Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I say everything in moderation

if you want some soda, have a few sips, if you want a cookie have one but make sure you're staying within your calorie goal

A nutritionist once told me that if you have a strong craving for something like lets say a cookie, you try to substitute with something else, you're probably going to eventually have that cookie anyway but now you've eaten that cookie and the substitute and had more calories than if you had just had the cookie to begin with and satisfied your craving.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon said no soda ever! Caffeine is an appetite enhancer and the carbonation can stretch your stomach. I was told after I reach goal weight I can have anything I want in limited quantities. Even caffeine.

I am 5 months out from surgery, down 115 pounds, and 30 pounds from goal weight. I don't eat sweets very much at all because they give me a headache now.

I do not really eat bread either. I may have a single bite everyone now and again but not often. It fills me up and I NEED to get that Protein in!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've talked to a few post op bariatric patients that have gained some or all their weight back. All of them confessed that despite having great restriction, their weight started to pile back on when they added in unhealthy Snacks and soda back in their diet.

I don't think unhealthy Snacks (Cookies, chips, soda) have any place in your diet during the weight loss phase. Its been shown that many processed snack foods contain chemicals that make them addictive. If you go completely without, then you don't have to deal with daily cravings.

Once you hit maintenance, it all depends on what works for you. Personally, I'm striving to hit a 95-98 daily percentage of healthy eating (Protein first, low carbs, low sugar). The other 2-5% may be a few pieces of hard candy (tootsie roll pops) or some marshmallows because my blood sugar feels low. This seems to be working right now since I've stayed below goal the paste few months. If I find myself craving sugary snacks more often, then I will change it up.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My sister had bypass approximately 5 years ago. She still wears plus sizes and never got to her goal weight. Soon after surgery she started drinking McDonald's milk shakes. I visited her over the summer and she eats just like the old days with chocolate candy and regular soda being her favorite foods. She has practically no hair on her head and Protein is on the bottom of her list. The message here is that surgery is only a tool and the rest is up to you. Many who don't know better think the surgery will be some sort of miracle cure and don't realize how much effort it takes to completely change the way you eat forever. One day at a time.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My sister had bypass approximately 5 years ago. She still wears plus sizes and never got to her goal weight. Soon after surgery she started drinking McDonald's milk shakes. I visited her over the summer and she eats just like the old days with chocolate candy and regular soda being her favorite foods. She has practically no hair on her head and Protein is on the bottom of her list. The message here is that surgery is only a tool and the rest is up to you. Many who don't know better think the surgery will be some sort of miracle cure and don't realize how much effort it takes to completely change the way you eat forever. One day at a time.

How very sad. Unfortunately, I see this happen all too often.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I say everything in moderation

if you want some soda, have a few sips, if you want a cookie have one but make sure you're staying within your calorie goal

A nutritionist once told me that if you have a strong craving for something like lets say a cookie, you try to substitute with something else, you're probably going to eventually have that cookie anyway but now you've eaten that cookie and the substitute and had more calories than if you had just had the cookie to begin with and satisfied your craving.

Unfortunately, full on food addicts can't do anything in moderation. The 'everything in moderation' thinking can sometimes get people into trouble. What happens when the restriction wanes and hunger returns (because down the road it does happen) and then there is nothing to help moderate things? People gain weight, that's what happens.

Sometimes it's just best to abstain from certain trigger foods. Sad, but true.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I say everything in moderation

if you want some soda, have a few sips, if you want a cookie have one but make sure you're staying within your calorie goal

A nutritionist once told me that if you have a strong craving for something like lets say a cookie, you try to substitute with something else, you're probably going to eventually have that cookie anyway but now you've eaten that cookie and the substitute and had more calories than if you had just had the cookie to begin with and satisfied your craving.

Unfortunately, full on food addicts can't do anything in moderation. The 'everything in moderation' thinking can sometimes get people into trouble. What happens when the restriction wanes and hunger returns (because down the road it does happen) and then there is nothing to help moderate things? People gain weight, that's what happens.

Sometimes it's just best to abstain from certain trigger foods. Sad, but true.

