Hi - I am still pre-op but trying to understand all the changes I will need to go thru after having bypass. One of the things that confuses me is in the packet of info given to us by the WLS nutritionist, it repeatedly lists only sugar-free stuff, fat-free stuff, etc.

I've been a life-long dieter, and have probably lost & gained over 1000 lbs over the years, but one of the things I learned finally was that "diet" foods don't really help you lose weight, often because they aren't as satisfying and you tend to eat more. Also, I am a bit worried about all the chemicals in the "fake" food. Some of it I don't mind, like I love Crystal Light, but some of the fake sugar-free/fat-free versions of food are really really awful.

So, what's the deal? Do we have to eat the diet sugar-free/fat-free versions of everything for the rest of lives? Is the reasoning behind this the lower calories or is it to avoid dumping? Are you allowed any real sugar or fat in small quantities - such as flavored coffee creamer in your coffee - or never at all? I'll do whatever is required, because I don't want to ever end up back where I am today. Just trying to understand what are the rules are and why.

So there will be multiple answers to this question depending on your comfort level with certain foods. I had the sleeve and the guidelines given to me were : minimum 60 grams of Protein a day, monitor carbs and keep below 50 while you are in a weight loss mode. Fats fall in place if you are following the other guidelines. Increase calories, protein and carbs as needed to meet the requirements of increased activity and exercise. I use sugar free foods and drinks. I do not add sugar to things I eat. I personally do not have any problem with artificial sweeteners. They are prevalent in a lot of drinks that I consume. The guideline regarding sugar was that any food should not contain more than 12 grams of sugar per serving. I read labels and know what is in the food I eat. I could care less about desserts or snack foods like chips etc. "fat free" foods are usually a signal for me to avoid them. Good fats are needed by your body to function. I usually get fat in my diet through nuts, Peanut Butter, olive oil or eggs. I do not avoid fatty foods but I am careful not to eat too much of it, such as bacon or sausage. I make sure it fits into my daily requirements. I use My Fitness Pal to track food intake on my phone and that allows me to make adjustments as the day progresses depending on what I have eaten. I think that you will be able to eat most anything you want. As long as it fits your daily intake requirements and you watch the amount of food you eat. There is no reason to be afraid of some of the diet foods, just know what is in them and wether they fit into you lifestyle change.

You summed this answer up like a "professor of sleeve!" Now, I can surely understand and your response made me even more anxious for my VSG date to arrive!

It's funny, I'm pre op and was talking to the Nut and told her the only time I ever lost weight was on adkins(30ish carbs a day) and she specifically said no no no you need at least 100 a day. I'll do the diet they give me for a few months after but I felt better on the low carb diet. I gutted I'll have too see if it holds true after my sleeve.

Gotta not gutted lol. Alex is there a way to edit with this new app or no? My phone's auto correct had a mind of its own

kyrickchick64 - LOL. I thought "gutted" was some WLS terminology I just hadn't heard on here before!