sheilarae

<p>This has been a topic of discussion at our house. My husband is using artificial sweeteners in his coffee, he's eating sugar free popsicles, there's artificial sweetener in the shakes, in the Protein puddings we make..and he's wondering if he isn't substituting one sugar addiction for another (artificial) sugar addiction.</p> <p> </p> <p>What worries me too is that we read about how your body releases insulin when it thinks it is about to eat sugar. From what I have read, the brain can't separate between real and artificial sugar and releases insulin with both real and artificial sugar intake. And we know that you don't burn fat when insulin is coursing through your bloodstream.</p> <p> </p> <p>So I'm really wondering if in the long run, we're all better off just giving up all artificial sugars?</p> <p> </p> <p>Sorry I hope I'm not hijacking your thread Sheila, but I know my RA often flares with sugar, and I think if I ate too much artificial sugar, I wonder if my RA and your Fibro might not flare as well?</p> <p> </p> <p>But to answer your original question, I use agave nectar. It's made from real food, and it has a very low glycemic index so I suppose it should be okay. Ish.</p>

You're not hijacking. I wanted to see a discussion and I thank those so far that have responded. I'm stilly confused about the fact, that, according to mayo Clinic sugar substitutes don't alwsyd affect blood sugar but sugar alcohol can. Not all artificial sweeteners contain sugar alcohol. My family is still actively debating this and I

is leaning toward saying using a little sugar is healthier. My head is spinning.

Ok. The discussion is on at my house. Is there a "good" artificial sweeter ? We've been using Truvia and just learned it's not a natural product. We are all in shock. HELP!!!

Ok. Since I just started physical therapy because of a car accident...car totaled...I comment to walking at least 10 minutes a day.

I'm ok except soft tissue damage, thus the physical therapy. My fibro did go in a tail spin. The stress is unreal. I've been renting a car but I don't have rental ins. My agent said the at fault company would pay for it. Three weeks later I find out there's a Texas law that says if the car is totaled they're not refpondible to pay for a rental. Do I'm out $550 and on my way to buy another car. My car only had 17000 mes on it. I'm not happy. I got some muscle relaxants yesterday and a 10 day supply of Xanax because I've been having panic attacks. Glad to hear you're still out there. You've been an inspiration to me. I thought if I starting communicating again it would help me get over this slump. Off to pt.

...life goes on.

Loving this thread! I see some familiar faces and it's like seeing old friends and love meeting new. I am 7 months out and I am not bored, GG, but I'm so tired of packing food when I go to work or am out running errand all day. I found out I am glucose intolerant so I feel nervous when I don't have things to eat with me. Can't stand that low sugar feeling and have crashed too many times. Don't want to go there again. I haven't lost anything in 2 months...driving me crazy. I was in a car accident 12/13 where my car was totaled. No bones broken but starting physical therapy this morning. I've had so many accidents and illnesses that I'm a sucker for comport food. What with the accident and dealing with the death of my son (although 17 years ago) during the holidays, maybe I should call my fat brain "mommy". Mommy says, " Dont forget your Protein mix and your bar and cheese stick snd a couple pieces of chocolate won't hurt you!" I have 30 lbs to go to have a healthy BMI. Mommy, go take a hike. No, wait , I'd better go with you, but I'm wearing my head phones ! La, la,la,la,...

I'm 7 months out and have been single a long time. Also "old". 62, but I teach 4-5 year old kids so you'd never know it! Wouldn't know how to act on a date but I'm interested in meeting new people.

I'm not sure of exactly what's going on but I'd like to be in on the January challenge. I want to walk 30 minutes a day three times a week. Since I do nothing I thought this would be a good way to start.

<p>Just cold turkey, no pun intended! SEriously, that is why people love the "5 day pouch test" it sorta resets you.</p>

What is the 5/day pouch test?

No matter what u call it I messed up. I was in a car accident 12/13 and hurt everywhere. Nothing broken. I've been fighting the other ins company. Starting physical therapy tues.y car was totaled so now I have to buy another one. SO STRESSED. I want comfort food. Gave away my candy and all other bad carbs. Tomorrow is a new day.

What does nut stand for!

