I am finally considering weight loss surgery. I just had a wonderful small ice cream cone out on my deck on a perfect summer evening. It was really delicious and I wondered if I’d be able to have such a treat after surgery. Without any judgement regarding equating food with happiness etc, can any experienced bariatric patients tell me if I’ll be able to enjoy a small cone post surgery? It’s probably not a deal-breaker, just trying to wrap my head around expectations.

Most bariatric patients should avoid sugar six months to one year after weight loss surgery. Many stick to this plan because they have experienced the impending sensation of doom. (aka dumping syndrome) Depends on which procedure you have done and even then, some don't even experience it.

Also, there are a lot of sugar free ice cream options out there too, but I prefer to add those type of things after reaching my weight loss goal and during maintenance. I do allow myself the SF popsicles for now when I feel a need for a sweet treat.

Everything is fine in moderation, once you pass the food restriction stages

Once you’ve lost or almost lost your weight you’ll start exploring what you can or can’t eat, how much of it & how often. It may be you can have ice cream once a week or maybe once a month. It’s all about discovering what works for you, & balancing maintenance of your weight while still enjoying your life.

Yes, dumping is a possibility which will restrict your ability to tolerate sugar or fats. But it doesn’t affect everyone - less than about 30% I believe for bypass & less with sleeve. Some even work out how much they can eat without dumping or find non sugar or low fat alternatives.

The fear of dumping has kept me from eating very much sugar. I do enjoy the protein shake ice cream that I make, though. I haven't tried it in a cone - again, fear of dumping. But, you've inspired me to try to make a cone. I have one of those Dash mini waffle bowl maker things...

14 hours ago, Pines said:

Without any judgement regarding equating food with happiness etc, can any experienced bariatric patients tell me if I’ll be able to enjoy a small cone post surgery?

i've ordered a kids size ice cream cone a few times (if i had to guess, less than 10 times since i've been in maintenance over 4 years now). i have yet to be able to finish a whole one in one sitting (im a dumper so i generally keep ice cream servings SMALL).

i would order a cone and get a cup to put it in so i could store the uneaten portion in the freezer for a later time(s), if someone doesn't eat my leftovers for me.

I have the lighter kind of ice cream occasionally. On holiday I had a scoop of the full fat / full sugar variety and it was ok, I did not dump or get the foamies. Life without the occasional treat would be only half a life. I keep my calories under 1300 and make my protein and liquid goals so C'est la vie

you won't have food restrictions once you're a few months out. That said, you may have trouble TOLERATING some foods, but your clinic will lift all restrictions at some point

ice cream is one of those things that some people have trouble with though, even though they're technically not "dumpers". Unfortunately, I'm not one of them (a dumper OR an ice-cream intolerant person). I can easily eat a cup of it. I just try not to have it very often or else have one scoop if I'm at an ice cream store.

I don't have a sweet tooth but it's so hot these days I had the craving for an ice cream sandwich the other day. So I had one of those mini Great value ice cream sandwiches (80 calories) and it was really good. I didn't dump but I never really have. I do have the foamies if I eat too fast or not chew enough. I can eat anything for the most part and not have issues. As everyone said, not many dump and you will pretty much be able to eat most foods unless you had become lactose intolerant... Etc.

Sincere thanks for all of your thoughtful and honest answers!