Lost Your Focus? Bariatric Edition
Where are my clients who are one year PLUS post-op bariatric surgery?
This is for those people who are currently struggling. I understand.
It’s easy for the “bariatric newbie” to say, “I would never regain the weight”. Or, “I would never eat sugar again”. Or, “Why did Jane start drinking soda again”?
Give them time. Sometimes life has a way of kicking you in the A$$.
I don’t wish depression on anybody. I don’t wish divorce, job loss, or death in the family for anyone. Folks, bad times happen for a lot of us. When they do, everyone reacts differently. A lot of people find food “soothing”. Have you ever found yourself “stress eating”? Don’t be so fast to judge.
If you are having a tough time right now, and if you are finding yourself eating cookies in the middle of the day, I understand. I also want to tell you that you can make some changes to try and turn things around and get back on track.
You may not have control over your personal situation, but you can take back some control over the food decisions you are making while under a stressful occurrence.
The first thing you can do is recognize what you are doing. We can’t fix something if we don’t know what we are doing. Don’t ignore it. Understand that you are using food to try and fix a problem.
Once the problem has been acknowledged, let’s get to work putting some protective measures in place.
This stressful time is not a time to make big lifestyle changes. Let’s just focus on stopping any regains for now. If you’ve had a regain, let’s just put the brakes on that.
Once we’ve removed the refined/ processed carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol, the scale will stall. Don’t focus on big losses right now. Focus on cleaning up the cupboards and replacing the items that are not serving you.
Eating bad food, makes you feel bad.
Such a simple sentence with a lot of truth to it. Let’s not demonize food but if I chow down on a container of ice cream, my mental health is going to suffer. I am going to feel sad about it and that just adds to my current situation.
If you have chips, cookies, and sodas in the fridge, replace them with some fresh berries, chopped veggies, and homemade iced tea (stevia or monk fruit sweetened).
Start your day with a couple of eggs. When you find yourself headed for the fridge, stop and ask yourself, “Am I hungry? Or am I exhibiting grazing habits”? Am I soothing myself with food?
If you can’t seem to stop yourself from eating, then eat foods that contain mostly protein and fiber. They will fill you up. The cookies and ice cream will travel straight through the pouch and leave you wanting more and more.
If you are grazing, be aware of it. If you cannot overcome grazing in the beginning, graze on vegetable sticks and healthier options. Replace your snacks with healthier options. Health proof your fridge and cupboards.
Make sure you are eating enough food. If you never fill your pouch, you will always be hungry. Eat until you are full and satisfied.
If you have gone through a tough situation and you’ve had a bit of a regain, stop beating yourself up. It is what it is. Acknowledge it and put a plan in place.
Reach out to me. I understand. Maybe we can set up a call and I can help you put a plan together. I promise you, you are still an absolute winner in my books.
Healthy Hugs,
About the Author: Sheri Burke is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Bariatric Surgery Coordinator at International Patient Facilitators in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico. She has worked with bariatric surgery clients for over 10 years and especially enjoys providing nutritional guidance to pre and post bariatric clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teens and cooking up a nutritional storm in the kitchen.
For bariatric patients Bariatric Expert Amazon Line
Time for a “bariatric expert” multivitamin? Here is a perfect way for bariatric patients to get it now on Amazon: Bariatric Expert MultiVitamins.
Eat Like a Bariatric Expert with our Nutrition Plans.
Feel free to share your victories and struggles in our Facebook Group. I would love to connect with you.
