Sugar Cravings - Please help!

[BrandiBird 21]

I am one year and one month post-op, and I have lost 90 pounds from my heaviest weight. I'm feeling a lot better, sleeping better, eating better, and moving more.

However, since January, the scale hasn't moved at all. I spoke with my surgeon's assistant at my one year check-in, and she said I should still be losing about 3 pounds a month, albeit slowly, and to reduce my calories if I'm not meeting that goal (I eat between 1200-1500 calories a day, but usually closer to 1500).

But, I've also noticed, the last few months I've been really struggling with sweet cravings. Before my surgery I'd like some sugary things every now and then, but lately I've had these really intense cravings that feel like almost every day. I try to choose fruit, or make a chocolate Protein Drink, but I'm more annoyed by the cravings than anything. I really wish they'd go away. I always feel awful after I eat something sugary, too, so I know it's not going to sit well in my stomach but that pang is still there.

Can anyone offer advice on how to cope with this?

[BlondePatriotInCDA 536]

Did you have your one year labs? How were your blood sugar results? Sometimes new cravings are the result of body dynamics changing and its trying to get your attention.

There has been research that has shown cravings can change every seven years. For me I used to crave sweets, now (before surgery as well) it was salty crunchy snacks...perhaps its just a change for you. When I do crave sweets I have a Greek yogurt "mint chip ice cream" pop which is about 90 calories, or a sugar free fudgcicle - 60 calories, or a tablespoon of no sugar added dark chocolate chips - 60 calories. I also purchased an icreami and make ice cream out of Protein Drinks to get that sweet itch taken care of!

Cravings are both what people on these forums call "mind hunger" and/or they can also be triggered by what your body is needing. Either way its still annoying when you're watching what you eat. I personally have never found "eat a piece of fruit" to work for me, plus fruit has just as much sugar as some treats so its not really doing you any favors ( other than possibly healthier) so if I'm craving a "sweet" I have one of the things I mentioned above. I figure I've given up so much as it is and also gained a healthier body that I would rather have a healthier sweet option opposed to being harassed by a craving. 😋 As long as you keep it healthier and minimal - no harm unless you're worried about the "slippery slope". I personally just tell myself I've been through so much now - why f*** it up now? This keeps me on the straight and narrow path.

Good luck and if you need to - ask your dietician about it. I hope this helps some. I know some ppl will suggest drinking more Water, exercise when feeling these craving etc. none of which have worked for me..but give them a try they might for you!

Edited April 3, 2024 by BlondePatriotInCDA

[BrandiBird 21]

7 minutes ago, BlondePatriotInCDA said:

Did you have your one year labs? How were your blood sugar results? Sometimes new cravings are the result of body dynamics changing and its trying to get your attention.

There has been research that has shown cravings can change every seven years. For me I used to crave sweets, now (before surgery as well) it was salty crunchy snacks...perhaps its just a change for you. When I do crave sweets I have a Greek yogurt "mint chip ice cream" pop which is about 90 calories, or a sugar free fudgcicle - 60 calories, or a tablespoon of no sugar added dark chocolate chips - 60 calories. I also purchased an icreami and make ice cream out of Protein Drinks to get that sweet itch taken care of!

Cravings are both what people on these forums call "mind hunger" and/or they can also be triggered by what your body is needing. Either way its still annoying when you're watching what you eat. I personally have never found "eat a piece of fruit" to work for me, plus fruit has just as much sugar as some treats so its not really doing you any favors ( other than possibly healthier) so if I'm craving a "sweet" I have one of the things I mentioned above. I figure I've given up so much as it is and also gained a healthier body that I would rather have a healthier sweet option opposed to being harassed by a craving. 😋 As long as you keep it healthier and minimal - no harm unless you're worried about the "slippery slope". I personally just tell myself I've been through so much now - why f*** it up now? This keeps me on the straight and narrow path.

Good luck and if you need to - ask your dietician about it. I hope this helps some. I know some ppl will suggest drinking more Water, exercise when feeling these craving etc. none of which have worked for me..but give them a try they might for you!

I did have my one year labs, and everything was in a normal range! I was very happy with that.

It could be a change. I am wondering if I should go back to utilizing some of the Protein drinks that I drank so much of in the beginning, because they were always sweet in flavor. I'm thinking maybe I got used to having that sweetness and now that I don't drink them as often, I'm wanting something sweet? The idea of making them into ice cream is genius!

I do think a lot of it is mind hunger. Sometimes I'm hungry (usually in the late afternoon before dinner), but a lot of times I just want something sweet after a meal. Eating fruit can work for me, depending on the fruit, and it has a lot more Vitamins and Fiber than a "sweet", so I tend to feel satisfied if I'm actually hungry. I'm not against having sweets for treats, but it's just become almost an every day craving that I feel like I have to battle it out. I am worried about the slippery slope, though.

I think I'll try the protein ice cream. Especially nearing summertime, that will be super nice to have. Thank you!

[BlondePatriotInCDA 536]

7 minutes ago, BrandiBird said:

I did have my one year labs, and everything was in a normal range! I was very happy with that.

It could be a change. I am wondering if I should go back to utilizing some of the Protein Drinks that I drank so much of in the beginning, because they were always sweet in flavor. I'm thinking maybe I got used to having that sweetness and now that I don't drink them as often, I'm wanting something sweet? The idea of making them into ice cream is genius!

I do think a lot of it is mind hunger. Sometimes I'm hungry (usually in the late afternoon before dinner), but a lot of times I just want something sweet after a meal. Eating fruit can work for me, depending on the fruit, and it has a lot more Vitamins and Fiber than a "sweet", so I tend to feel satisfied if I'm actually hungry. I'm not against having sweets for treats, but it's just become almost an every day craving that I feel like I have to battle it out. I am worried about the slippery slope, though.

I think I'll try the Protein ice cream. Especially nearing summertime, that will be super nice to have. Thank you!

You're welcome! There are thousands of icreami Protein recipes out there, so its always a new taste/flavor! Just keep in mind it takes 24 hours to make so you need to plan ahead and just keep it ahead of a craving. I also recommend the Greek yogurt bars, 13-16 grams of protein, no sugar added and the same calories as well..Greek yogurt!

Good luck!

Edited April 3, 2024 by BlondePatriotInCDA