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
✔️ 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.
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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As Christian women, we know that our lives are more than just our physical health—our spirit, mind, and body are intricately woven together by God. Holistic health is a way of honoring this divine design, embracing the truth that God created us as complex beings with interconnected layers. When we approach health holistically, we don’t just focus on one aspect—whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. We seek to care for each of these areas, aligning our actions with God’s will and creating a life that reflects His goodness.
What is Christian Holistic Health?
Holistic health refers to an approach that takes into account the whole person, not just isolated symptoms or illnesses. It’s the understanding that our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being are deeply interconnected. As Christians, we recognize that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator, and as such, we are called to care for ourselves in a way that honors Him.
Scripture teaches us the importance of caring for our bodies, minds, and spirits. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse encourages us to see our bodies as sacred vessels, deserving of our care and respect.
Holistic health also recognizes that healing isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about nurturing the whole person—cultivating a healthy relationship with God, ourselves, and others. It’s about addressing the physical body with nutritious food, exercise, and rest, but it also involves nurturing our hearts and minds through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and emotional healing.
Why is Holistic Health Important for Christian Women?
As women, we often juggle multiple roles—wife, mother, friend, caregiver, professional—and it’s easy to neglect our own health while caring for others. However, taking time to invest in our holistic health isn’t selfish; it’s an act of obedience to God’s command to love ourselves and care for our bodies.
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus calls us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Loving ourselves is essential in fulfilling this command, and part of loving ourselves is ensuring that we are healthy in every area—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. When we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to love and serve others, whether it’s our families, communities, or the world.
A Christian Holistic Morning Meditation for Women
As we begin each day, it’s important to set aside time to center ourselves in God’s presence and invite His peace into our hearts. A holistic morning meditation is a wonderful way to prepare your mind, body, and spirit for the day ahead. Below is a simple meditation that you can incorporate into your morning routine to ground yourself in the Lord’s love and care. If you want a simple guided breathing exercise to checkout as a warm up, try this one.
Christian Holistic Morning Meditation for Women
Begin by finding a quiet place where you can sit comfortably. Take a few deep breaths and center yourself in the present moment. Close your eyes and quiet your heart before the Lord.
1. Connect with Your Body Start by thanking God for the gift of your body. As you inhale deeply, feel the air filling your lungs and think about how God designed your body to be strong, resilient, and beautiful. Prayer: “Father, thank You for the body You have given me. I recognize that it is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and I offer it to You this morning. Help me honor You with my health and strength.”
2. Quiet Your Mind As you breathe in and out, let go of any distractions or worries. Surrender your thoughts to God, trusting that He will help you navigate the day with wisdom and peace. Prayer: “Lord, I surrender my thoughts to You today. Clear my mind of anxiety, fear, and distraction. Fill my mind with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.”
3. Invite God’s Presence Into Your Heart Place your hand over your heart and ask God to fill you with His love. Allow His peace to wash over you as you center your spirit in His presence. Prayer: “Holy Spirit, I invite You into my heart. Fill me with Your love and peace. Help me walk in Your truth and reflect Your light to those I encounter today.”
4. Focus on Scripture Now, reflect on a Bible verse that speaks to your health and well-being. For example, you could meditate on Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer: “Lord, help me to bring my anxieties and concerns to You today. May Your peace guard my heart and mind as I face whatever comes my way.”
5. Dedicate Your Day to God Finally, offer your day to the Lord. Ask Him to guide your steps, help you serve others with love, and walk with you through every challenge. Prayer: “Father, I dedicate this day to You. May everything I do bring glory to You. Help me love and serve others as You have loved and served me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Conclusion: Flourish in Every Aspect of Your Life
Holistic health from a Christian perspective is about more than just physical well-being—it’s about nurturing every aspect of our being: body, mind, and spirit. By seeking to care for ourselves in all areas, we honor God and reflect His love to the world. This holistic approach allows us to live more fully, love more deeply, and serve others with greater joy and strength.
So as you move through your day, remember that your health journey is a reflection of your trust in God’s provision. Start each day with intention and prayer, and trust that God will lead you toward the healing and wholeness He has planned for you.
A Personal Note: For the past decade, I’ve dabbled in the holistic wellness sector, initially as I navigated chronic illness. But in the past year, my journey has evolved into a true passion as I’ve encountered even more challenges, including additional chronic illness and the stress that comes with it. You can read more about that here. Through this ongoing process, I’ve come to deeply value holistic health as a way to nurture my mind, body, and spirit, trusting that God is with me every step of the way.
