hollyberries

Too Funny!

Hi Guys! I know that there was some discussion on the effect that sugar alcohols have on eating low carb. This was an interesting find: Sugar Alcohols by Doreen ALL ABOUT SUGAR ALCOHOLS (MALTITOL, SORBITOL, ISOMALT , etc..) These sweeteners are neither sugars, nor alcohols, but they are carbohydrates nonetheless. They are sometimes called POLYOLS, to avoid confusion. At the present time, they have not been legally classified for product labelling purposes, as are sugars, starch and Fiber. So, some manufacturers are choosing to omit them from the total carb count in the nutrient data panel of the label (they MUST however declare the amount of sugar alcohol in the ingredient list). Because they aren't actually SUGAR, products that contain them may use the term "sugar free" on the label. Some manufacturers and distributors (esp. in Canada and Europe) are choosing to declare the full carbs in the nutrient data panel, and some diabetes associations and consumer groups are pressuring for gov't legislation to make this a legal requirement. There are some claims that sugar alcohols don't have carbs, and therefore don't count; that they can be completely subtracted if listed on the label. This statement is not entirely "false" but it is misleading. Sugar alcohols do have carbs, and approx. 1/2 to 3/4 the calories of regular sugar. They are more slowly and incompletely absorbed from the small intestine than sugar, thus producing a much smaller and slower rise in blood sugar ... and consequently insulin. But this is a YMMV thing. Some Type 1 diabetics have reported that they sense an immediate "sugar rush" from eating even a small amount. Others notice no change, and absolutely no effect on ketosis. Sugar alcohols do have carb calories, and the body will use these as fuel, or store as fat, whether or not insulin is involved. You need to look at the total CALORIES for one serving of the product. Subtract from this total the number of calories from any Protein in the product (prot = 4 cal. per gm), then subtract the calories from any FAT in the product (fat = 9 cal. per gm). What's left is the calories from carbohydrate ... divide this remainder by 4 (carbs = 4 cal. per gm). If the number you get is bigger than the number of carbs declared on the label, the product has hidden carbs, and it's most likely the polyol. Calories do not just disappear into thin air! The "laxative effect" happens for two reasons. First, because the sugar alcohols are not completely absorbed, they hold on to a lot of Water in the bowel. This causes diarrhea. Another consequence is that when undigested carbs reach the colon, the normal bacteria present there go WILD --- resulting in unpleasant gas, and bloating. Sorbitol and mannitol are the worst offenders in this department, maltitol less so. The effect is dose-related -- you would be wise to pay attention to the serving size listed on the product label. This amount would be considered "safe" for the average adult -- make note of this before giving to a smaller child! Nothing like watching your kid doubled over with cramps and diarrhea because they ate too many "sugar free" sweets. To the best of my knowledge, sugar alcohols ARE safe for children, and pregnant/nursing mothers ... just keep an eye on the dose. There are some newer sugar alcohols slowly making their way on the market, which have less laxative effect, and even less blood sugar and insulin consequence. Erythritol, isomalt and inulin are a few to watch for. There's another called HSH (hydrolyzed starch hydrolysate) also called maltitol syrup. The thing is, the different sugar alcohols have different properties, and can't be used for all things. Sorbitol is used in hard candies ... it produces a nice, clear candy that doesn't crystalize, and stays hard and dry in a humid environment. Because it doesn't crystalize, sorbitol is used in ice cream to help it stay creamy. Mannitol also can absorb a lot of moisture before it gets damp and sticky, therefore it's used to "dust" sticks of gum, to keep them dry. Maltitol and erythritol provide smooth bulk, and are ideal for chocolates and soft candies to give a creamy "melt in the mouth" quality. Sugar alcohols are not acted upon by bacteria in the mouth, and therefore do NOT cause tooth decay. In fact, xylitol actually INHIBITS oral bacteria, and is often used in sugarless mints and chewing gum for this reason. BOTTOM LINE We are all individuals, and our bodies will react differently to these products. Depending on other factors, such as what else we've consumed along with it or on an empty stomach, we may even find ourselves having totally different reactions each time we eat it. So proceed with caution. Be aware that there is potential to cause a rise in blood sugar and insulin ... although slower. Also the possibility to knock you out of ketosis, if you're following a ketogenic program such as Atkins. Pay attention to the serving SIZE. A 45-gram (1-1/2 oz) chocolate bar may state on the label that one serving is 15 grams (1/2 oz). That's only 1/3 of the bar, so keep that in mind when you're about to chow down. If you are following Induction level low carb eating, it would be wise to avoid these products until at LEAST the 2 weeks are up, and your body's metabolism is settled well into ketosis and fat-burning mode. Same for other low carb programs, which may not be ketogenic, but do have strong effects on the metabolism (eg. Protein Power, Carb Addicts). Give your body the chance to adjust to the new WOE first, then cautiously add these products. KEYWORD moderation. Most low carbers find they can indulge very occasionally in a polyol-sweetened treat without consequence to their weight loss effort, and perhaps a mild laxative effect or some gas. It's a trade-off, but helps to stave off cravings for high-sugar goodies. A problem could develop though, for someone with carb-addiction .... these candies just become a substitute addiction. Also, the sweet taste can trigger EMOTIONS (for an addict) that will result in a "rush" of hormones and enzymes in the body, ultimately leading to an insulin spike ... and fat STORAGE. And remember that candy is NOT a meal substitute. There's little or no protein, Vitamins or essential fatty acids. RESOURCES "Reduced Calorie Sweeteners: Polyols" from the Calorie Control Council "Letter to Health Minister Allan Rock from CSPI Canada" Sept/00, urging accurate labelling of food products containing sugar alcohols, health warnings of the Gastrointestinal effects, and recommendations for control of dose per serving. "All About Polyols" from SPI Polyols (manufacturer) Happy Low Carbing!

