How to Stop Grazing After Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is a major procedure, performed on obese individuals to aid in weight loss. The surgery shrinks the size of the stomach and causes some food to bypass the small intestine entirely. To lose weight after gastric bypass surgery, you must change your eating habits and eliminate grazing, which is a pattern of eating food all day long. Though it takes some effort, you can break your grazing habit.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Discuss your postoperative care with your doctor. He will explain the dietary changes required after gastric bypass surgery. Grazing after the procedure is hard on your body and can lead to weight gain and long-term health problems.
-
2
Eliminate junk food from your diet. If you snack on junk foods, such as fatty, fried and sugary items, you are more likely to graze throughout the day. These foods contain empty calories and little nutrition, so they will not fill you up as much as nutritious foods.
-
-
3
Schedule your meals. Plan out your daily meals each morning. If you have a set schedule, you are less likely to graze throughout the day. Write out your plan and keep it with you to ensure you stay on schedule.
-
4
Dedicate time to meals. Sit down and enjoy the food. If you allow yourself to eat only when you are seated, you are less likely to absentmindedly graze. Eat slowly, taking time to chew each bite thoroughly.
-
5
Consume protein and fiber with every meal. Both protein and fiber help you to feel full, reducing your desire to graze between meals. You can find protein in meat, dairy products and nuts. Vegetables, whole grains and beans are all rich in fiber.
-
6
Drink plenty of water daily. When you feel like snacking, drink a full glass of water instead. Oftentimes, we mistake dehydration for hunger. Once you drink the water, you will likely lose the impulse to graze.
-
7
Set up a support system. Call a friend when you feel like grazing. Snacking is often emotionally motivated. If you talk through it with a friend, the desire to graze will often pass.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid processed foods. Fresh, natural foods will nourish your body and keep you feeling full. Stay away from alcohol. It lowers your inhibitions, making you more likely to snack.
