Conquering Food Cravings: A Bariatric Patient’s Journey

Note from a fellow bariatric patient…

Not everyone should give up a specific food forever, but even after eight years since my weight loss surgery, I still struggle to make healthy nutritional choices, especially when it involves certain junk foods.

Potato chips posed a significant problem for me a few years ago. I literally could not “eat just one.” In fact, I could eat dozens, especially in the evening. Then I would be consumed by guilt and beat myself up for my lack of control. It was a terrible, unhealthy cycle in so many ways.

Finally, after years of trying to follow advice from my team and enjoy a few chips in moderation, I decided that there was no "middle ground" for me. I had to give up chips entirely for the sake of my physical and mental health.

It was hard to change my eating behaviors, but I wanted to regain control, so here’s what I did:

1. I found an accountability partner. For the first few months, I connected with that person each day, made a daily commitment to not eat potato chips, and then reported back whether I had achieved my goal. At first, I simply focused on avoiding chips for that day. But eventually, it got easier.

2. I substituted another food at snack time. For me, an Unjury^® Chocolate protein shake was a yummy, healthy treat to end my day. It filled me up and helped calm my food cravings for chips.

3. I distracted myself with hobbies or household chores. It’s hard to eat chips when you’re vacuuming.

4. I tracked my food and was stunned by how many calories, carbs, and fats are in a few chips. That alone helped curb my desire.

5. I got rid of my favorite kind of chips. Although my husband still eats them, he buys the kind that I don’t like so that I’m less tempted.

6. I focused on my “why” every day. For me, it’s having many years to be with my family and make a difference in the world. Keeping my “why” firmly in view helps me overcome those times when I’m tempted to make poor food choices.

I’m happy to report that I haven’t had one chip in over five years. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been the right choice for me. If a certain food holds power over you, I hope that one of these techniques can help you too.

We’re in this together. If I can do it, so can you!

–Your bariatric friend