugar content varies for each of us as to what makes us feel sickly, but I can tolerate about 12-15 grams of sugar. Good Luck!
   — Molly S.

July 8, 2003
Your never going to know how much sugar you can tolerate until you try it. Does your surgeon's post-op diet limit your sugar intake? If not, its up to you. Some people need to limit their sugar, either because they dump or the sugar intake just leads to more sugar and carb cravings. Like the others suggested, I'd be more concerned that you are skipping the opportunity to have protein for breakfast.I, too, have found that if I have a protein breakfast, I'm less hungry during the day (if your hunger has not come back yet-this will become important when it does). Now you might be making up for it during the day with protein supplements, but if not, I agree with Cheri, grab a protein bar instead. Have you tried the Detour protein bar? YUM..
   — Cindy R.

July 8, 2003
Frankly, I thought that when I tried them pre-op they tasted horrible (like some sugary carboard glued together), and it is just as easy to grab a protein bar... and they taste better, have less sugar, and have a ton of protein. No contest!
   — kultgirl




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