yogurt after surgery

[Tamika James 61]

So I was reading that we are not supposed to have sugar after surgery. Are they talking pastries and stuff cause I drink the chobani complete yogurts. Are those okay? They have a like 20g of Protein and they taste so good

[NickelChip 1,212]

A certain amount of sugar is usually fine, especially the natural sugar found in dairy or applesauce. Added sugar is going to be where your doctor will probably have strict limits, and things may change as you get further out from surgery. Chobani complete drinkable yogurt has no added sugar, so that's a good sign, even if the overall sugar is 11 grams. But you'll want to talk to your practice about how many you can have and when they're okay. If you haven't yet, you should soon receive a booklet from your dietician with all the rules they want you to follow, and yes, they will be different from rules other people get at other practices, even if they are getting the same surgery!

My rules include finding Protein supplements with less than 5 grams sugar, at least 20 grams protein, and 160-200 calories per serving. But that 5 gram limit is specific to the Protein Shakes, not to all foods or meals. I can also have Greek or light yogurt, and I happen to know plain Greek yogurt has 7 grams sugar naturally. One of those little snack cups of unsweetened applesauce has 11 grams of sugar (again, naturally occurring). So, I think the Chobani complete drink would probably be approved for me, although I'm fairly sure I would be told to limit myself to a certain amount per day and not use them interchangeably with protein supplements, which generally have way lower sugar.

[Arabesque 7,240]

I had yoghurt from purées. They saved me by helping with my Protein intake. Many plans say Greek yoghurt only but I ate a high protein no added sugar yoghurt. Personally I found Chobani sweet. The one I eat (Australian brand) is far from sweet. I remember that lip pursing gasp at how tart it was when first eating it but I love that. It does have artificial sweetener though I wish it didn’t.

There is a difference between naturally occurring sugar & added sugar. The no sugar recommendation is no added sugar. So the naturally occurring sugars like in milk, fruit, some vegetables, etc. are okay.

Best advice is always to check your plan & with your dietician.

[catwoman7 11,212]

yep - the others are correct. It's the added sugar that they want you to avoid (or really limit). Most of the sugar in yogurt (unless it's got added sugar in it because of the flavorings) is lactose, which is naturally occurring in milk. I eat yogurt every day and have since my surgery nine years ago. I eat very little meat, so having Greek yogurt for Breakfast starts my day off with a good amount of Protein.

[SomeBigGuy 110]

Yeah it should be fine, just keep the sugar low. As long as you're hitting your daily Water and Protein goals, and the sugar amount is in single digits per serving, you should be fine. I've been eating Fage plain greek yogurt as my snack since it has 17g of Protein and very low carbs. I love the 5% milkfat version but the saturated fat is a tad high. I know I should have the 0% but I don't like the flavor. 2% has been my compromise.

[Sigh 196]

If you are in the US, look for the brand two good yogurt- it is amazing yogurt, I eat half a container with a spoonful of Peanut Butter (Im in maintenance) for my breakfast some days— its delicious an very low sugar (2g in a container).

[Up down up down 0]

On 1/12/2024 at 9:32 PM, Tamika James said:

So I was reading that we are not supposed to have sugar after surgery. Are they talking pastries and stuff cause I drink the chobani complete yogurts. Are those okay? They have a like 20g of Protein and they taste so good

Protein is essential but look at your sugars, per serving and added=total. To much sugar you will have dumping. I had surgery in 2008 and I still watch sugar intake. I eat to much, right away I get hot, start sweating then run for a bathroom. Everyone is different but I might be able to eat a half of cupcake or bite of a rich cake then I'm done. I use injury Protein Powder. I prefer the unflavored can add it to anything. Milk is to sweet and thick for me trying to get extra protein and Calcium with milk I have unfortunately turned to skim. Unflavored you can put in yogurt shots with less sugar and adding much needed protein.

[Nan CC 16]

The guideline I was given by the nutritionist at my surgeon's office said that under 7 grams of sugar is what I should aim for.

[#thebestofme 118]

Looks Like I'm one of the Veterans on this topic, "Don't do it" stay away from sugar after surgery adleast first 6 months if you want the best results. Remember, you didn't do this to yourself for mediocre results, right? After my first year they took me off metfomin no more diabetes. Yeppie! so no Sugar you can do it.

[Arabesque 7,240]

23 hours ago, Nan CC said:

The guideline I was given by the nutritionist at my surgeon's office said that under 7 grams of sugar is what I should aim for.

Remember that’s added sugar. Not the naturally occurring sugar. The naturally occurring sugar in milk (& other dairy products), fruit, vegetables, are fine. Keeping your added sugar under than 7g is easy. I do it every day & am 4.75 years out.

20 hours ago, #thebestofme said:

Looks Like I'm one of the Veterans on this topic, "Don't do it" stay away from sugar after surgery adleast first 6 months if you want the best results.

I’d go further though & say stay away from as much artificial sweetener as well. It only feeds your desire for sweet/sugar, causes weight gain, affects your immune system, etc. it’s not easy cause they put that stuff in seemingly every darn thing. But at least try to keep it low.

[SomeBigGuy 110]

Sorry if I'm repeating myself, I've lost track of which threads I've posted on.

My doctor said to keep it under 10g total carbohydrates per serving, and target 50-60g total max per day. Not low enough to go into Keto, unless that's your intent, but low enough for the body to prioritize burning fat first.

I know on days that I've blown past this, I'll feel more irritable a few hours later and I'll crave more bread and sugar for 2-3 days afterwards, so go lightly on it!

Personally, I've had trouble with some artificial sugars causing cravings and irritability. Not everyone will have this intolerance, but pay close attention to any sugar alcohols or substitutes in ingredients and see which ones affect you. I've had luck tolerating Monk Fruit and stevia, but Sorbitol and Xylitol hit me as hard as normal sugar.