Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Artificial Sweeteners, not my cup of tea!



Recommended Posts

I absolutely LOATHE artificial sweeteners! I will not eat or drink anything with them in it. (They give me nasty headaches and taste really bad to me). Has any one had success with eliminating these out of the pre/post op diets? People are eating sugar free jello/puddings, Crystal Light, etc. If I want something sweet, would it be ok to replace with a 1/2 teas of honey or agave Syrup or something??? If not, I'll forego anything sweet if I have to.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was diabetic prior to my RNY gastric bypass surgery 3 years ago. The operation took care of my diabetes and ever since I have avoided all forms of processed sugar. I have no problem with the various types of artificial sugars or no calorie natural sugars. I regularly use Stevia. On the other hand honey (fructose) contains a high amount of calories and according to my surgeon was to be avoided. I believe Agave which comes from cactus falls in the same boat. But I think Monk Fruit is O.K.

Since I had RNY if I consume sugar it can lead to dumping syndrome. I do not believe those that undergo sleeve surgery experiences this problem.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a horrible sensitivity to sugar alcohols, so my NUT has me using Carnation Instant Breakfast with unflavored Protein powder added as an alternative. I could also add the powder to broth and have it that way.

Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

That just may be my thing then. I'll look in to that some more. Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was diabetic prior to my RNY gastric bypass surgery 3 years ago. The operation took care of my diabetes and ever since I have avoided all forms of processed sugar. I have no problem with the various types of artificial sugars or no calorie natural sugars. I regularly use Stevia. On the other hand honey (fructose) contains a high amount of calories and according to my surgeon was to be avoided. I believe Agave which comes from cactus falls in the same boat. But I think Monk Fruit is O.K.

Since I had RNY if I consume sugar it can lead to dumping syndrome. I do not believe those that undergo sleeve surgery experiences this problem.

I was never one to be concerned with high fructose, etc. because I really don't have a sweet tooth, this don't eat/drink sweet stuff. I wouldn't think 1/2 a teas of a natural sweetener would do any damage. But as a precaution I'll definitely check with the docs. For sure, if they do cause dumping, then I'll steer clear. Just may be hard for the few times I actually want something sweet. Thank you for your input!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nutrasweet is a huge Migraine trigger for me, so I struggle with the whole sugar-free thing. I have to find options that have splenda or Monk Fruit because I'm one of the people who gets the wierd after taste with stevia, or things that come with no sweeteners added and then I add monk fruit because even Splenda sometimes gives me a metallic aftertaste. Because I can't do a ketogenic diet, I don't have a particular carb limit, I've gotten to where I will take a small bit of something with a natural sugar if I need to before I'll get a sugar-free something. I do try to avoid refined sugars where I can. Monk fruit has been the best sweetener for me personally, but it's not one that's used in prepared foods much so I am trying to learn how to make things like Jello and pudding from scratch.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nutrasweet is a huge Migraine trigger for me, so I struggle with the whole sugar-free thing. I have to find options that have splenda or Monk Fruit because I'm one of the people who gets the wierd after taste with stevia, or things that come with no sweeteners added and then I add monk fruit because even Splenda sometimes gives me a metallic aftertaste. Because I can't do a ketogenic diet, I don't have a particular carb limit, I've gotten to where I will take a small bit of something with a natural sugar if I need to before I'll get a sugar-free something. I do try to avoid refined sugars where I can. Monk fruit has been the best sweetener for me personally, but it's not one that's used in prepared foods much so I am trying to learn how to make things like Jello and pudding from scratch.

Monk fruit. This is new for me. I'll need to look it up. Like you I get the headaches....it's terrible isn't it. To me artificial sweeteners is poison. I won't touch it.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Even when trying the "natural" low cal sweeteners like stevia and monkfruit- don't assume you won't have a negative reaction. Definitely give them a try but don't buy a whole lot up front in case you do have a negative reaction. Monkfruit gave me horrible cramps and dumping (and I'm a sleeve patient).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nutrasweet is a huge Migraine trigger for me, so I struggle with the whole sugar-free thing. I have to find options that have splenda or Monk Fruit because I'm one of the people who gets the wierd after taste with stevia, or things that come with no sweeteners added and then I add monk fruit because even Splenda sometimes gives me a metallic aftertaste. Because I can't do a ketogenic diet, I don't have a particular carb limit, I've gotten to where I will take a small bit of something with a natural sugar if I need to before I'll get a sugar-free something. I do try to avoid refined sugars where I can. Monk fruit has been the best sweetener for me personally, but it's not one that's used in prepared foods much so I am trying to learn how to make things like Jello and pudding from scratch.

Monk fruit. This is new for me. I'll need to look it up. Like you I get the headaches....it's terrible isn't it. To me artificial sweeteners is poison. I won't touch it.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Monk fruit is a little less synthetic than some others. I mean it's an actual food product instead of just a chemical formulation but it is still processed. It can be hard to find sometimes, I get it off Amazon at this point. I think it's an issue of finding what your system likes the best.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Artificial sweeteners can cause Migraines for those who suffer from Migraine. I happen to be one of those and so is my neurologist. I avoid them as much as possible and will use regular sugar or honey instead.