I don't t think that full on food addicts should have the surgery then

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

People have probably already listed this but I think some good Snacks would be a few pieces of lunch meat, maybe a boiled egg. A cheese stick, some frozen Greek yogurt or frozen berries covered in Greek yogurt. A piece of beef Jerky, a small handful of nuts (ones high in protein) just some ideas :) I'm pre bag, can't wait to officially start my journey. :)

I ment vsg lol

Edited by ZombieQueen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Knowing your trigger foods is the key. I can have salty Snacks in my house all day everyday and don't even think about it or touch it, no problem. Sweets are my downfall. candy or baked goods. I bought a package of pumpkin spice biscotti at Trader Joes yesterday for "the family" and just took a whiff from the opened package and thought " oh hell no". My husband took it to his office this morning haha!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I say everything in moderation

if you want some soda, have a few sips, if you want a cookie have one but make sure you're staying within your calorie goal

A nutritionist once told me that if you have a strong craving for something like lets say a cookie, you try to substitute with something else, you're probably going to eventually have that cookie anyway but now you've eaten that cookie and the substitute and had more calories than if you had just had the cookie to begin with and satisfied your craving.

Unfortunately, full on food addicts can't do anything in moderation. The 'everything in moderation' thinking can sometimes get people into trouble. What happens when the restriction wanes and hunger returns (because down the road it does happen) and then there is nothing to help moderate things? People gain weight, that's what happens.

Sometimes it's just best to abstain from certain trigger foods. Sad, but true.

I don't t think that full on food addicts should have the surgery then
Sooo with that logic full on heroin addicts shouldn't have suboxone or methadone? It's a tool as well. Not a miracle. It's hard work. Just like WLS.

As Kurt Vonegut said and this posted on my wall in my office where I work as a social worker in a drug rehab facility: You were sick, but now you are well and there is work to be done.

Edited by Tssiemer1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Sophie74656 - I disagree. Addiction is fully treatable if a person wants to treat it. I have been seeing a therapist to treat this and will continue to do so for at least 2 years post-op constantly dealing with this. The problem is people think WLS "fixes" everything and you have to remember that it is just a tool to help you lose while you are getting healthy in other ways by seeing nutritionist and therapist.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Sophie74656 - I disagree. Addiction is fully treatable if a person wants to treat it. I have been seeing a therapist to treat this and will continue to do so for at least 2 years post-op constantly dealing with this. The problem is people think WLS "fixes" everything and you have to remember that it is just a tool to help you lose while you are getting healthy in other ways by seeing nutritionist and therapist.

I completely agree, I had a food addiction before my surgery but that has changed for me. Once your food addiction is resolved then yes, have the surgery. But while you currently have a food addiction surgery would not be a good thing

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

People have probably already listed this but I think some good Snacks would be a few pieces of lunch meat, maybe a boiled egg. A cheese stick, some frozen Greek yogurt or frozen berries covered in Greek yogurt. A piece of beef Jerky, a small handful of nuts (ones high in protein) just some ideas :) I'm pre bag, can't wait to officially start my journey. :)

I ment vsg lol

My new obsession is wasabi almonds.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I say everything in moderation

if you want some soda, have a few sips, if you want a cookie have one but make sure you're staying within your calorie goal

A nutritionist once told me that if you have a strong craving for something like lets say a cookie, you try to substitute with something else, you're probably going to eventually have that cookie anyway but now you've eaten that cookie and the substitute and had more calories than if you had just had the cookie to begin with and satisfied your craving.

Unfortunately, full on food addicts can't do anything in moderation. The 'everything in moderation' thinking can sometimes get people into trouble. What happens when the restriction wanes and hunger returns (because down the road it does happen) and then there is nothing to help moderate things? People gain weight, that's what happens.

Sometimes it's just best to abstain from certain trigger foods. Sad, but true.

I don't t think that full on food addicts should have the surgery then
Sooo with that logic full on heroin addicts shouldn't have suboxone or methadone? It's a tool as well. Not a miracle. It's hard work. Just like WLS.

As Kurt Vonegut said and this posted on my wall in my office where I work as a social worker in a drug rehab facility: You were sick, but now you are well and there is work to be done.

those would be tools to help deal with the addiction. Just like therapy would be a tool to help with food addiction. But these are different things. I had a food addiction before my surgery but I dealt with it through various methods and now my attitude towards food is different. I think while someone has a food addiction and are not treating it, surgery would not be successful for them

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×