70 more pounds Sades....then I will get pom poms and a cheerleader outfit...at least I know I would fit in one. Dang it. I wish I was you with no gas pain but after everything you have gone through you should have none...I hope it is smooth sailing from now on...you deserve it. Cindy

Hey all hope everyone's day went well. B: 1 1/2 eggs, 3 turkey sausages, onions & american cheese S: Cheeseburger bacon dip made with sour cream & mayo L: 1/4 hamburg with 2 tbps of cream cheese on it, onion & summer squash S: 1 1/2 oz. of cashews D: 1 1/2 Johnsonville Brats & Zuccini S: SF Jello with homemade whip cream (heavy cream and splenda) 77 grams of protein & 41 carbs...a little high gotta get it down. Cindy

Archer Man....first I feel for you! That is a long time to wait. Now put your hand out so that I can slap it. You can't be away from your Nymph family this long. You need support and cheerleading. We are here for you in the good times and the bad. We are your shoulders during frustrating times like now. Ok...I wooped ya. Now...you can do this. I know that I have been right where you are and recently to boot. Look over your Band diet rules, begin doing what you were doing in the beginning. Think about the fact that you are in Bandster Hell again and just work it the best you can. I have taken a dramatic step in the last 2 weeks and started to low-carb. I eat just Protein and veggies and I try to keep my carbs under 30 grams. It has worked for me because in the last few weeks I have dropped 8lbs. You can do it....and we are here for you. Don't be a stranger...we miss you. Who else can I harass before football season starts...PATS training camp is in two weeks....Woo-Hoo! Cindy The Nymph Cheerleader :thumbup:

I don't count calories but carbs. Refined or white carbs are the devil for me. I eat Protein and veggies. Like tonight I ate 1 1/2 brats and zuccuni. I have found that it works for met the best but not for all. Foofy is too hard on herself; she is doing great. Cindy is doing great too! It will come off eventually because of the Band. It is not a race it is what works for you and how you can handle it. Exercise does help alot and I found that out over the last 8 weeks. Best wishes and this is a great family to be a part of. Everyone is just great. Cindy The Resident Nymph Cheerleader

Glad your feeling as well as you are. Just think you will be catching up to me sooner than you think. Take it easy...how long are you going to be out of work? Cindy

Sades, So glad everything went smoothly. I have been thinking about you often and am glad that you doing as good as you can be right now. Rest, Walk, take you pain meds, keep your feet up and drink and stay hydrated. We are all pulling for you. Cindy:thumbup:

If it is a defective band wouldn't your doctor work with you to correct the problem. Why should you be dealing with it? I would ask your doctor to assist you because they obviously have to have a relationship with them. Good luck though.... Cindy

B: LC SlimFast Shake S: water L: McD's Grilled Chicken Salad with Ceasar Dressing & no croutons ate all chicken and 1/2 salad S: 2 tbps of No Sugar Peanut butter S: Spicy Peanuts & Cashews D: 1/4lb cooked hamburger with american cheese, summer squash from my garden, green olives, sauteed onions and some mayo Drank about 48 oz of water...need to get in more though can't seem to do it.

