Imagine you’re driving home after work. The highway should be smooth and clear, but instead, cars are bumper to bumper. No one is moving, everyone’s frustrated, and what should have been a simple trip feels overwhelming.
That’s exactly what happens when you rush through eating after bariatric surgery.
When meals happen in the car, at the kitchen counter, or surrounded by chaos, it’s easy to slip into old habits: big bites, quick chewing, and washing food down with a drink. The result? Your new, smaller stomach gets backed up like rush-hour traffic. Instead of comfortably enjoying your food, you’re “full to your eyeballs” after just 2–3 bites. Unpleasant, frustrating, and discouraging.
The good news? You can clear the traffic jam with a few intentional habits:
- Small bites – Think pinky nail to thumbnail size. Smaller “cars” make it easier to keep the lane flowing.
- Chew well – 30 seconds or more. Just like traffic lights help pace the flow, chewing slows everything down and signals your brain that you’re satisfied.
- Pace yourself – Aim for 15–20 minutes per mini-meal. Rushing leads to pile-ups.
- Separate food and drink – Wait 20–30 minutes after eating before sipping liquids. Otherwise, it’s like flooding the road with more cars – traffic stalls, and discomfort follows.
When you treat each meal with this kind of care, eating transforms. Instead of feeling overstuffed after two bites, your “roadway” stays clear, and food moves smoothly through the system.
Remember: after bariatric surgery, HOW you eat is just as important as WHAT you eat. Avoid the traffic jam – slow down, chew well, and give your body the chance to enjoy the ride.
