Bariatrics/ When Bad Foods Feel the Best

Bariatrics/ When Bad Foods Feel the Best

Why does my pouch prefer foods that aren’t good for me ?

Crackers.  Popcorn.  Chips.

All bariatric patients know that they shouldn’t be eating this post surgery.  Patients don’t need a class from a registered nutritionist to figure this out.  Then why is it that these sorts of foods, or other kinds of “no no” carby foods go down into the pouch so easily and just feel so good ?

I don’t like having this conversation with clients.  It’s not fun for either of us.  My client talks about how the only foods that feel really good are the exact same foods which I am telling my clients NOT to eat.  I am talking about how going back to protein first is the right way for long term bariatric success and we have this power struggle where we cannot meet eye to eye – it can get uncomfortable.

Let’s work though this so I can show you how it goes.

My client is wanting to eat protein but it makes her stomach feel uncomfortable and sick so she keeps finding herself adding a few crackers to each meal or ….

Another client sees how nicely popcorn can go down on her newly operated stomach and how it makes such a nice light evening post dinner snack.  This client has always treated herself to popcorn so why not now ? …

My next client talks about how pretzels and chips are finally offering her some flavour and that special CRUNCH that she has been missing out on.  They just miss that crunchy yum in their mouth.

These three conversations and scenes are so darn common.  You know what / I feel that each complaint is absolutely valid.  I totally understand.  I don’t judge anybody.  And this is what makes it so difficult when I am trying to break my clients of this very bad habit.  It’s not fair.  It sucks.  The foods that feel the best are the ones that are not the best for your bariatric journey.  It’s like finding out that the only pair of pants that you are in love with in the store are the only ones NOT on sale.  It’s a cruel joke.

The hard facts are that the foods that are high starch and refined carbohydrates are the ones that will slide down into your pouch most comfortably.  The “mechanical process” of digestion starts in your mouth when you chew up your foods.  When you eat carbohydrates, the actual enzyme digestion BEGINS in your mouth when food meets up with saliva – with protein it is different.

Do I sound like a broken record – same thing over and over and over.

I am cheering you on this bariatric journey to health because I know you’ve got this !