Cut yourself some slack. You were at the Water park the other day and tomorrow...I am sure that you were doing a lot of walking and were quite active. You don't suck; you are just busy...next week is always coming around the corner. As for me, I did: Monday: 1 hour water aerobics Tuesday: 1 hour water aerobics Wednesday: Off was having stomach pain Thursday: 1 hour Burn Baby Burn water aerobics Friday: Off (have to work, dang it!) Keep up the great work everybody. Cindy

Cindy- You can do it! I thought I was stuck in a rut about 3 weeks ago but I decided to kick start everything with eating low carb. I keep my carbs at under 30 a day. It seems to work for me...give it shot. I won't stay this low but for now...it works. Cindy

Name............Lbs Lost........% of wgt lost.......BMI QatarPhil...........55......................19%...............32.2 (39.6) Foofy...............43....................15.5%..................37.2 Sades...............35....................15.2%...............35.6 Shalee04...........66.....................26.6................30.3 Bandpal.............84.50..................29%................33(47) Skinny_Jill..........50.....................22.5%..............32.7 Stephanie..........60.....................26%.................27.1 Hollyberries........111.....................31%.................35.6 linda.................52......................23%.................29.9 5 Abbisgood..........53.....................23%.................?? want2lose..........76.4...................26%................33.5 kandiceb............63.....................26%................27.6 Momto1plus1......71.....................26.3%..............31.0 MollyBrown.........36.....................12.5%..............36.5 TxArcher............101...................25.25%.........52.8 to 39.4 Cindyg...............50.....................20%.................36.5 Close.................50.....................20%.................33.1 Tmusicmaker123..73.....................19%.................60.1 to 48.7 plump_princess....57.....................22%.................36 Mariegabrieleee....73.....................24%.................51.3 to 39.1 gabeekeeper.......101.....................30% ..................40.2 stranger138........45......................19.56%.................32.8 shortgal..............40......................18.5%..............33.8 Robin_Bird............90.....................29.5%................32.7 Staysee..............70.....................20%................48.4 Hajohnson1..........49.8....................18.2%..............39.8 lindseyann2u........70......................?%.................? Cherlita...............44.......................20%...............65 to 57.5 BandChick64..........94.5.....................31.5%.............33.2 tyman311..............61.....................31%...............41 to 28 (so far) BarbBee................69......................23%...............39.4 Huskerette............54..(i gained)..........22%...............30.5 Firebolt.................45.....................19%..................3 3.5 Total 2094.2 lbs lost!

Great Job Dude! 64lbs is a great accomplishment. You should be very proud of yourself. Cindy

Thanks Shortgal! I am proud of myself...who would have thought that I would be this far along and loving 5 hours of Water aerobics a week. By the way, any news yet! I am still thinking great thoughts for you. Foofy, I don't count calories...I just eat low carb and when I am hungry. I have chosen to keep my carbs under 30 grams a day for a few weeks and then I will in more good carbs. I have found that carbs are the devil and that I will stall if I eat them. I am very choosy with what I eat now but strictly stick to Protein & veggies. I ate off low carb plan on the 4th and gained 4lbs but have lost all that and 1lb. It works for me. I won't stay so strict forever just until my next stall. The PA was amazed at how much I have lost because it is really unheard of. I am definately not the norm for the Band but for some reason it works for me... BandChick! You are doing great too! I kind of wanted a little tweek today but she was pretty insistent on not giving me one until I am losing slower and not hungry. Somedays I am hungrier than others but for the most part I am glad I did not get it because I think that I would have trouble like I had back in May. Keep up the great work! Cindy

Hi all! Sounds like everyone is doing great this week. Congratulations on the NSV's that you all have had this week, as well. I haven't had much of chance to check in but have stayed on plan all week. I went in for a fill today and weighed in at 247...I couldn't believe that I had lost 16lbs in 2 months. Which meant that I did not get a fill today. They felt that I have been losing at a consistent pace and didn't need one. I agree at this point because I still have issues getting things to go down and I didn't want to get to tight. As for eating today...I thought I was getting a fill so I filled my bag with LC SlimFast Shakes and water. B: LC SlimFast Shake S: Water L: McD's Grilled Chicken Ceaser (all chicken and 1/2 salad) S: 2 Tbsp low sugar peanut butter S: Water D: 1/4 Hamburg Patti with Slice of American Cheese, 8 green olives, summer squash & fried onions and mayo. S: Planters Heat Peanuts S: Cashews I did 1 hours of Burn Baby Burn Water Aerobics. Keep up the great work everyone! Cindy

