I use to be able to use Equal and Splenda but now it does not seem to agree with me? I feel nauseous after I use it. This is strange because I used it in my coffee all of the time. Now I am drinking decaf and want to know if real sugar will affect the lapband? I know that I will not be able to tolerate some things and I guess this is one of them. Thanks.

I have always had trouble with all sweeteners except Equal which really limits many foods and drinks. It is my understanding that sugar does not affect the band. The reason for limiting sugar is for weight loss if I understand it right. Sugar has never caused me any problems but I have not reached my "sweet spot" yet. I don't know if this changes with optimal restriction. I sometimes split sweetness between Equal and sugar because too much Equal also makes me feel bad. I would be interested also to hear other peoples experiences.

Not that I'm happy that you're having trouble with sweetners, but it's nice to hear it from someone else. I can use sweet and low (in coffee) with no problem, but since surgery, I can't use anything with Splenda. My stomach blows right up and I have horrible gas pain, so bad that I double over and can't move. Not sure why being banded has made Splenda intolerable, but it has only been since then. Oh, well. If that's the worse that happens, I'm ok.

It does seem odd that it would have such a severe side effect. When we can't use artificial sweeteners it is so inconvenient. Any yogurt or Protein supplemnt drinks that are low cal have so much in it. Even the flavored protein powders have it. I use the Biochem unflavored whey protein and I can use some sugar and Equal with frozen strawberries and milk or yogurt and it tastes pretty good but is not as convenient as something canned and ready to go. Like you said though, if that is the most invenient thing that is pretty small. Take care.:thumbup:

Tina