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

I am so f*cked. Rebound sugar and carb cravings.



Recommended Posts

I am 8 months out from surgery and I am binging on sugar and carbs. I lost 56 pounds but I can’t seem to go any further. I am finding it easier to eat the old foods and I’m terrified of this loss of control. I try every day to work on this problem. I journal, I read, I listen to podcasts. I start out saying no sugar today and before I know it, I am eating the wrong things. I want to go on a sugar detox but I’m so out of control I can’t even start. I literally hate my body and mind for being like this. I’m willing to try anything to overcome this. If anyone had this happen and found something helpful, please send your advice my way. I really feel like I’m about to lose it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

First of all, please stop being so hard on yourself! This is not easy and nobody's perfect. Secondly, have you considered therapy? I have seen a lot of WLS patients say that it has helped them deal with their long-standing food/eating issues (which a lot of us have).

I have been really disciplined about sticking with my plan and not eating anything I'm not supposed to since my surgery. Fear of dumping is a big part of that for me, but I know that the day will come when I eat something I'm not supposed to and I'll find out whether or not I get dumping syndrome. I'm afraid I won't and then I won't have that fear to keep me in line anymore.

The other thing that has really helped me, though, is Pinterest. No joke. I spend so much time on Pinterest finding healthy recipes that I actually want to eat. I've found tons of recipes that fit into my plan and taste delicious. I live alone, so when I make a recipe, I end up with many servings that I freeze for later, so my freezer is absolutely packed with easy, healthy meals. I'm currently working on clearing out some of those saved meals to make room before I try any new recipes. I have a whole list of healthy recipes that I can't wait to try.

Finally, I have healthy-ish treats every day. I have a major sweet tooth, so I don't think I could give up sweets altogether, but I eat treats that fit into my plan. I love Built Bars because they taste like candy bars, but they're high in Protein and low in sugar. Built Bars are my favorite, but there are tons of delicious Protein Bars on the market that can satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your weight loss. No, it's not the healthiest thing you can eat, but it's better than eating an actual candy bar. I recently started eating chia seed pudding and I LOVE it -- there are tons of delicious ways to flavor it. Add some cocoa powder and it tastes like brownie batter. I also found a recipe for an amazing protein mug cake:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I’m not going to say what most people would say on here. food rules can help lose weight but there is a reason for a high frequency of regain. When the rules are relaxed, your body wants to make up for that time.

Rachel Goodman is a dietician who has a program on food freedom. She helps identify food rules and steer more towards intuitive eating with a nutritional focus. If you are 8 months out, this might be a good time to switch gears.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have found that using flavored syrups in Protein Shakes, oatmeal, yogurt etc helps with cravings. I add unflavored Protein and maple bourbon pecan skinny Syrup. my daughter likes the Peanut Butter cup flavor. Idealfit has many flavor offerings for Protein Powder and I also looked into bariatric foodie's Protein Shake cookbook, available on Amazon as it has recipes for ice cream, shakes and Desserts. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, how often is the bingeing happening? When I’m on my period, it hits me hard and I let my body have all the sugar it wants. The second it’s over, my body goes back to my learned habits and I can say no easily. I feel it too when I have work stress. Recognize what is triggering the need is what I’m trying to work on. *I’m almost at 8mos as well.*

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I’m back. I was right in the middle of a meltdown when I posted earlier. I think I do need therapy because I have a history of bulimia and binge eating. It’s the way I cope with anxiety which I am having a lot of lately. I feel like a junkie looking for a fix and I am overwhelmed with the strength of the urges for sweets. I try to keep the house free of junk but sometimes I purposely buy it. I feel ashamed even though I know that I have a problem. I have also started abusing marijuana which I never had a problem with before. I can’t drink because that physically hurts my stomach but I have been using edibles to get high more than a few times a week. I think because I had my surgery during the pandemic I was able to slip through the screening process. They didn’t ask certain things and I didn’t volunteer them. I’m not sure what I should do. Do I see a therapist that specializes in addiction or just a regular one? I haven’t told my surgeon any of this but I think I will start by talking to his nurse. She is really compassionate. Maybe they can direct me to the right type of counseling. I feel that if I don’t I’m going to end up most likely with exercise addiction again too. I see the patterns starting in my mind of making these really unrealistic exercise goals and I’ve hurt my body in the past from exercising past the normal amount. I can’t go through that again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, perfektlynrml said:

I’m back. I was right in the middle of a meltdown when I posted earlier. I think I do need therapy because I have a history of bulimia and binge eating. It’s the way I cope with anxiety which I am having a lot of lately. I feel like a junkie looking for a fix and I am overwhelmed with the strength of the urges for sweets. I try to keep the house free of junk but sometimes I purposely buy it. I feel ashamed even though I know that I have a problem. I have also started abusing marijuana which I never had a problem with before. I can’t drink because that physically hurts my stomach but I have been using edibles to get high more than a few times a week. I think because I had my surgery during the pandemic I was able to slip through the screening process. They didn’t ask certain things and I didn’t volunteer them. I’m not sure what I should do. Do I see a therapist that specializes in addiction or just a regular one? I haven’t told my surgeon any of this but I think I will start by talking to his nurse. She is really compassionate. Maybe they can direct me to the right type of counseling. I feel that if I don’t I’m going to end up most likely with exercise addiction again too. I see the patterns starting in my mind of making these really unrealistic exercise goals and I’ve hurt my body in the past from exercising past the normal amount. I can’t go through that again.

