Hi guys! I just have to ask this question, because the only thing I'm reading here is "I followed my plan 100% the first year", and other likewise statements. Does this mean that none of you ate a cookie the first year/during the weight loss stage??

I've been craving a chocolate chip cookie since the surgery and was looking forward to trying a bite once I can have solids. Does this make me crazy/abnormal?

I was very strict the first six months or so. After that to always get in my 80gms of protein per day and have a little room for a treat on occasion. Big difference from pre op is that now I can be satisfied with just A cookie, as in one-rather than a whole package like before.

I don't think I had a cookie until I was something like 8 months out. And since I developed a wheat allergy after my surgery it was a gluten free cookie, which made me iffy on if I would like it but I've tried several gluten free cookies in the 10 months since I first tried one and I've liked them all. I maybe have 2 cookies a week (i.e 2 days a week I'll eat one cookie, unless it's the wafer cookies, then I eat 2). Personally, if you really can't avoid the cookie craving so early on maybe try buying a protein cookie. Then at least it'd be worth it and you'd get protein out of it.

Edited August 2, 20215 yr by NovaLuna
spelling error

I cut a Quest chocolate chip cookie protein bar into 5-6 pieces and cook it in the oven at 350 degrees for around 7-10 minutes. I eat it warm or put in a ziploc for later. Tastes enough like a cookie to get over the craving but helps to get in protein.

I was pretty much 100% the first year. Now - not so much. Yes I occasionally have a cookie. But I was super committed that first year.

It’s completely up to you at the end of the day but for me I have been way too worried about getting my cravings back if I start to eat foods high in sugar and carbs. I agree with NovaLuna’s suggestion to perhaps try a protein cookie first and see if that does the trick.

I think many of us are so strict in the first 6 to 12 months to take full advantage of the surgery and ‘honeymoon’ period.

Good luck with it all ?

Everything tasted too sweet to me after surgery so it was easy not to want to have biscuits, cakes or desserts.

I had some fruit cake & a little dessert at my first Christmas (7 months & maintaining). Now, over Christmas is really the only time I have cake or dessert but again only slithers - a couple of bites. I did have a bite of a friend’s wedding cake at 2 years (it was dry so disappointing).

I got rid of a lot of sugar, artificial sweeteners & sugar alternatives out of my diet. I add a little honey to my rolled oats. I know there’s some artificial sweetener in my yoghurt & protein bar & some sugar (<2g) in my multigrain crackers but that’s it. I try to rely on fruit (1-2 serves a day) if I want sweet.

But that’s me & what I’ve chosen to do. You’ll discover what works for you & what’s sustainable. Good luck.

I have a box of quest snickerdoodle and chocolate peanut butter cookies that I keep for those “snacky” days. I probably have one every other week or so whenever I’m feeling the want.

other times (usually at work) if there’s something there that I think I want, usually I’ll just go for it. (Ate a donut a couple of weeks ago and pretty sure I’ll never do that again simply because of the gastrointestinal issues I experienced shortly thereafter.....trust me you DONT want the details!).

In the end, you have to do what works for YOU. I’m finding (at a year out), that I can go off the plan and get back on. For me, I didn’t have food issues to begin with (I didn’t eat to soothe, I was/am a social eater who simply loves food and had no portion control). If sweets are going to send you down a slippery slope, I would advise against starting though. (Even the protein cookies)

The first year I didn’t eat desserts often because my palate changed and every flavor was intensified but I totally understand wanting it. I tried to make smart substitutions like low sugar or sugar free items. Mostly Keto, protein or diabetic brands.

As everyone says that first year is pretty critical because it’s the absolute fastest you’ll lose the weight and there’s a good chance you’ll overshoot your goal with can help as a buffer zone against possible regain (losing after regain later is possible but a lot harder).

Having grandkids who live in the house and who eat all kinds of "goodies" throughout the day almost every day I can honestly say that I never have an urge to eat any of it. However, there was a time a few weeks ago when we had a family reunion and had family here for a few days and we would put some foods and treats out for everyone to eat in between meals and I did have some. I had about a 6 Doritos. I had a few and was satisfied and done. I did not feel the need to keep going or to have more. It also didn't trigger any sort of urge to cheat or eat those sorts of foods beyond that one time. I did it. It was good. I felt no need to beat myself up over it. Like the nutritionist says, if you're having something in genuine serving size or less and not sitting and eating handfuls or a bagful, you'll be ok.

I will admit I will have a bite or two (max) of ice cream or a cookie or something sweet. I factor in the calories and keep my intake at what my nutrionist has said was where I should be. Do what you need to do just be careful of the slippery slope it can create

Best of luck in your journey!!

What I'm about to write has the caveat that I'm only almost a year out, and aware that my thoughts might change on this if I stop losing or even put on weight, but...

I now have a couple of cookies when I fancy them, as opposed to the couple of packets I used to have. I don't feel deprived, and seem to be able to avoid overeating at the moment. I still don't keep much in the house to avoid too much temptation. I am however very aware that I may slide into wanting more! So having to be careful.

I've had a cookie. The difference before I used to have multiple cookies and now I just have a couple bites of one.

Also I might be the opposite of some others and I don't like using the "healthy" supplements for sweets like protein cookies. Instead if I really decide I want a treat then I go all out and occasionally have a cookie from the best place in town. If I'm going to eat something bad for me then I will make it worth it.

I'm only a little over 2 weeks post op at this point, but I am a firm believer that in order to be successful you can't completely cut things out. Then when you do cave, it tends to be a much bigger cave than if you would have just had that one tiny cookie when you wanted it. I've not gone off diet yet, as I'm still in only my second stage. I do plan to make healthier options for sweets when it comes to holiday times. (using splenda as a substitute for sugar in cookies and other baked goods, almond flour or likewise as a bit of a healthier option.) There are options!