Healthy Habits; Family, Friends, Food

Family, Friends, and Food

Celebrations, spending time with the family watching a favorite show, cookouts on warm evenings… eating and events are social activities that have long been tied together, and you shouldn’t have to give them up. But, after bariatric surgery and with new healthy habits, you won’t want to eat as much as you used to and, most likely, you won’t be able to.

These situations can present challenges. Sometimes even the most well-meaning family and friends may try to push food on you.

Here are some coping strategies for dealing with family and friends who don’t “get it,” and for eating in restaurants and at special occasions.

Pressure from Family and Friends

Some of your family or friends may have difficulty supporting you. They may be unaware that certain comments they make or things they do are unsupportive.

Maybe you are frustrated because a family member continues to bring home high-calorie foods, even though you are trying to avoid them. Or, maybe you are upset because a friend who only knows the myths of bariatric surgery thinks it is the easy way out.

Tips

-	It may be as simple as talking with your family members or friends. Be honest and calmly let them know what your goals are, what you need in the way of support, and, specifically, what comments or behaviors are not helpful.
-	You may want to offer to bring them to a support group or information session at your bariatric program.
-	Provide them with the information you used while making your decision.
-	Politely change the subject if eating or bariatric surgery comes up.
-	If they’re unable to change their behavior, you may consider limiting the amount of time you spend with them.

Eating in Restaurants

Eating in restaurants after bariatric surgery can be challenging, especially with the size of restaurant portions. Often restaurant portions are two to four times larger than the recommended portion and are high in fat. This can lead to a slower rate of weight loss for bariatric surgery patients. For gastric bypass patients, this presents an opportunity for an unpleasant episode of dumping syndrome.

Tips

-	Avoid baskets of bread or chips.
-	Order salads with dressing on the side and dip your fork in the dressing instead of pouring it on.
-	In many restaurants, appetizers are closer to an appropriate portion size than the entrées.
-	Split an entrée with someone, or divide it and take home half.

Eating at Special Occasions

Special occasions can be challenging: There might be pressure to “try some of this,” and the food can be tempting. The festive nature might make you feel like letting go of healthy habits.

It’s important to plan ahead. Having a plan can help you avoid overeating or eating unhealthy foods.

A common mistake is to plan on eating nothing. Even with the best intentions, it’s hard to resist the atmosphere and the food.

Tips

-	Eat something small before you go or drink a glass of milk, so you don’t arrive hungry.
-	Enjoy conversation while you eat—you’ll eat more slowly.
-	Try small amounts of new foods instead of your old favorites.

And remember…

If you do overeat, keep it in perspective. Overeating at a single event does not lead directly to regaining weight. It is unhealthy daily habits that do. So don’t let one slip-up lead to overeating or eating unhealthy foods at several meals. Stick with your healthy eating habits, and you will notice the difference it makes.

LIFE AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY

RECOVERING FROM BARIATRIC SURGERY

HEALTHY HABITS FOR SUCCESS

DEVELOPING HEALTHY HABITS

COPING WITH CRAVINGS AND EMOTIONAL EATING

HEALTH TRANSFORMATION