In the beginning (post surgery), this is not that big of an issue because you cannot eat much anyway and honestly sugar is one of those things that just tastes weird after surgery.

That being said, once you do get used to it and you head toward maintenance, sugar can become a problem if you are not careful. Because you can eat more....if you are eating it, it makes you crave more (at least in my experience).

For some reason, I did not have dumping syndrome in the first 18 months post surgery but somehow I have clearly developed it. When I do have something sweet or too fatty, I now end up with racing heart, sweats, and even stomach cramping. I believe it is the amount of food with sugar that effects me and because I could not eat much in the beginning I had no problem.

I am honestly kind of glad that it effects me that way because it is becoming a significant deterant for me. thank goodness.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I went through pre-op and post-op with no artificial sweeteners. The reason I stopped was I started making my own milk kefir for probiotic purposes, and have been drinking it daily since 2010. Sucralose, for example, destroys and alters the all important gut microflora, so it would erase any of the good that the kefir does in my tummy. So, it can definitely be done. I used unflavored Protein in my broths, drinks... Etc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't generally use any sweeteners since the sweet taste triggers me to go looking for sugary products again, whereas whole fresh fruit doesn't seem to do that to me so much.

Having said that I tried a new sweetener a couple of weeks ago because I was cooking rhubarb and it was just too tart without something. The sweetener is erythritol which is a sugar alcohol like xylitol but with less of the GI upset. It is less sweet than sugar (only about 70% of the sweetness) and comes in granulated form which to me is indistinguishable from sugar. Erythritol is also supposed to be safe for diabetics because it is supposed to not affect blood sugars - I didn't notice a big spike in my sugars when I had the rhubarb - but that was only one small bowl so I can't say if it holds true all the time.

I also put some in my mum's coffee instead of sugar and she didn't even notice - normally she doesn't like the bitter after taste of sweeteners - again I only did it for a week while she was staying with me ... so it isn't a very scientific study lol.

In Australia we can buy erythritol in Coles but it comes in little individual serve packs which is annoying if you want to cook with it. To get it in a large pack like sugar we have to order it from the internet. I am not sure about other countries.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Even when trying the "natural" low cal sweeteners like stevia and monkfruit- don't assume you won't have a negative reaction. Definitely give them a try but don't buy a whole lot up front in case you do have a negative reaction. Monkfruit gave me horrible cramps and dumping (and I'm a sleeve patient).

Good advice. Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't generally use any sweeteners since the sweet taste triggers me to go looking for sugary products again, whereas whole fresh fruit doesn't seem to do that to me so much.

Having said that I tried a new sweetener a couple of weeks ago because I was cooking rhubarb and it was just too tart without something. The sweetener is erythritol which is a sugar alcohol like xylitol but with less of the GI upset. It is less sweet than sugar (only about 70% of the sweetness) and comes in granulated form which to me is indistinguishable from sugar. Erythritol is also supposed to be safe for diabetics because it is supposed to not affect blood sugars - I didn't notice a big spike in my sugars when I had the rhubarb - but that was only one small bowl so I can't say if it holds true all the time.

I also put some in my mum's coffee instead of sugar and she didn't even notice - normally she doesn't like the bitter after taste of sweeteners - again I only did it for a week while she was staying with me ... so it isn't a very scientific study lol.

In Australia we can buy erythritol in Coles but it comes in little individual serve packs which is annoying if you want to cook with it. To get it in a large pack like sugar we have to order it from the internet. I am not sure about other countries.

I've never heard of the product. Sounds chemically. Lol. Nonetheless, I'll look it up.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't generally use any sweeteners since the sweet taste triggers me to go looking for sugary products again, whereas whole fresh fruit doesn't seem to do that to me so much.

Having said that I tried a new sweetener a couple of weeks ago because I was cooking rhubarb and it was just too tart without something. The sweetener is erythritol which is a sugar alcohol like xylitol but with less of the GI upset. It is less sweet than sugar (only about 70% of the sweetness) and comes in granulated form which to me is indistinguishable from sugar. Erythritol is also supposed to be safe for diabetics because it is supposed to not affect blood sugars - I didn't notice a big spike in my sugars when I had the rhubarb - but that was only one small bowl so I can't say if it holds true all the time.

I also put some in my mum's coffee instead of sugar and she didn't even notice - normally she doesn't like the bitter after taste of sweeteners - again I only did it for a week while she was staying with me ... so it isn't a very scientific study lol.

In Australia we can buy erythritol in Coles but it comes in little individual serve packs which is annoying if you want to cook with it. To get it in a large pack like sugar we have to order it from the internet. I am not sure about other countries.

I've never heard of the product. Sounds chemically. Lol. Nonetheless, I'll look it up.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It's a sugar alcohol, like most anything that has -itol in its name (maltitol, xylitol, etc.) that has some fraction of the calories of regular sugar relative to sweetness (not zero calorie, but less than normal sugar.)

It's not unreasonable to go without the fake or zero-calorie sweeteners, but it does help to track your intake long term to keep your accounting straight. As others have noted, particularly later on toward maintenance when one can eat more, be aware of cravings that can come with sugar consumption (and some of the artificial ones too) so pay attention to keep your weight under control long term.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×