From the beginning of my WLS journey, which hasn't been all that long, I've often wondered what the big deal about eating sugar/sweets was after the surgery. From the puree stage on, I have put brown sugar in my Malto Meal and oatmeal, and have eaten foods like ice cream, candy, cake etc.. Mind you, I eat these things in moderation (a bite or two) although I have days when I eat several small pieces of candy - Halloween! and I have still managed to lose weight. I know that it helps that I power-walk everyday, but even if I don't, why is it that sugar is considered the enemy. I see people talking about only using artificial sweeteners and I often wonder if they know that excessive amounts of these chemicals could and probably will cause permanent neurological damage to their brain. When you weigh the options, I'd chose to risk gaining a few ounces rather than damage the few cells that I have left in my brain. What's more, I eat whatever food I want, but again, I like stuff like Trader Joe's tofu nuggets a lot (crisped up in the toaster oven - divine!) and other healthy foods; I'm a huge lentil fan! I don't eat diet foods, I don't eat sugar-free anything anymore, nor do I stay completely away from faster foods. And, yes, I make and eat fried chicken! All the while, I have lost more weight in the last few months than I have in several years, I feel great most days, my diabetic symptoms are gone, and haven't lost my hair... yet! I take my Vitamin everyday, drink my Protein shake, drinks 40+ ounces of Water a day, and make sure I exercise every single day. Please note that I only eat 5 ounces of foods at a time, 3 times a day, and 1-2 Snacks a day - Pirate's Booty, yum!

So, is there anyone else out there that has been a food rebel like me that has the same or contradicting experiences as I have, and how far out are you? I would really like to know, especially if you have a year or more.

Thanks for reading!

Im not going to lecture you, but the whole part of having gastric surgery is to lose wt and change our eating habits. Sugar makes me ill, OMG I tried a popsicle and almost puked. They say we are prone to bad behavior, so a bite here and there might not seem like a bad idea, but what if that becomes more than that. I feel that having this surgery was a huge deal. I don't want to do anything to mess this up. Im 41 and I feel this is my chance to get healthy and thin for once in my life. Im trying very hard to do what I am supposed to. I wish you all the luck in the world on your journey, just remember every decision we make has consequences- good and bad.

Yep, you might just do fine on this food plan...

It ain't the way to bet, however...

I have a close friend at work who was sleeved and could have written your post. Great results, great activity levels, great health benefits, for the first six months.

Two years out she is proud to say "I can eat anything".

She has gained back 2/3 of her losses.

So follow your plan, but please don't be her. She remains a good object lesson for me.

OP, you do as you see fit and I hope it works for you, but it does disturb me to see you encouraging others to go off plan to make you feel justified. Why do you think the national average weight lost for the sleeve is 60% of excess weight instead of 90 or 100%?

I'm no rebel. I'm a sleeve goody two shoes and I'm proud of it. I follow the rules as best I can, regret my slip ups, and try to get back on track as soon as possible. My doctor and nutritionist know a heck of a lot more than I do about this and would never encourage me to eat candy or junk food, regardless of the amount. If they did, I would find another clinic, because that is just common sense. Sure, I make mistakes, but at least I know they are mistakes and try to do better in the future. I ask for help when I know I'm going to have problems, because I will struggle with food my whole life, sleeve or no sleeve.

Shoot, if my opinion about diet is so great and I think I know more than doctors do, why did I end up with nearly 100 lbs. to lose? Ask yourself this question, what answer do you get?