"...data in both animal models and humans suggest that the effects of artificial sweeteners may contribute to metabolic syndrome and the obesity epidemic. Artificial sweeteners appear to change the host microbiome, lead to decreased satiety, and alter glucose homeostasis, and are associated with increased caloric consumption and weight gain."

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29159583/

Thanks for posting this over65! I’ve heard and read about this for years and totally believe it, particularly those of us who have battled metabolic syndrome. I’m not saying I’ll never partake again, but it will be VERY sparingly and certainly not daily, for me anyway.

Continue Success and all good wishes to you!

Thanks @over65. I’ve had concerns about artificial sweeteners for years but my biggest issue is that they continue to feed our desire for sugar & sweet foods & drinks. Reduce it from your diet & you’ll realise how excessively & unnecessarily sweet a lot of foods & drinks actually are.

I have always known this to be true. Too much data confirming to question it. However... isn't it odd that sugar can make you dump but artificial doesn't?

So what do we do cut out any sweetness at all impossible

36 minutes ago, Superman84 said:

So what do we do cut out any sweetness at all impossible

I lost a lot of my ability to taste properly and like to have sweet things without sugar. Now how you define “artificial sweeteners “ and which are the most damaging is the question. I make it a point to use stevia in my tea or coffee (sweet leaf is awesome) I do try to find protein bars with healthier ingredients. There are newer sweetener alternatives that are better. Erythritol is not bad. There is allulose (quest hero bars use it) monk fruit. The only time I use sucralose that’s probably the lesser of the “evils” in the artificial sweeteners is because I use skinny girl flavor syrup in my tea or coffee ... but I don’t find it makes me hungrier. I don’t think I use a lot though. I would think these studies are at high rates of ingestion. There are dangerous artificial sweeteners of course and too much “natural” sugar isn’t good either, but moderation and Looking for natural options you can find healthier versions of sweet flavors and foods. Erythritol comes from a plant vs purely a chemical. I don’t know, we can’t say everything sweet is bad.

6 hours ago, Superman84 said:

So what do we do cut out any sweetness at all impossible

Stevia is an all natural sweetner. But it's REALLY strong so a little goes a looooong way!

I have always known this to be true. Too much data confirming to question it. However... isn't it odd that sugar can make you dump but artificial doesn't?

I would guess that maltitol and xylitol could cause dumping, They both raise blood glucose while others don't.

So what do we do cut out any sweetness at all impossible

I think the big problem with artificial sweeteners is people think zero calories, have all you want. Some drink 10 diet cokes a day for example. I don't think people are overdoing artificial sweeteners with desserts, etc. Use natural sweeteners that do not raise blood sugar like Monk Juice and Allulose (new rare natural sugar).

I think they are worst. My post op full liquid diet consists of the following:

Protein shakes

sugar free jello

sugar free pudding

Gatorade zero or powerade

v8

unsweetened applesauce

broth

basically 90% junk food!!!

How are the foods on this list supposed to help heal my body?

I have finally found some good organic pea protein based protein shakes sweetened with stevia or monk fruit.

I woudl like to incorporate some fresh vegetable juice into my daily meal plan ( green veggies only to keep it low sugar. Has anyone here done that?

Postop diet is specifically to allow stomach to heal. Your ptotein shake is your most important food right now. Avoid vegetable juice right now. Has fiber which can get caught in staples. I am sticking to protein shakes sweetened with monk fruit and stevia. A little Sucralose at this point doesn't bother me.

I have finally found some good organic pea protein based protein shakes sweetened with stevia or monk fruit.

Has your dietician approved pea protein shakes? Pea protein is inferior protein.

I misspoke, it's not just pea protein, it's a combo of pea protein blend, to ensure it's complete. I will review with my dietician today though.