Whether you opted for Lap Band, gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery in Salt Lake City, one thing remains the same—the way that you interpret your health is going to change. Dieting is an entirely different ball game after weight loss surgery. Since your bariatric procedure gives you an advantage, following portion sizes and dietary choices that your weight loss surgeon provides becomes a little less difficult once your stomach is reduced or constricted and you become full after eating just a few ounces of food.
While your stomach is on board with your new weight loss plan, it takes some time for your mind to catch up with the changes. That is where mindfulness and intuition come into play.
Developing Weight Loss Intuition
Remember the old saying, ‘what you don’t know can’t hurt you?’ A lot of us wish that this was the truth when it comes to our diet, but unfortunately not being aware of what you are eating can have just as much of a negative impact as deliberately straying from a diet.
A lot of people associate Zen with peacefulness, and while this is partially true, Zen is more about mindfulness and paying attention than it is about being at peace. When you increase awareness and become knowledgeable of what is around you, it is often easier to come to terms with factors of life that may have upset you in the past. This is especially true when it comes to eating a healthier diet after weight loss surgery.
Removing the ability to eat certain foods doesn’t remove the temptation that those foods cause. When all you think about is the taste of your favorite fast food meal it is hard to resist the drive thru. Instead of contemplating the taste, think about the ingredients and how your body processes that food. If you associate fast food with grease and fat, it wouldn’t be surprising that after not too long the smell of the drive thru repulses you instead of drawing you in for more.
Find Zen with More Support
Transitioning to a healthier lifestyle is hard for a lot of bariatric patients. Even after the weight is gone, overcoming long established cues are hard to change. These habits are front and center after a stressful day at the office or an argument with a loved one. Being mindful of yourself means finding ways to unearth what is really bothering you before you turn to snacks and comfort foods.
Learning mindfulness is hard on your own. Take advantage of the bariatric surgery support groups to learn Zen techniques that will work with your weight loss goals.