Sugar Addiction! Struggling.

**mykidz0818** · 09-18-2013 09:56 AM

I am going to be boldly honest here in the hopes that I get the support I need. I am 8 months out and I am failing! I have been struggling all summer! I have a good day followed by several days of over-eating. I have gained 14 pounds. I didn't realize how huge of a sugar addiction I have until I had the surgery! I have these uncontrollable cravings that will not go away! I don't know how to get myself back on track again. I even tried the 5 day pouch test back in June. I was successful for about a week after.

**bestnester** · 09-18-2013 10:11 AM

Ok, so it took me a minute to grasp the 14 pound gain. To gain weight you have to eat more then you burn, so I am thinking you aren't exercising? That in itself is a huge component to losing weight.

Detox from sugar once we've had it is so hard. Same with carbs. Our body clings to those things and we almost have to have them to gt through. You need to completely detox from the sugar. Like cold turkey. If you buy these items you will eat them, so make a shopping list, and stick to it. What is it exactly you are eating that you can't live without? Could you try fruit for the sweetness?

I just hit 7 months and I know its harder and harder to stick with it. You need to decide what you want, you've got the tools to do it.

**Cindola** · 09-18-2013 10:12 AM

Mykids0818, I am right there with you! My mistake is that sugar is everywhere and in so many processed foods -- that is why we crave it! I have sugar in the house for baking (I have a 21 year old and 18 year old) when the kids have friends over, holidays, birthdays, etc -- if I bake I eat it! When I keep busy and am eating natural sugars in fruit (watermelon and peaches are my favorite right now) I do so much better. Try to find those foods that will satisfy your sugar craving without the sugar! With the advent of fall - squash is a great source of sweet and it is good for you too! Try, try, try to find those foods that are good for your that taste sweet -- try ginger or peppermint teas between meals, they have no caffeine and will help with your liquid load. One thing that helps me is that when we have something that I shouldn't really be eating I store it in the garage (in weather proof containers) so if I am going to eat it I have to get it out of the hot or cold garage -- it makes me think twice about eating it! If you really need something sweet find something that you can add to plain Greek yogurt (I use a Fiber One lemon bar) for a snack 1X ONLY daily, make it special -- take your time and enjoy! This is one of the big addictions right up there with alcohol and drugs! Remember the "Serenity Prayer!"

**gemini*eyes** · 09-18-2013 10:12 AM

I would suggest either a therapist or some serious soul searching. What you are doing is gonna cause diabetes and sugar makes you CRAVE more. You have to stop eating sugar for several days before you can get it out of your system and stop the cravings. I struggle too and im 9 months out. I love milk chocolate but I only let myself buy dark chocolate. That way I eat a small bite to get the chocolate craving gone. If I buy milk choc ill eat the whole thing... I havw not gained at all and I would freak out at the rate your going.. the surgery was for NOTHING! Is that what you want to hear.. Please get some self control and read some self help books or something.. I will keep you in my thoughts and really hope you find the strength with in to stop sabatoging yourself. It all boils down to how bad you really want it . 14 pounds is SERIOUS business at only 8 months out. you can do it.. If YOU want it. now.. Go throw away all that crap in your kitchen and get your butt to the gym! YOU CAN OVERCOME! Google sugar addiction.. Do it for yourself.. If you gain anymore you will give up completely. sorry I dont SUGAR coat things when the truth is what is needed! You are in charge not the sugar!

**LisaNunu** · 09-18-2013 10:57 AM

I totally understand. Instead of sugar mine is carbs. I discovered if I try to eat a little bit - I want a bunch - so I am trying to just avoid them like the plague. I quit smoking this year and have been completely tobacco free by not taking another puff. Not a single one. I know me - If I take a puff - I will want the whole cig - then I will want another - then I will be back to full time smoking. I won't allow myself the puff. I think I am going to have to treat my carb addiction the same way. One chip or cracker (even healthy hummus chips and rice crackers) are going to have to be a total no go with me - when I eat one I want the whole bag - and I just can not do that...

**greenmomma** · 09-18-2013 10:59 AM

Just because you made poor food choices yesterday, doesn't mean you'll make them today. To quote Pumbaa, put the past in your behind. Make mindful choices going forward. Good luck. And don't forget that you've already lost nearly 70 pounds. You can do this!

**sleeve-me** · 09-18-2013 11:24 AM

i am so glad you posted this.... i can so relate but havent had a gain from it and have been doing it from 6 months on. i havent admitted this here at all but i love love love that sugar in the raw. i add a ton and i mean a ton to my ice tea daily. there is something about the crunch. no i dont blend it in. in fact i hate sweet tea if you can believe it. its the crunch i am after. in some ways i think that it keeps me from eating more then my meal plan during the day. like it is my safety net. as a part of this program i stopped drinking. i try to tell my friends its the only bad thing i get. if i can get off of it for a few days it can really help and stop the cravings. that is one of the reasons i am doing the pouch test. to stop it .... i think i might be having withdrawls from sugar but i am hanging in. i am sure if i stopped the sugar i would def have less cravings for other bad carbs. it could really help my loss but i feel pretty satisfied where i am so i dont quit. its a terrible terrible habit for me.

**Dunnbyrobert** · 09-18-2013 11:44 AM

Can you tell me what the leak test diet is you did for 5 days? I am 7 months out and for the last 6 weeks been struggling and gaining a few pounds. I need a reboot. My Dr's office said to come back and get things tightened back up. I am about ready to.

**jactkb** · 09-18-2013 11:48 AM

There are some studies out there that suggest that artificial sweeteners can contribute to sugar addiction. If you are having trouble truly detoxing from sugar and you are using artificial sweeteners, the artificial sweeteners may be the cause. I would suggest doing a trial of only eating whole foods. Lean meats, whole raw or cooked veggies, whole raw fruits. Make sure any broth/sauce/etc does not have any sugar or artificial sweeteners. I have a blog post that contains info about items that do not use artificial sweeteners. I plan on using stevia, but for your detox I wouldn't risk using even it.

I also suggest finding a good therapist that has experience with eating disorders or addictions. If money for therapy is an issue, most areas have therapists that charge on a sliding fee scale. Google "sliding fee therapist" and your geographical area.

This is my greatest fear with having this surgery. I had lap band previously and failed with it. I have already started working with a therapist to help me succeed.

Good luck and keep posting, we will be here to support and help you in any way we can.

**Dunnbyrobert** · 09-18-2013 11:51 AM

Pouch diet????????? What does it consist of?

**gemini*eyes** · 09-18-2013 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Dunnbyrobert

Pouch diet????????? What does it consist of?

Google it. 5 day pouch test. Its just a liquid diet people think it helps shrink the stomach or something. Its not a leak test.. And what do you mean your doc said to come back and have things tightend up???? Not possible unless you havr a sleeve revision and cut more off.. ?? Elaborate please!