I really need help I've been banded since Oct 4, 2011 and have been really happy with my weight loss, I'm down about 55 lbs, with 15 loss prior to surgery. Within the last 6 weeks, I have had one "unfill" from 6 cc's back to 5cc's. I'm wearing sizes 14/12 from size 18/20 so I'm happy about that..

This is my problem, I have developed a daily taste for "candy" Red Hots have been my extreme craving. I cannot figure what is taking me down this road?

My morning routine is 1 medium cup of (Dunkin Donut) coffee on my way to work with cream and splenda.(I know some say no coffee, but I have to have my one cup a day, I gave up regular sugar to keep the coffee) About an hour later, some days I will have a Oikos greek yogurt and add raisins & about 1/3 cup of "Nothing But Bunches" (granola) my lunch is usually salad in the office cafeteria,which I add chopped hams, eggs & cheese (protein) with spinach, mixed greens & the usual, tomotatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, etc to get my eveggies in,( some days I dont have a desire for Breakfast after my coffee)

I drink 36 ounces of Water during the afternoon hours (1 hr after my lunch) and drink another 12-24 ounces later at home..Sometimes during the hours of 4-5 I'm snacking on "red hots" or a couple of pieces of chocolate from the office candy jar.

At home I get in more protien from fish, or chicken or milk with a Protein shake, by the time i'm ready for bed, I'm reaching for more "red hots" this has become like a drug for me. I haven't started gaining weight as I'm exercising 3-4 times a week,but my weight loss averages about 1.5 lbs a week.

What could be triggering this addiction and how do I stop it???...I'm embarrassed but truly need some suggestions on how to get rid of this problem. This wasn't my problem before I was banded..

Could it be the " Splenda'?? thats causing the cravings, as that's the one thing I have changed.. I cannot do other ' artificial SWEETNERS' as they don't work well with my body chemistry..

Your body or mind is asking for pure sugar. Try switching to a fruit you like. There are still carbs in fruit but they're not empty calories like candy. Try melons, bananas, peaches, blueberries are awesome. This is a great time of the year to shop for fruit. Lots of fresh local fruit almost everywhere.

tmf

In the 'skinny rules' by Bob from the biggest loser, he says that he thinks artificial sweeteners cause cravings for sweets. Maybe could you try the coffee black for a week, and see if that helps?

I have a major candy problem too. I am trying to get it back under control but at the moment it is definitely winning.

I have a major candy problem too. I am trying to get it back under control but at the moment it is definitely winning.

...and so do I and i never was one to have much candy before. Not even cakes.

...and so do I and i never was one to have much candy before. Not even cakes.

..more on this one. i have black coffee with no artificial sweetener but do sometimes have dietary lemon drink.

In my personal opinion/experience, it's the red hits and chocolate that are feeding your desire for more sugar. I believe I have a sugar addiction. When I eat the tiniest amount of sugar, I want MORE and MORE! Even a red hot could make me lose control. It's like any addiction, I can't do "just a little" and remain in control.

You may need to break your addiction ( if you think you have one) by stopping cold turkey. After a few days the cravings will stop and you won't crave it again, until you have another taste of a high-sugary food. FYI ----carbs trigger my addiction as well, because the body recognizes them as sugars. So no white food for me: Pasta, bread, potatoes, crackers, chips, etc.

Something to consider......best wishes!

In my personal opinion/experience, it's the red hits and chocolate that are feeding your desire for more sugar. I believe I have a sugar addiction. When I eat the tiniest amount of sugar, I want MORE and MORE! Even a red hot could make me lose control. It's like any addiction, I can't do "just a little" and remain in control.

You may need to break your addiction ( if you think you have one) by stopping cold turkey. After a few days the cravings will stop and you won't crave it again, until you have another taste of a high-sugary food. FYI ----carbs trigger my addiction as well, because the body recognizes them as sugars. So no white food for me: Pasta, bread, potatoes, crackers, chips, etc.

Something to consider......best wishes!

..im the same and i had no idea how bad i was before. It seems that having the band in has intensified the urges... maybe because my entire diet has changed? im not eating bread anymore and hardly ever have any white processed flour. but... if i eat as much as one square of chocolate, or have one piece of licorace.... away i go. its hard.