RE: Sex & Sugar

[Guest guest]

Gotta chime in on these two -

Sheila writes: I have a question for anyone who might shed some light on

this subject for me. I've found that recently (14 months post op) I'm not

nearly as interested in sex as I used to

be

Yes, I too believe that sex begins in the mind - yet it needs a blend of

fuels to run - hormones, mental stimulation, sensorial stimulation - perhaps

a loving relationship (but we all know that a loving relationship isn't

required for everyone - some really enjoy gratuitous sex).

I'm battling low or rather non-existent sex drive, too. I'm 14 mo post-op.

As puts it, sex has become as interesting as brushing my teeth. No

aversion, just no desire. In the past, pre-wls, I had difficulty

envisioning how that could be. Not interested? Not possible. Not for me --

I've always been one who thoroughly enjoyed frequent, varied fun and games

and one who missed 'em a LOT when needing to abstain for whatever reason.

Weight and the related issues were not a factor, except in my own head. Odd

for me that I didn't equate the loss of the fatty tissue with the loss of

what is STORED in them, but that does make a lot of sense... and is at

least probably PART of the explanation. Because I'm older I'm dealing with

age related issues - and only 1 old tired ovary, too. So I've got a triple

whammy going here and while it leaves me more time on my hands *chuckle* it

isn't how I want to live my life. BUT, I need the jump start hormones

provide, that's VERY clear to me.

Doc tried me on estratest, a blend of estrogen and testosterone. No dif.

I'm going back to her soon (because I had labs done and received one of

those " your doctor wants to discuss lab results with you " letters) and plan

to discuss the following: Since the estratest didn't seem to make a dif, I'm

wondering if we've lost that portion of our innards that absorb it if taken

by mouth? That's what I'm going to ask my doctor about.... Shots seem to be

the next step. We'll see.

NOW - the SUGAR - I'm a carboholic that has fallen off the wagon. Grazing

too much, eating too many of those yummy baked goodies (cookies, desserts,

etc.) and wanting all the rice, pasta, potatoes and wheat products a LOT!

I've gained 4 pounds. I'm trying Stevia tablets to help decrease the

jonesin' for the carbs. Don't know if it will help, but I'm willing to try

It isn't quantity eating - can't do that - it is the frequency. For 9 or 10

months I followed the rules re: when to drink again after eating, how long

to wait between meals, WHAT to eat. Then BLAM! So now - I'm not only

dealing with no sex drive and the related issues, I'm dealing with beating

me up over my lapses plus the pressures of a life that is way too intense

and stressful right now - in almost every facet. And that stress is one of

the precursors to me wanting to carbo load. *arrrrruuuugggh*

Would like opinions on the following: Who out there thinks artificial

sweeteners (I use splenda) increase or contribute to the need for a carb

fix?