<p>Hi! I'm 7 months out from VSG, and I have lost 76 (275 to 199). While I am happy about this, I still have 50 pounds to get to my goal weight, and I have been snacking more lately as my hunger increases and the "honeymoon" period fades away. I have only lost about 8 pounds I last 2 months. But I am determined to get this weight off though! I did not go through all this and spend 20k+ for nothing.</p> <p> </p> <p>I've tried going to mostly meat and veg to get back on track, but that hasn't really worked. I still let the Snacks in (had too many Triscuits today and 2 small pieces of chocolate). I definitely feel I am a food addict, and I do not want my addictive behaviors back! So, this is my plan for awhile, probably until I get to goal weight (except for a few days while travelling around the holidays).</p> <p> </p> <p>When I was on liquids, I didn't have any trouble not eating solid food nor did I have hunger. The Protein Shakes really keep me full. So, I am thinking that I will do only shakes and Water and Vitamins during the day, then have a "normal" dinner with my family. I have to cook for everyone and I like us all sitting down to dinner together, so that is when I will have my meat and veggies. If I am really dying for something to chew during the day, I'm going to make one special drawer in my fridge that is just for me and put these things in it: cut up cucumbers, peppers, celery, carrots, broccoli, sugar-free Jello cups, RTD drink shakes (and sugar-free popsicles in the freezer). But I can only eat out of that drawer except for dinner time.</p> <p> </p> <p>I think I need to do something like this until I stop with the mindless snacking and get rid of carb cravings again. It's like they say with alcoholics--they can't have that one drink. Well, I just can't start eating (especially carbs) early in the day without getting off track. Maybe once I get settled into this for awhile, I can add back more real Protein, veg and fruits during the day. But now it seems too many choices for me. I need a lot of limits to help me get to my goal. What do you think of this plan, at least temporarily until I can put the carby snacks down for good. I know I have to "learn to eat real food properly" ultimately...and I will. Just hoping this will help me help me establish some better snacking habits while losing weight.</p> <p> </p> <p>PS: Regarding exercise, I do it regularly--3-4x week I go to gym, yoga, do spinning, etc. I used to do more weights, but have left that for a bit. Maybe I will pick it back up soon...</p>

Are you having better luck? I need a plan.

<p>Nighttime snacking is definitely my downfall also. I eat a semi healthy Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (only eating 6-8 bites) but start my mindless snacking at nite when I lie in bed and watch tv. Thought about making my bedroom off limits for food. I have 22 lbs to get to goal and I made a deal with myself last month. I'd start trying to lose again after the holidays. Until then, I'm happy maintaining. Hubby also gained 40 lbs over the last 9 mths since he's been eating carbs willy nilly (he's usually an Atkins fan) and also has plans of starting Atkins Induction on Jan 2nd. </p> <p> </p> <p>So while I won't be doing Atkins, I can certainly cut down on my bad carbs and cut out the nighttime snacking. And my nightly glass of red wine - of course while in bed. I'm hoping my eating carbs (not to mention that we recently moved in with my FIL and hubbys daughter. MIL passed away 2 mths ago so we're helping out FIL) and others eating carbs (I don't eat much so I never really caused him to stumble but now that there's 2 other people in the household, not sure whats gunna happen) don't make my husband stumble.</p> <p> </p> <p>Anyway, as I was saying, I know where ur coming from. Snacking is the culprit on much of our weight gain or at least preventing us from losing. And I don't mean 1/2 an apple with PB. I'm talking a handful of cheese Its, a scoop of ice cream, 1/2 PB and banana sandwich, a few bits of dinner leftovers, a handful of corn nuts, 5-10 Hershey Kisses (who can resist the green and red ones at holiday time?), an ice cream sandwich, or 1/2 Starbucks biscotti. All things I've snacked on this past week </p> <p> </p> <p>So on jan 2nd, I will ban all food in my bedroom. That oughta help take off the final 22 lbs (albeit slowly. I know the last 20 are the hardest)</p> <p> </p> <p>Good luck to u too!</p>

I have 30 more to go and have lost nothing since 10/27. I know the holidays have caused problems for me. I was also in a t-bone accident 12/13. My car was totaled, problems with the other person's ins co. I hurt everywhere and I start oft ducal that spy tues. I just want comfort food.

My surgeon and NUT have me on a very strict diet. I am to have 3 meals a day each at 4oz of food with absolutely no snacking. I used to need around 60-80 grams of Protein a day but after a month out it was reduced to 45 grams per day. I always have to get in at least 64 oz of Fluid a day, either Water or calorie-free and sugar-free option. My big guideline is to observe the "5% rule" none of my meals can have more than 5% of my daily recommended fat or carbs. They do not focus on calories assuming that the 5% rule is followed my calories should be ok. I'm out 90 days and down 65 lbs. i do struggle with getting calories since i'm only allowed 3 4oz meals a day. Same with me on food restriction. No pasta/rice, very limited veggies no fruit.< /p>

Can't do three meals a day... Blood sugar goes too low.

Can't believe I still hurt from the accident! Christmas wasn't as much fun as it usually is. I've eaten way too much. It's like a slap in the face. Thought I had everything under control now I'm kicking myself. I've frozen bags of trail mix, tiny whole wheat Bagels, wasa crackers, and other "carbs". I plan to eat one a weekend and then just Protein and veggies during the week. I'm hoping this will trick my body and get me losing again. Haven't lost anything since 10/27. Seems longer than that!! My dr said to stay under 100 gms carbs a day. But I think that's not helping my blood sugar. I gave away my candy and fruitcake to my family. Can't stand to have it around. Start physical therapy tues. I'm craving comfort foods because I hurt so much. Anyone have other ideas on how to get off carbs ?

