Struggling with Binge Eating After Bariatric Surgery (or even with the fear of old habits returning)? Let’s talk about it!
If you’ve had bariatric surgery (or are considering bariatric surgery) and still find yourself struggling with binge eating or feeling out of control around food, you’re not alone.
Research suggests that up to 70% of post-op patients experience some form of binge eating (Mechanick et al., 2020, ASMBS Guidelines). But here’s the thing—not all cases of binge eating meet the criteria for Binge Eating Disorder (BED), and there are many possible reasons why this might be happening.
Today, let’s break it down and explore some of the key factors at play, plus a few strategies to help you navigate this challenge.
Understanding the Difference: Binge Eating vs. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge eating can show up in different ways. While BED is a clinical diagnosis characterized by frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period, often with feelings of shame or distress, many bariatric patients experience binge-like behaviors that don’t necessarily fit the full diagnosis.
So, if you’re feeling frustrated with your eating habits, it’s important to ask:
• Am I eating in response to emotions rather than hunger?
• Am I frequently eating quickly and mindlessly?
• Do I feel out of control or powerless around certain foods?
• Is this happening occasionally, or is it becoming a frequent struggle?
If binge eating is interfering with your life, it might be time to explore deeper solutions—whether that’s self-reflection, mindful eating, therapy, or support groups.
7 Possible Reasons You’re Struggling with Binge Eating Post-Op
Even if you don’t have BED, there are many reasons why post-op patients might still experience binge-like behaviors. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Emotional Eating
Stress, anxiety, loneliness, boredom—these can all trigger the urge to eat, even when you’re not physically hungry. Surgery doesn’t take away the emotional connection to food.
- ADHD Stimming
For people with ADHD, repetitive eating can serve as a form of stimming (self-soothing behavior). Crunching, chewing, or snacking can feel comforting and help regulate focus.
- Dopamine Seeking
Certain foods—especially high-carb or ultra-processed foods—trigger a dopamine release in the brain. This creates a cycle where food becomes a source of instant pleasure and relief.
- Restriction Backlash
If you’re eating too little or cutting out entire food groups, your body may rebel. This can lead to a “binge and restrict” cycle where extreme hunger drives overeating.
- Old Habits and Muscle Memory
Years of past eating behaviors don’t disappear overnight. If binge eating was a coping mechanism before surgery, it takes time and effort to unlearn those habits.
- Mindless Eating & Grazing
Eating while distracted—watching TV, scrolling social media, or working—makes it easier to overconsume without realizing it. Grazing throughout the day can also add up.
- Post-Surgery Gut Hormone Changes
Bariatric surgery alters hormones like ghrelin (the hunger hormone). While many people feel reduced hunger, some experience confusing hunger/fullness signals, making eating patterns harder to regulate.
How to Break the binge eating Cycle
If you’re struggling, here are a few strategies that might help:
✔️ Practice Mindful Eating – Slow down, chew thoroughly, and eat without distractions. Pay attention to when you’re satisfied.
✔️ Journal Your Eating Habits – Tracking when and why you eat can help identify emotional or environmental triggers.
✔️ Create a Support System – Therapy, support groups, or even talking to friends who understand can make a big difference
Join the Flourish Fam chats LIVE daily on my TikTok at 7:30am.
✔️ Fuel Your Body Properly – Make sure you’re eating enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep your blood sugar stable. Pro-Tip: I know it seems scary, but sometimes after WLS, we tend to eat too little. Your body needs fuel to run properly. If you’re stuck in a stall, try upping your protein/caloric intake just a smidge.
✔️ Find New Coping Mechanisms – Exercise, hobbies, deep breathing, and self-care can replace emotional eating habits. Holistic approaches are statistically more effective longterm, as they focuses on long-term lifestyle changes that incorporate balanced eating, regular physical activity, emotional well-being, and behavioral modifications. People are more likely to maintain these changes over time because they focus on overall well-being rather than temporary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Struggling with binge eating after bariatric surgery doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human, and you’re learning. Healing our relationships with food is just as important as losing the weight itself.
If this resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going. Head over to my Instagram or TikTok (@vsg.molly) and share your thoughts—or drop a comment below!
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