It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the amount of foods and habits you are told to avoid after bariatric surgery. Chances are, you made some changes to your diet leading up to the surgery to begin the weight loss journey. You may think that the foods you ate before are now forbidden, but that’s not necessarily the case. Here are some ways you can continue enjoying your favorite foods post op.
During your recovery period, you should stick to a regimented diet. After a few months, you can start adding food back to your diet that you’d been avoiding. Gradually reintroducing your old favorites into your diet in a controlled manner can be a healthy new way to enjoy them. Buy smaller portions, like single-serving versions of packaged foods. Make the occasional treat part of your overall meal plan so you can stay in control of your eating habits.
The best way to enjoy your old favorites is to find a healthier way to make them. The process of making them will keep you active, and the end result will be a more nutritious or lower calorie alternative. Making small substitutions like switching up oils, sugars or types of flour can go a long way in making your old favorites healthier and a better fit for your new lifestyle.
Overeating after you’ve had bariatric surgery can lead to dumping syndrome, a condition in which food moves through you too fast and makes you feel ill. This makes listening to your hunger and satiety cues more important than ever. Remember that food is there to nourish your body, not to comfort you emotionally. Eat mindfully, and if you’re not sure if you’re full, slow down and pause before eating more.
Joining a support group or finding an accountability partner can go a long way in helping you avoid sliding back into your old habits. We all need support sometimes, and there’s no shame in seeking it when you’re making major changes. Look for someone to talk to who can hold you accountable and help you give yourself grace when you slip up.
Life is all about balance, and that doesn’t change after you’ve had bariatric surgery. While you won’t be able to enjoy your favorite foods the way you did before, you may find that you love them even more in a new, healthier way! Remember, all things in moderation.
