Sweet Tooth Impeding your Weight Loss Goals Post-Bariatric Surgery? Here’s Help!

Published on April 20 , 2024 | 5 Minutes to Read

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Obesity is a global epidemic, and the situation is particularly grave in countries such as Australia. A substantial percentage of its population is obese , sometimes with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes. Bariatric surgeons in Perth and other parts of Australia often recommend bariatric surgery for morbidly obese patients. The success of bariatric surgery depends heavily on the patient’s will to abide by a disciplined diet, which also entails avoiding food items rich in sugar. Sweet Tooth Post Surgery can lead to a negative impact on the WLS. That said, keeping away from sugary stuff can be difficult for weight loss surgery patients who have developed a sweet tooth over time. Sweet Tooth Post Surgery lets body releases pleasure hormones when we consume sugar, sending the dopamine receptors into hyperactive mode, making the individual constantly seek the pleasure, resulting in addiction. To help, the post discusses some handy tips to successfully resist cravings for sugary foods. Take a look.

1. Indulge Occasionally

Weight loss surgery patients, in their efforts to achieve weight loss goals, often have to shun their favorite snacks. That said, avoiding all these food items in one go can induce the feeling of denial and can result in more intense cravings. Experts advise weight loss patients to eat small portions of their favorite sugary item such as a candy bar or a small cookie, gradually cutting down their intake. Patients can also combine the foods they crave for with healthier items to ensure the body gets essential nutrients. For example, someone with a craving for chocolate can dip banana or almonds in chocolate syrup. To avoid Sweet Tooth Post Surgery and piling up on calories, patients must abide by a 150 calorie threshold.,/p>

2. Plan Meals

Skipping meals can create craving for sugary food. Abiding by a protein rich diet that includes eating small meals at regular intervals of three or four hours can help patients address this problem. Some of the items to include are lean meats such as chicken and turkey, eggs, and low fat cottage cheese. Weight loss surgery patients also need to include fiber rich foods such as whole wheat grains that’ll help them feel satiated for a long time.

3. Stay Hydrated

The human mind often misinterprets signal when the body loses water, which can give rise to sugar cravings. To avoid this problem, it is a must for patients to maintain their hydration levels at all times. They can also beat their cravings by adding natural substitutes for sugar such as stevia and lemon juice to water. Consuming a mix of stevia and green tea can also help patients feel satiated.

4. Consume Juicy Fruits

Fruits include natural sugars and are an excellent substitute for sugary food rich in artificial sweetners. Moreover, fruits are packed with essential nutrients and fiber. Patients must stick with fruits that include skin such as apples, pears, plums, and berries. Consuming canned fruits is a strict no as they may include artificial sweeteners that can derail the individual’s weight loss plan.

5. Act to Increase the Body’s Serotonin Levels

Serotonin, a hormone is responsible for stabilizing mood in humans. An increase in the level of the hormone can help patients resist sugar cravings. Individuals can achieve this objective by including eggs, nuts, tofu, salmon and other food items that boost serotonin. Following a disciplined exercise regimen and getting enough sunshine can also provide tangible and long term benefits.

6. Chew Your Food Well

The process of digestion starts in the mouth. Chewing the food well is a must to ensure that starch is broken into sugar, thereby, helping the person experience the sweetness of the food they consume, which enables the mind resist cravings for sugary items.

7. Change the Setting

Sometimes diverting the mind by changing the setting can help individuals suppress sugar cravings. Taking a walk, or going for a jog for instance can help patients provide an engagement to their mind, distance them from the source of craving and release endorphins, a chemical that produces a feel good effect.

8. Seek Help

Craving for sugary food is not always the result of unhealthy eating habits of the person and can also stem from psychological issues such as stress, and depression. Some individuals may also feel the need to consume sugar when they’re sad or angry. To address these issues, it is advisable for patients to seek support by consulting a psychiatrist. They can also join support groups for weight loss surgery patients or those battling with eating disorders to get tips on suppressing their cravings for sugar.

Act Before it’s too Late!

It is important for weight loss surgery patients to regulate their sugar intake. Though consuming small portions occasionally is not an issue, recurring episodes of indulgence can be a matter of concern. Apart from following these tips, patients also need to choose their bariatric surgeon wisely to ensure they get access to vital information and support. At Perth Surgical & Bariatrics, we go beyond just performing bariatric surgeries in Perth and also help patients devise and stick to a disciplined diet regimen. To learn more, call at 08 65581901. Alternatively, fill out our contact form and we’ll get in touch, shortly.