As we step into this new year, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I’ve been on over the past nine months. It’s hard to believe that I’m already 9 months post-op from my bariatric surgery (read more about that here), and though the road has had its ups and downs, I am feeling more hopeful and empowered than ever.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the beginning of a new year—the fresh start, the opportunity to set new intentions, and the chance to keep moving forward toward our goals. But when it comes to my bariatric journey, the start of 2025 also brings some new challenges, and it’s important for me to embrace them, plan for them, and keep pushing forward.
The Slowdown of Weight Loss after bariatric surgery
If you’re on a similar journey, you might know that after the initial rapid weight loss that comes with bariatric surgery, the rate of loss tends to slow down. That’s where I find myself right now. While I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made so far, I still have a significant amount of weight to lose before I reach my goal. And with the slower pace of weight loss, I know it’s more important than ever to stay on track with my habits, my mindset, and my plan.
While it’s easy to get discouraged when the scale isn’t moving as quickly as it once did, I try to remind myself of how far I’ve come. Every pound lost, every healthy choice made, and every day I stay consistent is still progress. I’ve learned that my journey isn’t just about the number on the scale—it’s about building a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, and I’m focused on continuing that progress, even at a slower pace.
A New Tool for My bariatric Journey: Mounjaro
As many of you know, my bariatric journey has been a combination of big changes and learning experiences. One of the tools I’m now incorporating into my journey is Mounjaro, a GLP-1 medication designed to support weight loss. But this isn’t my first experience with GLP-1 medications—prior to my surgery, I had actually taken these medications to assist with weight management. However, at the time, I didn’t fully understand the importance of monitoring my diet, prioritizing protein intake, and making other critical adjustments to support my weight loss. As a result, although I did lose weight, it happened at a very slow pace, and I didn’t see the level of success I was hoping for.
Now, with the foundation of bariatric surgery and the knowledge I’ve gained about how to nourish my body properly, I’m ready to approach Mounjaro with a different mindset. I haven’t yet started the injections; instead, I’ve been focusing on maximizing my progress without medication first. Over the past few months, I’ve been diligently working on my diet and fitness routine to ensure I’m making the most of my weight loss before introducing anything extra. My goal has been to see how much I can achieve on my own—staying consistent with my protein, controlling portion sizes, and staying active.
Once my weight loss slows to around 2-3 pounds per week, I plan to start the Mounjaro injections to give me that extra support as I continue toward my goal. I’m being mindful of how my body is responding and want to make sure I’m using every tool at my disposal in a way that supports my long-term success.
I’m excited to see how Mounjaro, combined with my current habits, will help me continue to move forward. Every person’s journey is unique, and I’m taking a thoughtful approach to ensure that I’m making the right decisions for my health and progress. It’s all about finding the right balance—and I feel confident that I’m on the right path.
Preparing for a New Challenge: Ankle Surgery
Now, here’s the part where the challenges are really going to test me. On February 19th, I’ll be having ankle surgery, which will leave me non-weight bearing for a month or longer. This means I’ll have to adapt my routines, find new ways to stay active, and rely on others more than I’d like. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to throw in the towel.
I’m already taking steps to prepare for the recovery process and to ensure that my bariatric journey doesn’t stall during this time. Meal prepping has become my new best friend, and I’ve been spending extra time in the kitchen making sure I have healthy, easy-to-access meals for when I’m healing and can’t be as mobile (like this delicious roasted chicken, or this slow roasted pork shoulder– both are perfect for tacos, nachos, pulled sandwiches, and more.) I know that having nutritious meals available will help me stay on track with my eating habits, even if I’m temporarily sidelined from my usual routines.
I’m leaning heavily on my family. I’ve started delegating household chores and responsibilities to my husband and kids in advance so that they can help keep everything running smoothly while I focus on healing. I know it will be a team effort, and I’m grateful to have such a supportive group of people around me.
Lastly, I’ve also been working with my amazing personal trainer, Erika, to adapt an exercise plan that will be manageable during my recovery. Erika is helping me focus on upper body strength, core work, and other activities that I can do while I’m not able to bear weight on my ankle. It’s not ideal, but I know that staying active within my physical limits is key to maintaining my momentum.
Staying Active with Trainwell: A Game-Changer for My Journey
As I prepare for ankle surgery and adjust my fitness routine, one of the tools that has truly made a difference for me is Trainwell, an innovative personal training app that combines cutting-edge technology with personalized workout plans. If you’re looking for a way to stay on track with your fitness goals—whether you’re dealing with an injury, need more structure, or just want expert guidance—Trainwell is an absolute game-changer.
