Behavior Modification in Bariatric Surgery Patients
Changing your behavior begins with awareness and education. Once you know the proper steps to begin a healthier lifestyle, the rest is up to you! Scottsdale Bariatric Center is here to support you in this mission, so we've provided the following guidelines to help you better understand how changing your behavior can be simple and effective:
- Always plan ahead for holidays, social events and even your daily eating routine
- Planning ahead allows you to strategize the most effective behavioiurs during parties. Some examples include: standing away from the food, enjoying friends/family)
- Eat meals at scheduled times
- Meals should be eaten every 4-6 hours to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent overeating.
- Avoid eating while watching TV or reading
- Studies show that people who eat with distraction consume more calories per meal. Concentrate on eating, and only eating. Enjoy the taste of each bite.
- Eat in a designated area
- Eating in one area of the house or your office will decrease food cues in other areas of the house. For example if you only eat at the kitchen table, you will be less likely to have a desire to eat in other rooms of the house.
- Slow down! Eat small bites and always chew well
- Slowing down while eating helps you eat less! After surgery it is essential to eat slowly and chew your food to an applesauce consistency to prevent vomiting.
- When your are satisfied-STOP! Put the food away immediately
- Learn to feel comfortable after eating. There is no need to feel uncomfortably full or stuffed.
- Avoid all snacking in between meals
- Snacking for non-hunger, emotional reasons just adds extra calories and doesn't solve the problem that you are dealing with at the moment.