Why Liquid Diets Aren’t the Solution for Bariatric Regain
Jan 08, 2025
💭 Let’s Talk About Bariatric Support and “Solutions” 💭
As a bariatric surgery patient, I recently came across Bariatric Advantage’s “solution” for regain, and I have to say—it left me incredibly disappointed. Their recommendation? Another liquid diet.
This mindset feels like a step backward. Isn’t the purpose of bariatric surgery to help us break free from the cycles of diet culture that have failed us before? Liquid diets are nothing more than temporary fixes. They don’t address the root causes of regain, aren’t sustainable, and often leave us feeling more defeated when they don’t lead to lasting success.
The Problem with Liquid Diets
Let’s break it down:
- Short-term Fixes: Liquid diets may move the scale temporarily, but they don’t tackle the deeper issues that led to regain in the first place.
- Reinforcing Diet Culture: Suggesting liquid diets perpetuates the same toxic patterns that many of us have been trying to escape.
- Lack of Real Solutions: Companies pushing meal replacement products often fail to provide the education and support necessary for lasting lifestyle changes.
What We Really Need
Regain isn’t a failure; it’s an opportunity to reassess and build sustainable habits. Instead of a short-term “reset,” post-op programs should focus on:
- Education: Help patients understand the root causes of regain, such as stress, emotional eating, or life imbalances.
- Sustainable Habits: Promote whole foods, mindful eating, and self-awareness to create a lasting foundation for health.
- Empowerment: Post-op support should lift us up, not send us back to old, toxic patterns.
Liquid diets can’t teach us to listen to our bodies or address the life circumstances that impact our choices. It’s time for bariatric care programs and the companies behind them to do better.
A Call for Change
The bariatric community deserves more than meal replacements and quick fixes. We need real support systems that empower us to build healthier relationships with food and ourselves.
What do you think? Should liquid diets still have a place in post-op care, or is it time to demand better solutions? Let’s start the conversation. 💬
