I'm confused about artificial sweeteners. I see some people referencing using them quite a bit and others who stop them completely. Is it OK to use artificial sweeteners after surgery? Will it hinder weight loss?
I'll mention I'm 2.5 years out, lost more than 100 pounds and have been maintaining my goal weight.
I extensively use artificial sweeteners. I add Equal and Sweet-N-Low to my coffee, iced tea, and yogurt. I also use Splenda when Equal and Sweet-N-Low aren't available.
Many people are firmly opposed to processed 'food-like' substances such as artificial sweeteners, but I use them freely. Clinical research had been published indicating a higher chance of weight gain & obesity with artificial sweeteners, but the study design was flawed.
Moreover, folks who use artificial sweeteners in the general population are more prone to obesity not due to sweetener chemicals, but as a result of compensatory eating: they consume calorie-free soda and tea, so they compensate by eating more since they assume they've saved up some calories by drinking zero-calorie soda pop.
10/23/14 Initial Consult 200 lb, 5'1 tall
4/6/15 Highest Wt 225 (yes: 25 lb gain)
4/20/15 Surgery Wt 218, BMI 41
1 mo 203.0 -15
2 mo 190.5 -12.5
3 mo 184.5 -6
4 mo 177.0 -7.5
5 mo 171.0 -6
6 mo 164.5 -6.5
7 mo 157.5 -7
8 mo 152.5 -5
9 mo 149 -3.5
10 m 143 -6
11 m 142 -1
1 yr 138.5 -3.5
13 m 133 -5.5
14 m 128 -5
15 m 125 -3
16 m 121 -4
17 m 120 -1
18 m 118 -2
Dec '17: BMI 23.5; consumes 2000+ kcal/day
I use Stevia, but I am also concerned about the chemicals I am consuming!
I have heard that your body reacts to the sweet taste and releases insulin in response to eating something sweet in anticipation of the need. IDK if that's true though, it was from a doctor the believes in being pretty much a vegan (Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of "Eat To Live"). I use sweetener and I'm still losing weight. I'm just in a stall right now, too many pork skins I think. I didn't buy any at the store this week. No more for me until I hit my goal weight...
I avoid splenda because it's high on the glycemic index and causes me to have cravings like if I have carbs. my entire family is low carb/sugar free. I use monkfruit if I bake something for them. I don't like stevia and find it bitter.
I'm 'sugar free' as much as possible, but the nutritionist stressed more than once, IF you need a sugar substitute, use STEVIA only. I have it in the cupboard, but haven't had to use it more than once.
Height: 5'8"
Highest Weight: 270 BMI 40.3
Day of Surgery Weight: 223 / Pre-Op nutrition diet: LOST 47 pounds
1 Month Weight: 202 (-21 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 64 pounds
2 Month: Weight: 188 (-14 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 78 pounds
6 Month Weight: 169 (-2) BMI: 25.7 TOTAL LOST: 97 pounds
"If you can't laugh at yourself, life's going to seem a whole lot longer."
I have Splenda in my coffee everyday. Coffee and Splenda are my only vices. I no longer eat carbs, drink alcohol, etc. so I allow myself this one "bad" thing. I know that the Splenda is full of chemicals, but I really don't like the taste of Stevia. I'm still losing, so I guess it isn't causing a problem with my weight loss.
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