What I love most about Trainwell is how it’s tailored to fit my unique needs. The app offers:
Personalized Workout Plans: Whether I’m looking to focus on upper body strength, core stability, or rehabilitation exercises for my ankle, Trainwell’s custom plans are designed to meet me where I am.
Live Feedback: This feature is incredible for real-time adjustments to my form and technique. It is just like having a personal trainer right there with me, helping me get the most out of each session.
Cutting-Edge Technology: The app integrates advanced tracking to monitor progress, adjust goals, and give me insights into how I’m improving over time. This is a great motivator, especially as I work through recovery and try to maintain my fitness.
Support & Accountability: Through Trainwell, I’ve felt more connected to my fitness journey than ever before. The feedback, combined with their community-driven approach, gives me the accountability I need to stay on track even when life throws me curveballs.
If you’re interested in giving it a try, you can start with a two-week free trial to see how the app fits your lifestyle and goals. And as a special bonus, use my link to get $50 off your first month: Trainwell $50 Off.
With Trainwell, I’m able to stay active and focused on my fitness—even as I work through recovery. It’s definitely helping me stay strong, both physically and mentally, as I navigate the ups and downs of my bariatric journey. Give it a try and see how it can support your own goals—whether you’re recovering from surgery, building strength, or just maintaining an active lifestyle!
Embracing the Challenges Ahead
I won’t lie—this year is already shaping up to be one of growth, change, and plenty of challenges. But I am choosing to embrace them. I’m determined to keep moving forward, no matter what roadblocks come my way. My goal isn’t just about losing weight; it’s about finding strength in the process, staying resilient in the face of obstacles, and becoming the best version of myself, inside and out. I am seeking to flourish!
So as we enter 2025, I’m committing to staying focused, embracing the changes that come with both my weight loss journey and the physical challenges ahead, and trusting the process. The road may be longer and more winding than I originally anticipated, but I’m in it for the long haul. And with each step, I get closer to my goal—not just in terms of weight loss, but in terms of health, confidence, and overall well-being.
Thank you for following along with me on this journey. I’m excited to continue sharing the ups, the downs, and everything in between as we tackle this year together. Here’s to embracing change, staying committed, and celebrating every victory along the way!
Happy New Year, and let’s make 2025 the year of progress!
PS, if you’re looking for an uplifting, encouraging, and supportive community to walk alongside in 2025, I would love to invite you to join my community; The Flourish Fam! Join me LIVE on TikTok every morning (Monday-Saturday) at 7:30am EST, or on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or right here on the blog!
I hope this post finds you well on your journey! If you’re like me, you know that dining out can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge. Between deciphering menus and communicating our dietary needs, it can be overwhelming. But I’ve found a little trick that has made my restaurant outings much smoother: a custom “medical alert and request card”!
Why a Card?
As bariatric patients, we have specific needs that often don’t fit into standard restaurant offerings. Whether it’s portion control, food choices, or avoiding certain ingredients, it’s crucial that we communicate these needs clearly. This is where the card comes in handy. It acts as a conversation starter with the staff, ensuring they understand our requirements without us having to explain our entire journey every time.
My Experience
I created a simple card that outlines my dietary needs and requests. It’s short and to the point, which makes it easy for restaurant staff to read quickly. I printed it out, laminated it for durability, and now I carry it in my wallet. It has made a significant difference during my outings, allowing me to focus on enjoying the meal and company rather than stressing about my order.
How You Can Get Started
To make it even easier for you, I’ve attached a generic card that you can print and use. Feel free to tweak the details to better suit your needs! Additionally, I’ve included a link to a Canva Design file, so you can customize your own card if you prefer a personal touch.
Dining out doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With a little preparation and a handy card in your pocket, you can confidently navigate restaurant menus while staying true to your dietary needs. I hope this tip helps you as much as it has helped me!
Remember, we’re all in this together, and sharing our experiences can make our journeys a little easier. Happy dining, everyone!
Generic Card (for Download)
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Heyyyy besties! On May 22nd, I hit a monumental milestone – I’m officially one month post-op from gastric sleeve surgery (and bursting with excitement to share my journey with you!) Buckle up because it’s been a wild ride filled with laughter, tears, and some seriously joy-filled moments.
Some Back Story
Back in 2017 I hit my heaviest. My mental health was suffering, my marriage was in a rough spot, and overall, I was struggling to keep my head above water. I didn’t realize at the time how big I was… But I knew I wasn’t happy. I knew my clothes were fitting tighter and tighter until they didn’t fit anymore. I knew that when I saw myself in photos, I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I knew that doing basic everyday things was getting increasingly more difficult. I knew something needed to change, but I felt like I was so far gone that nothing could save me. To read more about my “why”, read this post here.
