How I Gave up Sugar

Note from a fellow bariatric patient…

Have you ever called yourself a sugar addict? It’s not a nice way to describe oneself, but if you are like me, you’ve probably used the term at least once. The truth is, I believe that I am addicted to sugar; I simply cannot do it in moderation.

When I had weight loss surgery eight years ago, I had no choice but to give up sugar to prevent dumping, and it was kind of life-altering. I felt fantastic, with no postsugar crashes, morning headaches, or unmanageable cravings.

A couple of years ago, I took a cruise and had just “a bit” of sugar and then, over time, increasingly more. Mind you, it was nowhere near the amount that I had before my weight loss surgery, but more than I needed or wanted.

As much as I loved the occasional sweets, I knew it was a slippery slope, and I preferred how I felt without sugar, so I decided to go sugar-free again.

Here is how I did it:

• I got an accountability partner. Every day, I made a commitment not to eat sugar and checked in with her to confirm that I was successful. It was important to fulfill my commitment and not let her down.
• I found sugar-free, low-calorie substitutes. Sometimes, that might be a cup of air-popped popcorn with zero-calorie spray or homemade Unjury® protein ice cream.
• I distract myself during times of craving. I might clean a drawer, garden, or take a short walk when I want to eat.
• I increased my protein as I tended to have fewer cravings when my blood sugar was stable. I especially loved iced, decaf coffee mixed with an Unjury Vanilla Ready-to-Drink Protein Shake. It was both sweet and good for me.

Giving up sugar was tough initially, but each day got easier. It has been almost a year since I went sugar-free again, and I realize that this is just a better way to manage for me. Giving up a food group isn’t right for everyone, but for some of us, less (or none) is more.

Good luck!

—Your bariatric friend