Question:
Salt cravings...what to do???

I'm almost 6 months out from open RNY, feeling good with no cravings except SALT. Seems I can't get enough of it! Any ideas as to what may be causing this and/or what I can do to shake it?    — Linda S. (posted on September 15, 2002)

September 15, 2002
hi there. i too went through the salt cravings. it was very early post op and still at times. i ate little klausen dill pickles and i also got this salt substitiute called papa dash. its good you should try it. best of luck to you.
   — carrie M.

September 15, 2002
Perhaps you guys NEED the extra salt. However, I found the first year that I had some extremely dangerous low potassium. I finally bought some of the fake salt... it's actually potassium. As long as you guys are craving salt so, why not use this stuff. That way you get the postassium and avoid some unnessesary salt. Just a thought.
   — Danmark

September 15, 2002
Sodium + Potassium are necessary for life. You need to take both in. I get my potassium with the "Morton's No Salt", 1/4 tsp is 650 mg of only potassium. I put 1/4 tsp on a spoon, eat it plain and follow with a little water (a little not to push it through) Plus you need sodium, just eat it plain if you need it, or soups, bacon etc. those types of foods are high in sodium. Your body is telling you that you need it.
   — ZZ S.

September 15, 2002
Please have your surgeon or local doc run your electrolyte levels this week. Salt craving for a day or two is no big deal, but when it goes on, it can "mean something". POtassium is nothing to mess around with as it has a great deal to do with your heart. The test is fast, cheap & then you'll KNOW what's up with that.
   — vitalady

September 15, 2002
Thanks for the input...I'll call my doctor and ask about a potassium test. I'm not just wanting salty foods; I'm craving salt. I have salt shakers everywhere, and sometimes find myself eating it plain. It's bad enough it's become a running joke at work! I'll also ask if there are any other tests I should have at the same time. Didn't know if this was normal...apparently it isn't, so I'll get it tested! Thanks!
   — Linda S.

September 16, 2002
I just had my surgery last monday but I knew my biggest "craving" would be for salt. I "loved" potato chips. I talked to the dietitian before I had surgery and she said to just eat a couple fat free pretzel sticks. (Old Dutch is the kind I bought). I only need one pretzel and I feel full now.(HUGE DIFFERENCE). I also never liked using salt so a few years ago I started using Ms.Dash - you can find it in the spice isle at your grocery store. It brings A LOT of flavor to your food and it is salt free but you would never know it. I hope your just having "cravings" and there is nothing medically wrong with you. Keep the faith~
   — Katrina B.

September 16, 2002
Do you eat jerky? It is a wonderful protein supplement and you will get plenty of salt with it. Jerky has been part of my food regimen since I was 10 weeks post-op and I sometimes think I wouldn't make it with out it. By the way, I am 9 months post-op and have lost close to 150 pounds.
   — Patty_Butler

September 16, 2002
I remember learning in a nutrition class that sodium is the body's only "natural" craving. That all other cravings are learned over time....take it for what it's worth, just something I remember hearing!!
   — Laura S.