Tina 66. How are you doing?

I can't seem to get on. Been wondering how everyone is doing. I was in a car accident Friday night. Not my fault. Was t/boned. Think my car may be totaled. The stress of everything has sent my fibro in a tail spin.

I wasn't getting any straight answers about diet. I've been having trouble stabilizing blood sugar. Had a glucose tolerance test down a couple weeks ago. After 1 hr it was 352, than 1/2 hr later 158, then at 2 hrs 117. I was told by my internist that is diabetic. The nutritionist where I work said I should eat the same time every day and have a few snack of a good carb and Protein together. Like apple/peanut butter , whole wheat crackers /cheese, almonds too. I'm still fighting the "shakes" between eating. I've crashed a few times and the I search for candy to get the sugar up...feels like I'm going to die...then my levels are out of wack again. I've emailed my sleeve dr a couple times and have gotten no response. I 6 months out, lost 100 pounds (60 before sleeve ). Very confused and frustrated. Have not lost anything in 3 months! ;(

Get a glucose tester at a pharmacy or wal mart. You can send off for a free meter from the major brands (One Touch, Accuchek), just look on their websites. They make the money from the test strips. You don't need a prescription and your insurance may cover some of the cost of the strips. Test your glucose two hours AFTER starting to eat. This is the best indicator of blood sugar control and the impact of different foods on your levels. You can test first thing in the morning before getting out of bed to get a fasting level. Keep track for a month and show your doctor. The strips add up so after the month you can do spot checks or adopt a rotating schedule (fasting one day, after breakfast the next, after lunch the next, and so on).

117 is not really bad for a two-hour reading. Under 120 is considered controlled, but under 90 is considered normal non-diabetic. Anything between 80 and 110 is pretty darn good. You can also test yourself during your "low" feelings. If you are not going below a reading of 70 you don't really need to try to treat it with sugar or candy. It's amazing how we can feel "low" when in fact we are at an acceptable blood glucose level. Our bodies and heads play tricks on us.

As for diet, if you are post-op, it will be pretty easy to stick to a diet that is therapeutic for type 2 diabetics or those at risk. Protein first, 60+ grams a day. Try to stay below 150 grams of carbs, spread evenly throughout the day. It seems low, but it's pretty easy for a post-op. If you are pre-op, see if you can stay below 200 grams of carbs, again spread out.

Thanks for your advice. I will definitely try that. My Dr emailed me and said to try and stay under 100 gms carbs and spread them out. At least I have a number now.

Hope all goes well today.

Finally heard from my surgeon. He suggested I stay under 100 gm carbs and eat 4-5 mini meals a day. I'll see if this helps. At least now I have a number to shoot for.

I'll have to keep that in mind. I'm writing down what I eat at what time and how my sugar feels. I'll figure this out one way or another. I'd sit on my surgeons door step, but he's 2 hrs away. Tonight in the middle of supper I realized my sugar was good so I stopped eating. Thanks for replying.

I wasn't getting any straight answers about diet. I've been having trouble stabilizing blood sugar. Had a glucose tolerance test down a couple weeks ago. After 1 hr it was 352, than 1/2 hr later 158, then at 2 hrs 117. I was told by my internist that is diabetic. The nutritionist where I work said I should eat the same time every day and have a few snack of a good carb and Protein together. Like apple/peanut butter , whole wheat crackers /cheese, almonds too. I'm still fighting the "shakes" between eating. I've crashed a few times and the I search for candy to get the sugar up...feels like I'm going to die...then my levels are out of wack again. I've emailed my sleeve dr a couple times and have gotten no response. I 6 months out, lost 100 pounds (60 before sleeve ). Very confused and frustrated. Have not lost anything in 3 months! ;(

I mean internist. Also the nutritionist at work said the carbs would keep my sugar level but I should always have Protein with them. She also said to try and eat at the same times everyday. It's hard to stop eating when I'm full because I rarely feel "full".

That's interesting. My surgeon hasn't answered my emails. He's 2 hrs away. I was doing what my interest told me,..eat as if I was diabetic. Frustrating.

I eat the good carbs. Old fashion oatmeal with skim milk and some vanilla Protein Powder and cinnamon for Breakfast ( or an egg. ) I might have a mini whole wheat bagel or small apple with T Peanut Butter, whole wheat crackers( 4 am squares ) and a cheese stick, Danon Light and Fit Greek yogurt. , or Cottage cheese and fruit as meals. I was told to have carbs with Protein as a snack. I also drink Protein Drinks throughout the day. I know I should eat more veggies but they bother my pouch unless they're mushy. Yuk. I ALS eat one good fat a day. If I don't eat PB then I have almonds, walnuts, or avocado.