Weight loss surgery is a perfect way to start a healthier life for patients. However, bariatric surgery is not a solution on its own. Patients should change their life style habits in order to preserve results and to prevent gaining weight.
About Food Addiction;
Basically, food addiction arises from an unhealthy relationship with food. This sort of addiction can be stated as food disorder. Food addiction can be resulted from many different factors as genetics, environmental effects and brain chemistry.
In addition to food addiction, after bariatric surgery some patients may experience other addictions as alcohol, narcotics and sex. This is called cross addiction. Patients need to get psychological help in these situations.
Signs of Food Addiction
Food addiction can show itself in various ways. The most common signs are:
- Obligatory need for eating
- Secretly eating
- Eating obsession
- Frequent and over eating
- Feeling satisfied with eating
- Eating after feeling full
- Losing control while eating
Does any of these signs feel familiar? You should know that millions of people are struggling with food addiction just like you.
It is important for patients to follow these steps in order to gain healthy eating after the surgery:
- Eat when you are hungry
- Stop eating when you are full
- Do not obsess about food
- Do not feel guilty for eating
- Do not eat secretly
Getting Over Food Addiction After Bariatric Surgery
If you are thinking about bariatric surgery or you have already had one, it is important to control your eating habits. The earlier you do this, the earlier you gain healthy life habits. Here are some advices to help you:
Ask for help: Admitting that you need help is a huge step. Join bariatric surgery support group meetings with Inter Bariatrics Team or support meeting that your team organizes after the surgery. Doing so will help you to realize that you are not alone and will give you strength for positive changes.
Stay with dietitian’s guide: It is crucial to stay in touch with a dietitian after the surgery. This will help you to change the way you live, not just the way you eat.
Do not skip your control with bariatric team: Please do not forget, bariatric surgery is the best first step to reach success. The rest is in your hands. Do not underestimate your team’s support and try to find a good team to guide you before and after the surgery.