2017
I tried a few different diets and supplement regimens that proved successful. I dropped about fifty pounds and was feeling so much better, but I stalled out after that and then began to yo-yo again, ultimately regaining 30 of the 50 I had lost.
2021
Big Post-Op Milestone Wins
This first big win is something to celebrate! As of this morning, I am down a whopping 117 lbs! That’s right, 117 lbs have vanished into thin air, and I’m feeling great!
Shameless Bathroom Selfie to share the win!
Since starting the surgical process in March 2024, I’ve shed 58 lbs, and let me tell you, it feels like I’ve been given a new lease on life. I can’t even begin to describe the joy and relief of watching those numbers drop and feeling my energy soar. I put together a tote several years ago filled with clothing I loved but couldn’t fit into anymore. I got to get all of those clothing items out of the box and place them into my closet/drawers to be used again! I also got to downsize my closet recently as I have so many clothes that are now too big! What a great non-scale victory!
Some other NSV’s:
I am wearing clothes again that I wore in college!
I don’t have to move my driver’s seat or adjust the steering wheel anymore after my husband has driven. I can just slip right in!
The seatbelt in our van isn’t maxed out and cutting into me anymore. There is room to spare.
I can walk further distances more easily.
I have so much more energy.
I feel so much better already!
I can buy clothing in stores I couldn’t previously.
I fit more easily and comfortably on the rides at Disney World!
Speaking of Disney World, back in Oct/November 2023, we went to Disney World to celebrate my sister’s Enchanted Engagement! We went the last week of October that overlapped with the first week of November, so we got to experience all of the lovely Fall decor, and then we also got to see the incredible Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The pics below are taken wearing the same outfit. The first was taken on that trip in 2023, the second was taken just last week.
1 Month Post-Op | What I Didn’t Know that I Didn’t Know
If you are on your own surgical journey, let me share with you a little thing called the dreaded “Week Three Stall”. For me, it was the “Week Three GAIN”. *GASP*
I had been feeling so great, people had been telling me they could see a difference, I was hitting my nutritional goals, so I was certain I was killing it. When I looked down at the scale and saw a 6-pound gain, felt so defeated. I felt like a total failure and thought “Oh no! Have I already blown it?!” But I was determined to not let my mindset defeat me. I started doing some research and even talking to other bariatric patients who were further along in their post-op journeys, and I found out that this is actually a super common experience among bari-patients.
Apparently, when you advance to any new stage of the post-op process, you can experience stalls/gains. There is a video on YouTube by Dr. Christopher McGowan called “The Early Weight Loss Stall Explained” and it puts everything into perspective. He talks about how in this post-op stage, you’re losing fat instead of water weight, so it goes slower, but it makes sense as to why. Check out that video- he can explain it far better than I can!
One bari-influencer I follow on TikTok (@kalynvsgjourney) gave me some good advice- she said “these stalls can last a bit longer than you would expect. Put the scale away so you don’t get distracted. Focus on meeting your goals and then track your measurements! You will see loss continue and stay encouraged. Let me just say, she was definitely right.
Post-Op Transition from Liquids to Solids (or Purées, really).
Now, let’s get to the fun part – my first real food experience post-surgery. Picture this: I’m fourteen days post-op. I have been on liquids only for the last 6 weeks. Now, I find myself at the happiest place on Earth, my home away from home, Walt Disney World. I am surrounded by magic, laughter, and a little bit of pixie dust. So what do I choose as my food? None other than the iconic Pineapple Dole Whip! 🍍 Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my first bite of solid food after surgery was a swirl of pineapple perfection. I felt like I was living a fairy tale, savoring each spoonful as if it were a kiss from Prince Charming himself. Who knew that something so simple could taste like a slice of heaven?
PS, peep this transformation. Jake and me at WDW in 2018 vs. 2024!
“If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It”- Walt Disney
As I continue this journey (that is just getting started), I’m reminded that every step, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. So here’s to more laughter, more milestones, and more magical moments ahead. If you’re considering a similar path, know that it’s not just about the weight loss; it’s about reclaiming your life, one Dole Whip at a time. Cheers to new beginnings and the delicious adventures that come with them! 🌟
If you’re reading this post, odds are you are looking for guidance during your pre-op phase (and you are about to become one of my “Bari-besties”!)
Well, friend, you are in luck, because I PROMISE not to be a gatekeeper! You know that old adage, We rise by lifting others? That is a sort of “unspoken motto” around here. If one rises, we all rise! So without further ado, let’s get to it.
