Question:
Is Sugar Free Candy Okay?

I was wondering if I am ruining my surgery with sugar free candy (hard candy - s.f. jolly ranchers, life savers, etc). I imagine that a couple a day are okay, but, with my bad habit of probably 10 a day, I am concerned. I have always had an oral fixation, and fear of bad breath, and was a HUGE gum chewer pre-op. I don't really like chewing gum now, as I don't trust myself not to swallow it, so I have resorted to hard candies. HELP!    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 5, 2002)

February 5, 2002
I know exactly how you feel! I too felt like I was sabotaging my surgery. I needed that "oral fixation" all the time. I guess because I was not eating as much, my mouth was not getting the Treats it needed. It lasted a few days...they diarrhea set in. Manitol and sorbital...the sweetners used in hard candies have a laxitive effect. NO FUN...maybe you could try limiting the amount you allow yourself. Put 5 in your pocket for the day...Good luck.
   — [Anonymous]

February 5, 2002
I was at Whole Foods Health Store and was asking about sugar-free candy. The woman in charge of ordering it told me right off that it can cause a LOT of gas...oh joy! So, I guess it's pretty much true. Just what we need, huh? hahaha
   — [Anonymous]

February 6, 2002
CHeck the label to see the sweetener - Sorbitol gives a lot of people the intestinal problems (regardless of WLS). I have seen lots recently that are sweetened with Splenda/sucralose or Isomalt. I can't think of any brands, but they do sell an isomalt one at the register with other candies at my CVS, it is in a little box with a flip top, it is European. I swallowed one whole while laughing and I was really worried...I drank some hot tea and never even felt any discomfort. That too I guess passed :)
   — M. A. B.

April 22, 2002
Most sugar free candy will cause loose bowels and gas if you eat more than a couple pieces. Many packages contain a warning about this, so it is a factor for non wls people too.
   — Melody S.