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

Post Surgery: Do You Have Problems With Carb Addiction ?



Recommended Posts

Bandsters:

Was curious....after you get the surgery...we all know you can't eat as much (especially not as many carbs such as bread and pasta) which brings me to this question:

1) After having the surgery, do you go through "carb withdrawls" and is hard for you to adjust not eating as many carbs?

I've heard people saying "head hunger" alot but (to me anyway) this is just a case of "missing taste" and that can be easily be solved by a nice Soup or something with a little salt. However, not having as many carbs...this is a whole nother question. Being that I've had carb withdrawls in the past before....I'm wondering what its going to be like after surgery?

Thoughts/Opinions?

Thanks Bandsters !

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Bandsters:

Was curious....after you get the surgery...we all know you can't eat as much (especially not as many carbs such as bread and pasta) which brings me to this question:

1) After having the surgery, do you go through "carb withdrawls" and is hard for you to adjust not eating as many carbs?

I've heard people saying "head hunger" alot but (to me anyway) this is just a case of "missing taste" and that can be easily be solved by a nice Soup or something with a little salt. However, not having as many carbs...this is a whole nother question. Being that I've had carb withdrawls in the past before....I'm wondering what its going to be like after surgery?

Thoughts/Opinions?

Thanks Bandsters !

If you have been used to eating bad carbs beforehand then you will have withdrawal from them. With or without the band there is a withdrawal as the body craves the bad carbs. You should be eating good carbs anyway. just in smaller amounts. its the sugar and over processing in the bad carbs that causes the body to become addicted. I still crave some fat. its winter time here. i have a little ripe cheese every day. that satisfies me. i dont have much. im more sensitive to withdrawal from fat than from sugar based foods. WE are all different.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was always a potato, chips, bread carb guy. I like sweets but I'm not missing them and I do give myself a couple of Dove dark chocolate pieces a week. They're only 40 calories. I miss french fries and a good sandwich occasionally. But, I never had the withdrawals. There's plenty of carbs(good ones) in carrots, nuts, Beans and many veggies so I get enough. I try to keep them all on the low side of the Glycemic Index scale.

tmf

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Unlike 2muchfun, I am a sweets kinda gal. I usually try to satisfy my sweet tooth with fresh fruit, but I do occasionally indulge. I did not have any physical symptoms (headache, etc) from any type of withdrawals. I think the most common one is sugar/caffeine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the most common one is sugar/caffeine.

What...are you not suppose to drink caffeine with the band? My thinking...coffee was ok....and you will still technically get the same amount of caffeine from coffee as before?

Any other thoughts out there?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No, caffiene is fine, in moderation of course.

tmf

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is part of the reason I'm trying to cut carbs now, before surgery. I want post-op to be as stress free as possible!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What...are you not suppose to drink caffeine with the band? My thinking...coffee was ok....and you will still technically get the same amount of caffeine from coffee as before?

Any other thoughts out there?

i still have caffeinated coffee but not as much now. smaller cups for a start.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is part of the reason I'm trying to cut carbs now, before surgery. I want post-op to be as stress free as possible!

Sounds like there is not alot of stress related to taking in less carbs post surgery.

P.S. Can anybody confirm this ?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon said no caffeine because it could cause ulcers, and having wieght loss surgery we are already at risk for them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sounds like there is not alot of stress related to taking in less carbs post surgery.

P.S. Can anybody confirm this ?

Only if your thing was simple carbs? If you're one of the bandsters who had to have 3 liters of coke every day or a pint of ice cream, chocolate cake? You might have withdrawals. But it's not going to be all that bad. It's not like coming off heroin or Meth(I wouldn't know).

tmf

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon said no caffeine because it could cause ulcers, and having wieght loss surgery we are already at risk for them.

Really.....is this true? First I've heard of this claim of an increase rate of having ulcers ??? Something doesn't seem right about this....but in terms of caffeine....my caffeine comes from coffee....like the other poster said....caffeine in moderation I'm sure is fine.. .....

Thoughts?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What...are you not suppose to drink caffeine with the band? My thinking...coffee was ok....and you will still technically get the same amount of caffeine from coffee as before?

Any other thoughts out there?

I was saying that most who experience "withdrawal" symptoms do so from things like caffeine or sugar. I was told not to drink any caffeinated beverages (coffees) for 2 to 3 weeks post op, and to refrain from soda as much as possible.

Sounds like there is not alot of stress related to taking in less carbs post surgery.

P.S. Can anybody confirm this ?

It really depends on who your surgeon is. Some are pretty strict in a low carb diet and others are not. I think the main focus is that you are getting proper nutrition, and due to the small amount you can eat, you need to eat right from the start. I always focus on Protein first and then have other things if I have room.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

http://www.livestrong.com/article/333816-caffeine-stomach-ulcers/

http://www.healthy.net/Health/Article/Effects_of_Caffeine_and_Coffee_on_Heartburn_Acid_Reflux_Ulcers_and_GERD/2396

Here are a couple of websites that explain how in some cases caffeine is associated with ulcers. I am sure it is just in extreme cases but if you already experience reflux or IBS ( like I do), it might be best to stay away from it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Help!!! I had surgery on march 19. I have not had any restriction until now!! I had my first fill and could still eat a lit!! Then two weeks ago i had another fill. I felt a little different but was able to eat. Well today i went again for a fill. I got home and tried to eat and it got stuck or something. Im in sooo much pain and im miserable right now. Slime in my mouth. Sick. Hurts!! Help!!

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

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • 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

    ×