My Pre-Op Requirements
Pre-Op Part One
As you probably know, everyone’s surgeon is different. Therefore, most pre and post-op journeys are different, too. Fun fact, in 2021, I started to pursue Gastric Sleeve surgery, but it fell through when we took in my husband’s little sister and the timing and financials became unworkable. I actually made it 90% of the way through the pre-op requirements with that surgical office and then had to stop. It was really frustrating, but I don’t regret it. I learned a ton! Here are the requirements that I remember having to go through with that office:
Initial Consultation with Doctor to Decide on Best Procedure
Bloodwork
Nutrition Counseling with Dietician (3 or 4 of these)
Keep a Food Journal
Weekly Weigh Ins
Pre-Op Liquids
Post-Op Phases
Nutritional Seminar
Pre & Post-Op Dietary Restrictions
Longterm Success Strategies (and prioritizing Protein and Fiber)
Vitamin and Supplement Overview
Mindset Shift
Psychological Evaluation
Two Required Support Group Meetings (though weekly participation encouraged)
Weight Loss of 50lbs prior to Surgery with ZERO weight gain
I was able to complete all of these requirements in about six months. I was just waiting for a surgical date. Sadly, our insurance doesn’t cover any bariatric procedures, so I was a private pay patient. The money we had saved that we planned to use for my surgery was then reallocated to providing for the needs of my sister-in-law. I was so sad to not have the surgery, but I knew that God was calling us to take her in, and I couldn’t possibly be upset about that. We love her very much.
Pre-Op Part 2
This time, my experience has been vastly different. I am working with a different surgical office, and honestly, I am so glad to have made that decision. In March of 2024, I was officially diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Pseudotumor Cerebri. You can read about that whole saga here. Long story short, there was a period of time where we thought I had brain cancer. Turned out to be excess spinal fluid built up in my brain causing pressure. The symptoms mimic that of a brain tumor. All of that to say, bariatric surgery (and the rapid weight loss it provides) is my chosen course of treatment to *hopefully* reduce the pressure in my brain.
I officially got that diagnosis at the end of February 2024. My surgery date is scheduled for April 22nd, 2024. That is a pretty amazing and miraculous timeline. For this pre-op experience, I have one month of liver-shrinking diet modification broken into two phases:
Phase One: 2-and-1 Meal Replacement
Two meal replacement shakes per day (Breakfast and Dinner)
One protein-heavy lunch under 500 calories total with non-starchy vegetables
OTC Complete Multivitamin
Timeframe: Two Weeks
Weight Lost: 20 lbs.
Phase Two: Full Liquids
Three meal replacement protein shakes per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
No snacking or other food in between.
Clear liquids (Gatorade/Powerade Zero, Sugar Free Popsicles, Sugar Free Jello, Sugar Free Crystal Light, Reduced Sodium Beef, Chicken, or Bone Broth, Decaf and Sugar Free Coffee & Tea, Protein Waters)
OTC Complete Multivitamin
Timeframe: 18 days
Weight Lost: TBD
Protein Shakes: What I Like & What I Don’t
Let’s Start with the “Don’t Likes”
First, let me preface this by saying I do not love artificial sweeteners. I am somewhat of a “crunchy” gal, and Splenda/Aspartame are not my usual go-to ingredients. Except for when they are in Diet Coke, because, well… Diet Coke.
Getting off of caffeine was hard and really unglamorous. The caffeine headaches wereROUGH the first couple of days, but once they passed, I was able to handle my dietary restrictions pretty well. I didn’t cheat once! That in itself showed me how much healing and growth I have experienced.
The PRO of this specific protein mix is that it contains an ingredient that makes you feel fuller for longer, so this really does help manage hunger during the pre-op phase. There is also a great vitamin and mineral blend to help prep your body for surgery.
I find these to be super delicious. They are creamy, not chalky, flavorful, and there is much less of an aftertaste. So far, my favorite flavors are Cafe Latte and Cake Batter. Both are great for making “Proffee” aka, Protein Coffee.
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Welcome, friend! 🌿✨
Hi, I’m Molly! 🌿✨ I’m passionate about helping others flourish—mind, body, and spirit. After a life-changing health transformation, including bariatric surgery and overcoming challenges with faith, I’m learning to thrive, even in the messiness of life. As a future Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Holistic Health Practitioner, I share tips on health, wellness, and personal growth to inspire you to bloom into the best version of yourself.
Grab a cup of tea (or proffee!), and let’s grow together!
