Finding Your Bariatric Brain Again

[7 Bites_Jen 479]

Have you gotten off track and lost your "Bariatric Brain"? Maybe it's time to start thinking like a bariatric patient again!

Let’s face it - after bariatric surgery, life is not the same. Your diet will change, your body will change, and in many cases, your attitude will change. For many of us, however, a point in time comes when we find ourselves in a different state. In some respect, we almost forget that we’ve had bariatric surgery.

After our initial phases of being on liquids, soft and chopped foods, and transitioning into full solids, we spend some time reveling in our ability to eat a ton less and to be able to only eat certain foods. For the first 6-12 months, we are in a “honeymoon phase” of sorts - we’re losing weight easily, we have the assurance that we just CAN’T eat certain things such as rice, bread, Pasta, etc., and we’re in a certain mindset that I’ve dubbed the “Bariatric Brain”. For some of us, that mindset remains because we are never able to eat certain things without them getting stuck or without experiencing dumping syndrome. For others, that mindset all but disappears when we discover that we can eat certain foods without sliming or them getting stuck, or that other foods no longer send us to the bathroom for an hour.

From my own experience, the downfall out of the “Bariatric Brain” began 6 months after my surgery. I was told my my nutritionist that I was allowed to have carbonation from that point on. I was a little confused, as all of the other people I knew with the sleeve had been told they could never have it again, but my addiction to diet soda was stronger than my common sense. From that point on, I learned I could also eat bread (8 months), pasta (10 months) and rice (14 months). From there, it was no-holds barred.

Something else that happens with the sleeve that they don’t tell you is that at a certain point - your stomach capacity will increase after a time. This is because for a few months, it’s swollen to a point that you can only hold about ½ a cup of food at one time. After the first year, and it is completely healed, that capacity increases to about a cup. For someone that’s not expecting that, it can be a little confusing. For a food addict, it can be exciting and tempting. At that point, you are no longer bound by restrictions.

When this happens, some people begin to forget about their surgery. They begin to get back into a different mindset. One of “oh, I can eat this!” instead of, “Nope - gotta leave that off”. When this happens, the diet shifts to one of fast food, sugar, carbs, soft drinks, and alcohol (not every food in every case, mind you). It is that moment when the tool that we so greatly loved and admired begins to fail us. Or, rather, WE begin to fail our TOOL.

When this happens, it’s time to return to the mindset we were in during the first year. It’s time to think like a bariatric patient again.

This is no easy feat, after all, we’ve returned to our addiction - FOOD.

But at the same time, in the case of most other addictions - drugs, alcohol, nicotine, etc. - there is almost always a backslide. A heroine addict may sneak out of rehab for that one more fix, an AA leader might get depressed one night and get insanely drunk, someone trying to quit smoking might sneak a puff or two at a rock concert. These instances are normal and, some believe, even a healthy part of the healing from addiction. If this is acceptable in these cases, why is it not acceptable in the weight loss world?

When this happens, take a step back. Look at yourself from the outside in. It’s important here to remind yourself that getting off track is NORMAL and OK. Although not everyone has done it, many MANY people have - and some of those people have the most successful weight loss stories on the Bariatric Pal forum.

With that in mind, how does one go back to the “Bariatric Brain”?

Go Back To Basics

Remember what started the weight loss to begin with? Protein, Water, walking? Get back to it! Make sure you’re getting AT LEAST 60g of protein a day (even better is 80-90g!). Make sure you’re getting AT LEAST 64oz of water a day, and make sure you’re getting some kind of activity for AT LEAST 15 minutes a day (30-45 minutes is better).

Return To Liquids?

Some people return to a liquid diet for a few days (no more than 3). They feel that this helps “reset” their system and returns their mindset back to where it should be. One way of doing this is through the “5-Day Pouch Test” (designed for RnY or Gastric Band patients) in which you return to liquids for a few days then gradually return to solid foods.

For those that have the sleeve or the duodenal switch, the pouch test might not work for you as it’s not designed for that kind of surgery. That being said, if you feel the need, you can also return to liquids for a few days.

Return To Support Groups

Support groups are the #1 key to a successful weight loss surgery, regardless of your surgery or your stage. If you are a year or more out, consider returning to a support group. Hearing what the people in the early stages are having issues with, and helping them work through those issues can, in fact, help you work through yours.

Read, and Educate Yourself

Consider finding books, articles, cookbooks, and magazines on bariatric surgery. Do research on one aspect that really interests you. Immerse yourself in it again like you did in the beginning!

Remember Your Motivation

What was your reason for having Bariatric Surgery to begin with? Your health? Your family? Your looks? Looking at what you wanted from your surgery and where you are now might help you to refocus.

In The End Remember …

What you are going through right now is okay, and completely normal. Thousands of people are going through exactly the same thing you are. You are not alone!

Remember that if you’re REALLY struggling, you can always find help. Talk you your nutritionist or dietician, seek mentorship in a support group, or find a good counselor that has experience with food addiction and bariatric patients. And ALWAYS remember - YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

[Busymomof3 181]

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed to hear.

[Alex Brecher 10,512]

Great article Jennifer!

[Mommaslp 10]

Thanks for the reminders. I know I need to recheck my brain every so often to stay on track. Our old selves still lie deep within and can send those: "just this one time" messages that got us in trouble in the first place. I'm thankful for the support of these forums to keep me in line!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Excellent article. Thank you.

[DLCoggin 1,788]

Terrific article!!

[Renee2817 76]

Thanks for the reminder. I am doing just that,resetting my brain.

[Teachamy 1,042]

Me too. May try a day of liquids too.

[lisacaron 5,075]

Great article. Any time I feel myself slipping off the tracks I get myself back to band basics and remember what I did when I was first banded and reset everything including my attitude

[kwood127 0]

Thank you!! I really needed to hear that. I had surgery on 6/16 but had major complications afterward. My lungs filled with Fluid immediately after surgery and I was on a ventilator for 9days fighting for my life. I spent a total of 12 days in the hospital. When I got out I was on liquids and soft foids. I lost 20 pounds but I feel like im sliding backwards. It took so long to recover that I keep thinking I should be further. I have to keep reminding myself that I really didnt start my journey until june 28th when I was released from the hospital. Im finally getting my Protein in but still struggling with the 64 oz of liquid some days and getting all my Vitamins in. The advice given is great. Any more suggestions for someone who is struggling a little bit. Im really beating myself up. Hoping and praying I havent stretched my stomach out. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

[Domika03 309]

Great article though a bit scary to confirm we we already know ~ that our stomachs will expand to hold a slightly larger capacity, "but" that WLS was always a "tool." A tool that we alone have complete control over. Treat it well & it will treat us well in return.

I'm thankful every day for my tool. I'm almost 8 months post revision to sleeve, and this thought scares me. I hope it's enough to always keep me focused!!!

[barbarahadz1 84]

Nice article thank you. I've been trying to stay in the right mindset while working around everyone else. Not working very well.