Question:
Why doesn't my doctor want me to have artificial sweeteners?

I asked the nurse at my pre-op visit and she said to "forget the crystal light and SF Koolaid". I didn't ask why at that point but will before surgery. All we are allowed for at least one week is "water, broth and jello". Anyone's surgeon discourage the artificially sweetened drinks for post op? I need a way to get water... I hate plain water on an empty stomach, it makes me nauseous.    — Happy I. (posted on May 4, 2003)

May 4, 2003
I am allowed Crystal Light, so I don't know why your surgeon says no. There are some studies that found that the aspartame stimulates appetite or craving, but my dietician is skeptical of those studies -- she says they are poorly designed. I would ask why, as it is so very important to get in enough fluid right now. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 4, 2003
I had plenty of crystal light in the house for after surgery. Much to my dismay, I found that the aspartame irritated my new pouch. I switched to Splenda with no problem. It just isn't as cheap as some of the other artificial sweeteners. Best wishes.
   — Kim A.

May 4, 2003
I'm not sure as to why, although some people get negative side effects from articial sweeteners, this could be why. Or he may possibly not want you to rely on sugar-substituted drinks as water, although it is ok, you still need to get in real water as well. So, maybe he wants you to get the hang of drinking all your water? I'd ask him if he meant this indefinately or just for now. I can't really do nutrasweet or asparatame especially, but a tiny bit of crystal light is usually not bad, just me personally. COuld you add some lemons or limes to your water? Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

May 4, 2003
pre-op i could never drink anything with aspertame in it. post op i started using splenda, but one day at work i wanted a cup of tea and used their version of sweet and lo and had no problems with it so now that is all i drink. i haven't tried anything else with the aspertame, but pre-op i got really bad migranes. like anything else it's all trial and error. :)
   — candymom64

May 4, 2003
I drink lots of Crystal Light because I don't like plain water either and I get more liquid in this way. I just found out that TCBY has sugar-free/low fat yogurt and have been getting that for the last month. It is yummy;however, one draw-back is GASSSSS.
   — Betty Todd

September 5, 2003
When I seen your dr's response made me wander if I didn't know the answer. I came onto this site to see if anyone else was having cravings from drinking sf koolaid. I love the stuff my water is put down a whole lot easier and quicker, when I had to drink regular water I would be up to midnight trying to get it all in. I take and put it in the freezer in water bottles & freeze it it's excellent like a slushy, but I have really been wanting to eat lately and I think it's the sweetners in the sf koolaid. I really don't want to tell my doctor this cause I enjoy it and of course I think they would want me to cut it out. The only drawback is I don't want to be eating all the time either.
   — Jackie B.