Question for Chocolate-lovers who've been banded

[lapbandtalker 0]

I'm not a chocolate addict, thank goodness. But the US chocolate makers have made it easier on losing weight because many have changed their recipies and the once 'melt in your mouth' chocolate is waxy.

But as a soda pop addict, I can tell you that if ALL you ate was chocolate- you'd lose weight. (not healthy mind you) So, your doctor has seen first hand patients who weren't ready for weightloss...meaning to do what it took to loose the weight.

You are on the right track but you never know...you may develop a sensible relationship with chocolate through your experience. I have with cakes/pasteries, etc.

just not the soda pop.

Good luck!

[annjones 3]

I do enjoy chocolate/sweets now and then. I've experimented with different Protein drinks, SF pudding, and recently I've found Zone Perfect and Balance Protein Bars. They have alot of carbs but the taste is way better than any Protein Bar I've had in the past.

They can sit heavy in your pouch so slowly enjoying 1/2 bar way before a meal or at the end of the evening might feed that sweet tooth. Plus you get a good amount of Protein in.

Also using SF syrups and sauces helps.

It is hard to explain but you will feel and crave different things once you are banded. It isn't like a light switch turning on but you just will eat and crave different things.

Stick with the basics... Protein first, 64 oz + Water, low carb and low fat. Stay away from snack type foods (chips etc). Know and be comfortable with your limitations. Be ok saying "No I can't eat that, etc.

I worried so much over the different things I was eating (pre band) and what I would be struggling with (post band).

Things have a way of working out. You are doing the absolute right thing by asking questions and learning everything you can.

Good Luck!

[kgloverii 0]

I always preferred vanilla to chocolate pre-band. Now, I am a true chocoholic. I made one deal with myself. Every morning, when I wake up, I have one piece of chocolate. A truffle, a square from a chocolate bar, something like that. I eat REAL chocolate, no high fructose corm Syrup chocolate, no sugar free Chocolate. My current favorite is Lindt chili chocolate. One square is perfect...

My eating throughout the day is 'normal' and I have very small portions. I don't deny myself anything, but I make sure NOT to eat sliders all of the time. So far, it has worked pretty well for me. :sneaky:

[LaDawnS 2]

Hi Early!

Just wondering how you were doing...are you banded yet? If so how's it going for you?

[SandraMinnesota 0]

I too, am a sweet addict. I was banded in January, and have lost over 30# now, and feel great. My thrill is buying secondhand clothes and looking so good.

I kind of give myself permission to eat sweets, but rarely indulge. I do not keep them in the house, with the exception of prepackaged Gummy bears that are only 80 calories a package. I eat one package a day. I also keep gum in my car console. It's like a little treat while I am driving.

I haven't lost the urge to eat sweets, but it truly is a controllable urge, because my hunger is under control now. I do steal a little cup of ice cream at work now and then, but when I do, I count the calories and move on, and of course, ice cream is at least full of Calcium, so that makes me feel a little better about the indulgence.

Sandra

[SpecialK 22]

What I didn't see in the above posts so far is what those of us who still like chocolate do for substitutes and so I'll start off and maybe others will join in to give you ideas.

1. SF hot chocolate

2. SF Jello Chocolate pudding

3. Low Carb Chocolate Protein Drinks

4. Slim-Fast has a chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch snack bar with Protein that reminds me of a candy bar - about 110 calories or so.

5. Zone Perfect Protein Bars - they have some real chocolately flavored ones that hit my chocolate hot spot.

6. SF Chocolate fudge bars