Question:
I am 18 months happily post-op, and for the last 3 months really

have developed a "sweet tooth". So far the damage is minimal,but certainly don't want to progress to old habits. Please help w/ any hints (protein drinks are NOT an option for me!). What surprises me is I really wasn't a candy person pre-op---and now I'm afraid my dentist will soon benefit!!! Thanks for any input.    — Wannabe A. (posted on April 24, 2004)

April 24, 2004
I think that anytime we deprive our body of a certain food type it eventually craves for it. I know a some people will disagree with me, but prior and after weight gain, I feel that if you crave something and have some sense of self-control at least taste it. I've done that and threw or gave the rest away. As for candy, perhaps just a sucker or a nip will satisfy you. However, if you are not able to quit - then that might be a problem to discuss with an Endocrinologist, since some cravings are hormonal disbalances. Also, speak with a nutritionist who is WLS experience, they have great tips for cravings
   — Anna M.

April 24, 2004
Hi, I am 20 mos post-op, I never had the sweet tooth pre-op I now have post-op. It blows me away! I don't know what to tell you, just make sure you exercise alot to compensate for the sweets. My favorite now is ice cream, never big on it before.
   — heathercross

April 26, 2004
Well, you have a choice. If you can't or don't want to handle sweets, then eliminate them from your menu. Clean out the cabinets at home, the desk at work, etc. I had a sweet tooth pre-op and I still have one 2 years post-op. Not a day goes by I don't have my sweet treats. I control it though by having small amounts, 4 or 5 hersheys kisses and not a bag full. I actually bought an ice cream cone yesterday-a homemade, vanilla with cinnamon coated almonds in it . Super yum! I ate about 1/2 of it and threw the rest out. Thats how i can have my sweets and still maintain my weight loss. And I have to eat healthy meals to compensate too. Can't have the french fries, pizza and chocolate, but can have the chicken breast, veggie and hersheys kisses!
   — Cindy R.

April 26, 2004
My "sweet tooth," which I didn't particularly have as a pre-op either, took me over at 18 months post-op. In four months, I gained a dozen pounds. It turns out there is no "moderation" for me when it comes to sugars (for me, one Hershey's kiss does indeed lead to consumption of the entire bag ... every day). I have finally just given up on sugar, as I just can't handle it anymore for whatever reason. If I don't quit it, clearly, I'll regain my weight.<P>Proceed with caution. It may not get to you, you may be one of the "moderation" people, but the fact that you're asking this question -- which sounds like me, in the early months of denial -- makes me think you already know you might have a tiger by the tail here.
   — Suzy C.