I have been looking for a therapist and having a lot of trouble finding someone who treats eating disorders (I'm not sure I have an actual eating disorder, but I certainly have issues with food that I need to deal with) and takes my insurance. I'm guessing your best bet would be to find a therapist who treats addiction and/or eating disorders. Your surgeon or his nurse might be able to recommend someone who has helped other WLS patients. I'm finding that there aren't a lot of therapists who are experienced in treating WLS patients, unfortunately. We have kind of a special situation, so it would be nice to talk to someone who understands that.

It is good that you are recognizing these patterns and taking steps to address them!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. I would also stop the edibles. It's pretty well documented that marijuana leads to overeating, so that's probably not helping you. You mentioned you have anxiety... make sure you're getting that fully treated with prescription medication/therapy and you're not using marijuana to self-medicate. Your surgery center must have a therapist who can see you for a few sessions and/or refer you to someone.

Edited by lizonaplane

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

another thought - Kelly brogan has a dietary protocol that has shown to heal parasympathetic disorders like anxiety, depression, adhd. It’s basically clean eating with no gluten or dairy. Giving it a shot this week! I also bought her book - Own Your Self

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, WanderingHeart said:

another thought - Kelly brogan has a dietary protocol that has shown to heal parasympathetic disorders like anxiety, depression, adhd. It’s basically clean eating with no gluten or dairy. Giving it a shot this week! I also bought her book - Own Your Self

I just downloaded this book. I’m going to work on it tonight. Still very anxious and fighting the urge to take an edible. I know why I’m doing it. It takes away all my thought and I escape from my anxiety for a few hours. I’m going to search for a therapist that will take my coverage tomorrow.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I hear you. Have some compassion for yourself!! I’ve been enjoying the KB smoothie which has a decent amount of Protein with no dairy and it has helped my digestion.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

mmm. I had these stressful interviews coming up and consequently spent 2 weeks eating badly. Like takeaways and chocolate etc. When I tried to go back to my healthy eating it was so difficult. It took a couple of days / a week to restrict myself but I managed to get back to it . I slowly reduced my portions and ate more Protein. I felt terrible during this period and avoided weighing myself but I got through it. Give yourself time and you'll be back on track.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 5/8/2021 at 7:39 PM, perfektlynrml said:

I have also started abusing marijuana which I never had a problem with before. I can’t drink because that physically hurts my stomach but I have been using edibles to get high more than a few times a week.

Hi! I am so sorry that you are going through this and im hoping that you get to the light at the end of the tunnel soon.

I wanted to comment because i do have much experience with anxiety and am prescribed medical marijuana by my doctor for anxiety so i can relate that it is a big help with emotions.

A trick i learned is to brush your teeth if you are feeling cravings coming on. It gets rid of any taste of the marijuana that would still be in your mouth and put a little flavor in your mouth and "resets" your taste. Also, things tend to not taste good right after you freshly brush your teeth. It might be worth a shot! (im sure this trick might also work for any craving, not just after marijuana consumption)

Good luck on the rest of your journey!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have been doing better. I finally stopped the cravings and I actually stopped the edibles too. I started taking walks and that seemed to give me some relief from the anxiety I was experiencing. I think I was panicking because I have been realizing that I am never eating certain things again. It made me want to eat the things I could to feel “normal”, if that makes sense. I’m going to try to be less hypercritical of the ups and downs. I did lose 60 pounds which is something to be proud of. I’m in a much better physical state then I was nine months ago. I was kind of feeling like a stranger in my smaller body. This is what happens when you are disconnected from yourself. You’re losing weight but it’s like it isn’t happening to you because you don’t feel like you belong in your own body. To help with that depersonalization I am doing yoga to be more self aware. I have a lot of work to do emotionally. Much more so than physically it seems.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 5/18/2021 at 10:27 PM, perfektlynrml said:

I have been doing better. I finally stopped the cravings and I actually stopped the edibles too. I started taking walks and that seemed to give me some relief from the anxiety I was experiencing. ... I was kind of feeling like a stranger in my smaller body. This is what happens when you are disconnected from yourself. You’re losing weight but it’s like it isn’t happening to you because you don’t feel like you belong in your own body. To help with that depersonalization I am doing yoga to be more self aware. I have a lot of work to do emotionally. Much more so than physically it seems.

There is a lot here. I'm glad you're doing better. Exercise is really good for your mood! I'm glad it's working for you! And losing weight does make us feel ill at ease in our new bodies. I remember when I lost 100 lbs years ago I didn't feel like me anymore... I couldn't figure out how to dress myself, I didn't know how to sit anymore, or how to hold myself... everything was just wrong. I just heard a podcast about this. It's from Australia, but I can't remember the name of it. Anyway, you're so right that most of the work is emotional. Good for you that you're facing it head on!

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

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×