Question:
Concerned I will get readdicted to chocolate

I am seriously low on protein, and finally found a protein drink that goes down good. Unfortunately its chocolate, which is fine. But I was a chocolaiac pre op and dont want to get addicted again. Surgery appeared to elminaate my craving. Anyone else use Carbolite? I had this left over from my atkins diet attempt, before I got surgery. I have lost over 70 pounds since surgery july 23rd, and weigh about what I did when I graduated high scool in 1975. Unfortuately my loss has slowed to a crawl and I am concerned its my lack of protein....    — bob-haller (posted on October 12, 2001)

October 12, 2001
Hi Bob. Are you concerned that you'll be addicted to these protein drinks or are you thinking that you'll start to want other types of chocolate? I wouldn't worry about the drinks if there is no sugar. As for chocolate, there is the sugar free kind. It does give some people the runs though. And I am the type who will not eat it in moderation so I try to leave it alone. How about trying the drinks in vanilla or strawberry (I hate these flavors but maybe you could doctor them a little?) Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

October 12, 2001
I looked at my weightloss record , and I had fast weeks and slow weeks. But remember that what you have lost is gone forever so you will not have to "back track" your loss, which is significant and you should be congradulated on. I personally believe the protein supplement is the right way to go , it helped me with my cravings. As for the chocolate, although I was never addicted to chocolate , I really liked my sweets, I eat the sugarfree kind now. I really wouldn't worry about the chocolate addiction as much as the sugar that makes us want more and more. If you feel the urge for chocolate eat the sugarfree kind. As for the protein drink you really should have whichever kind you like best (as long as sugar is low). I think you have done so well.
   — Rose A.

October 12, 2001
My chocolate addiction was real bad. Before my diabetes got severe I would keep a bottle of hersheys syrup on the counter for ice cream and if a bad day I would chug and squeeze the bottle. Then I went to nestle quick sugar free but would go thru 3 or 4 boxes every week. After surgery I lost my craving for chocolate and dont want to get into that again. I am concerned because I am probably only getting in 30 grams of protein a day. I have more of a taste for veggies like salads. I am VERY happy with my loss, but its slowed way back, and see that low protein can cause that. Besides I THINK my overall muscle lifting strength may be lower today than post op.... Afraid I might be doing long term damage....
   — bob-haller

October 12, 2001
It probably is a lack of protein, because I've noticed that when I'm conscious about increasing my protein, I lose faster. As for the chocolate thing, I'm 12 weeks post op now, and I've found that when I do crave chocolate, just a little bit is enough. After that one piece (like a hersey kiss or two), I don't want any more. Not because of dumping, but because the craving is satisfied. Before I would have eaten the whole bag.
   — Dee P.

October 12, 2001
I feed my chocolate addiction daily with protein drinks. Why not? I get chocolate, I get protein, I get healthy & remain at ideal wt. It's worked for years. As a man, you are sustaining massive muscle loss, so the sooner you get up on it, the better. Also, protein supplement helps curb sugar cravings, MASSIVELY, so you may find your chocolate thoughts utterly satisfied via your supps.
   — vitalady