How to Handle Food Cravings After Weight-Loss Surgery

Weight-loss surgery may change how your digestive tract functions, but it doesn’t change how you think about and interact with food. Developing a healthy relationship with food is an essential part of your weight-loss surgery journey, and that includes learning how to handle food cravings.  

Schedule Your Meals 

One solution for how to control food cravings is to stick to a consistent meal schedule. Skipping regularly scheduled meals can cause hunger and cravings to significantly increase, which can result in overeating at the next meal or relying on convenient but unhealthy food choices.  

Try Smaller Portions 

If you find that you’re getting hungry in between meals, try spreading out your calorie intake by eating smaller portions 5 times a day instead of 3. This can help keep your blood sugar at a more consistent level and reduce the occurrence of blood pressure spikes that feed cravings. 

Experiment with Healthy Alternatives 

When you’re trying to figure out how to curb food cravings, it can help to get creative in the kitchen. Food cravings are typically for less nutrient-dense foods that aren’t a recommended part of your post-surgery diet.  

Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy alternatives you can prepare to satisfy your cravings. Try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of pasta or frozen fruits, like bananas or grapes, rather than candy.  

Drink Plenty of Water 

Staying hydrated is another great solution for controlling food cravings. When you’re dehydrated, you’re more likely to experience hunger and strong food cravings. Be sure to discuss the optimal amount of water you need each day with your doctor to prevent dehydration-related food cravings. 

Stay Active 

Boredom is another common cause of food cravings. Keeping both your mind and body active after bariatric surgery is important to ensure that you have a successful recovery. If you notice that you’re getting hungry when you’re bored, try some new activities. Consider signing up for a yoga class, spending time with friends, or starting a new hobby. 

Rely on Your Healthcare Team 

If you’re looking for further advice on how to control food cravings, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team. Wellstar Bariatrics is here to help you throughout your weight-loss journey. Our team includes nutritionists and healthcare experts who can advise you on dietary adjustments and lifestyle strategies for optimal post-surgery success. Reach out today to find out how we can help.