People have behavioural responses to everything they do; everything causes a chain reaction. However, for patients who have a bad relationship with food, when situations get stressful, the reaction tends to lead to binge eating or other negative correlations. This is especially prevalent for people who are obese. Some may be aware of their actions but for most, these habits that have been built over time are often unconscious. Therefore, after weight loss surgery, although you may physically change, it’s important to break these habits and associations actively and consciously with food, to stop yourself from falling into bad habits. Especially as the Christmas period creeps closer.
So how can we do this?…
The first thing we suggest is turning to your community. At Healthier Weight, there is a Facebook group full of bariatric patients who have been on similar journeys and are likely to be feeling the same as you. When times get stressful, it’s important to express these emotions as we all know, a problem shared is a problem halved. The benefit of having people who can relate and sympathise with how you feel will help ease your anxiety and help guide you with what next steps to take. Additionally, they can help you, so let them! It’s likely they’ve felt similar emotions to you if they have been where you were and can probably give you some solutions to help you in your journey. Not to forget, giving you the opportunity to make some new friends!
As the saying goes, ‘success is not a big step in the future, success is a small step taken right now.’ When having weight loss surgery, it’s easy to get caught up in the long-term results, which is sometimes overwhelming. It’s true, this process is life-changing, but it’s important to treat every day as it comes. If you had a bad day or made some bad eating choices, then it’s not too late to start again. This is a journey which will inevitably have some bumps along the road but trust yourself to make the right decisions and do what is best for you.
Weight loss surgery is a big change, whether that be the Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Band, or any other procedures we offer, there are changes that patients must make for the better. Your eating habits shift and so does your lifestyle! It’s crucial to give yourself time just adjust to this. It’s a new way of living and there is no rush to it, this journey isn’t a race, it’s an investment that you have made in yourself. With that being said, embrace the change! Take every day as it comes and find ways that you enjoy managing this change. Whether that be discovering new snacks, documenting your journey, or simply re-discovering new activities that you couldn’t enjoy before.
It’s a beautiful thing to be present in the moment you’re living. As individuals, we tend to forget our accomplishments and focus on the negative however to break these bad habits, it’s extremely beneficial to actively acknowledge your accomplishments to help keep you on track. Here are a few ideas that can start this new journey…
How have you changed? What have you done? What are you proud of? Etc.
Grab a notepad and pen and begin to track the things you have done that you’re proud of. After a short while, you can look back and physically see all the things you have achieved… and that’s something hard to ignore.
In terms of nutrition, to help break those bad habits with food including binging on high-sugar treats. Make sure you are prioritising your protein within your meals. Whether that be when you’re planning them or eating them. We recommend you ensure you’re consuming the right amount of protein (70 grams) in your meals and snacks. By doing this, it’s likely you’ll feel a lot more satisfied for a longer period, keeping you away from those ‘treats’ that won’t actually allow your body to feel content for long.
Reading Time: 2 minutes November is a time when your life shifts to cosy moments, savouring hot drinks with your favourite films on. For obese patients who have undergone
Reading Time: 2 minutes Bariatric surgery is a life-changing step towards achieving a healthier body and a healthier lifestyle. Whilst it does offer a physical transformation, it’s crucial to