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6 REASONS WHY YOU FEEL HUNGRY AFTER WLS
enquiries@thedietologist.co.uk
Hey there ladies, I get so many of you sliding into my DM’s panicking about feeling hungry after WLS, because there is an expectation, when you sign up for surgery, not to feel hungry ever again! Unfortunately for some this simply isn’t the case. Here are some common reasons why you might be experiencing hunger:
1. Not eating enough protein: Protein is essential for satiety and helps you feel full for longer. If you're not getting enough protein in your meals, you may be more likely to feel hungry. Check you are hitting your protein goals. You can download my Protein After WLS ebook to help you hit your protein goals.
2. Eating and drinking together: Drinking during meals can flush food out of your stomach more quickly, leading to hunger soon after eating. Make sure to wait 30 minutes after eating before drinking anything.
3. Emotional hunger: This is “head” hunger and can easily be confused with “real” hunger. It's common to turn to food for comfort when we're feeling down, but emotional eating can lead to overeating and hunger. Try to identify your emotional triggers and find healthier ways to cope. If you want to improve your relationship with food and optimise your WLS, like so many of the women I work with after bariatric surgery, you can apply for my coaching program here
4. Eating too quickly and not spending 20 minutes per meal: It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register that you're satisfied. If you're eating too quickly or not spending enough time on your meals, you may be more likely to feel hungry. Slow down and savour your food! Working with your dietitian on hunger and fullness is a great place to start with your relationship with food.
5. Mindless eating: Eating while distracted, such as watching TV or working, can lead to overeating and not feeling satisfied. Make sure to focus on your meal and enjoy the experience. Mindless eating is common for busy women and mums, if you don't change your habits, you may well be disappointed with your weight loss after bariatric surgery.
6. Eating sloppy food: Soft/sloppy foods can pass through the stomach more quickly, leading to hunger later. Stick to high-protein, nutrient-dense foods that will keep you full and satisfied for longer! This is a game changer when it comes to weight loss, and it's one of the most common mistakes after weight loss surgery.
As your favourite bariatric dietitian, I'm here to help you navigate your weight loss journey. Remember, hunger is a natural feeling, and with a little bit of planning and mindfulness, you can conquer it like a boss! Now, if you're still feeling hungry after addressing these factors, it's important to talk to your dietitian. If we are working together, I’d assess your diet, hunger/satisfaction levels, eating and how well you are working with your surgery to create a roadmap to keep your hunger at bay. If your ready to fast track your habits and weight loss, apply for my coaching HERE.
