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After 5 years I finally admit I can't do this alone.

You are not alone and you are not crazy! I have a very serious addiction to sugar. No joke. I can eat an absurd amount of desserts, candy, sweet things. Since I began my WLS journey in January I have really cut down on sugary things, while my brain is screaming at me for a binge. I have only given in once since January, and I think it was at the height of the COVID stress. I, like you, knew what I was doing. I just did it and didn’t care about the consequences. And that’s why I am, partly, how I am. I used to eat and not care about the consequences. I’ve always been really active, even at my highest weight, so I used that to rationalize my sugar obsession. But that was all faulty. I can look at sweets now, and tell myself, that gives me nothing. After my surgery I am fully aware that too much sugar will make me physically ill, and I am prepared to fight the craving monster so I do not get sick. Sugar is definitely addictive, but like other addictions, it can be fought. Even though it is sooooo hard.
 
It used to be for me, but it is not so much any more. Prior to revision to the bypass, it remained a much bigger issue for me than it is now. Now the dumping that comes from eating too much is just not worth it, which helps me with the mental side of the craving. Since I am not mentally craving it, and now my body has not been having processed sugars for so long, the physical cravings are not there either.
 
I will say that I will have the occasional sweet. It might be half a cookie or a rolo. But I do consume items that have sugar in them. The thing is, dumping keeps me from consuming too much. If I am eating something that I really shouldn't, I eat it in smaller portions and savor it for as long as I can (something I took away from a post Diane did forever ago it seems). I make that half of a cookie last for 20+ bites and each bite is chewed and savored fully and then a rest in between bites so that I can get the most enjoyment out of it that I can. We learn to eat slowly and chew, chew, chew. Just because it is something you love, you shouldn't rush through it. Don't give up the training you have fought for and accomplished. Instead, put it on steroids and chew more and eat even more slowly so that you can enjoy that piece of candy or "forbidden" treat for longer than you would if you scarfed down 10 rolos in two minutes because you let your eating addiction take over. Moderation is key. Just use the tips you have been drilling into your new eating habits. (I know it sounds easier than it actually is, you just have to retrain your brain.... that's all, no biggie lol).
 
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