Well I went to Boston today for a fill appointment. Imagine my surprise when they weighed me in at 247.5lbs. I am down 111 lbs since November 6th. I was so excited. I did not see Dr. Lautz today but his PA and she was great. I liked her alot. She told me that she felt that I did not need to get a fill at this point because I had lost 16lbs in the last two months. What really made my day was that she told me that I was at the top of the tier for weight loss with the band. I have lost 52.2% of my excess body weight and anything above 40-45% is considered good. We both felt that my success has been switching to low carb eating and adding 5 hours of water aerobics a week. I asked about my stomach pain and she thought that maybe it was Gastritis (SP) and told me to take Prilosec once a day before breakfast. She said that it should clear up in a few days but that if I was still having pain when I go back next month that we would need to look into some tests. I hope it is as simple as this. I weighed in at 247.5lbs and have 2.25cc's in my 4.0cc band. I am a happy little dudette today. Cindy

Well I went to Boston today for a fill appointment. Imagine my surprise when they weighed me in at 247.5lbs. I am down 111 lbs since November 6th. I was so excited. I did not see Dr. Lautz today but his PA and she was great. I liked her alot. She told me that she felt that I did not need to get a fill at this point because I had lost 16lbs in the last two months. What really made my day was that she told me that I was at the top of the tier for weight loss with the band. I have lost 52.2% of my excess body weight and anything above 40-45% is considered good. We both felt that my success has been switching to low carb eating and adding 5 hours of water aerobics a week. I asked about my stomach pain and she thought that maybe it was Gastritis (SP) and told me to take Prilosec once a day before breakfast. She said that it should clear up in a few days but that if I was still having pain when I go back next month that we would need to look into some tests. I hope it is as simple as this. I weighed in at 247.5lbs and have 2.25cc's in my 4.0cc band. I am a happy little dudette today. Cindy

Good Attitude Wendy! We talked about goal weight at my fill today and the PA and I agree that I should lose until I feel good. She told me that the numbers that WW and other weight loss programs go by are unrealistic sometimes because it doesn't take into consideration body make up, ie; large bone or small bone. I am considered large bone and if I get to 145 I would look anorexic not to mention I don't ever remember being that low.... Cindy

Well I went to Boston today for a fill appointment. Imagine my surprise when they weighed me in at 247.5lbs. I am down 111 lbs since November 6th. I was so excited. I did not see Dr. Lautz today but his PA and she was great. I liked her alot. She told me that she felt that I did not need to get a fill at this point because I had lost 16lbs in the last two months. What really made my day was that she told me that I was at the top of the tier for weight loss with the band. I have lost 52.2% of my excess body weight and anything above 40-45% is considered good. We both felt that my success has been switching to low carb eating and adding 5 hours of Water aerobics a week. I asked about my stomach pain and she thought that maybe it was Gastritis (SP) and told me to take Prilosec once a day before Breakfast. She said that it should clear up in a few days but that if I was still having pain when I go back next month that we would need to look into some tests. I hope it is as simple as this. I weighed in at 247.5lbs and have 2.25cc's in my 4.0cc band. I am a happy little dudette today. Cindy

CindyG...........204...........202...........184...........18 TxArcher.........299...........299...........280...........19 Hollyberries.....253...........247...........238...........9 Momto1plus1......203...........198.2.........185...........13.2 Lindata..........176.5.........176.5.........160...........16.5 Sades............194...........194...........185............9 Mariegabrieleee..235...........232...........215...........17 Skinny Jill......167...........167...........157...........10 Foofy............233...........230.5.........220...........10.5 Kuchiegrl........251...........251...........235..... .....16 Peaches11........203...........203...........183...........20 Huskerette.......180...........180...........165...........15 Shalee04.........182...........182...........170...........12

Linda- I am not sure about the spicy food but I have been having a lot of stomach pain lately after I eat. I have noticed that after I eat spicy food it acts up but I need to really start keeping tract of when it starts. However, I am concerned with the pain because it hurts quite a bit. I couldn't do my Water aerobics yesterday because of it but today it doesn't hurt. I have been feeling the pain every week for last 3 weeks. I go for a fill today and I am going to mention it to the doctor but I can't eat when I am having an episode. Not sure about spicy food but definately I am having issues. Cindy

Sades, I am thinking great thoughts for a successful surgery. We are with you. You are on your way now.. Cindy

Linda....I was to fat to be a cheerleader.....lol! Now, I am getting thinner and I think I will get a short skirt and some pom poms when I hit goal. Cindy

Congratulations Wendy! What a great accomplishment. You must feel elated. Cindy