After bariatric surgery, your caloric intake is drastically reduced—and every calorie matters. But what if you're unknowingly sabotaging your progress with hidden bites, sips, and dabs that never make it into your food journal?

In this post, Shenelle Coplien, bariatric nutrition expert and founder of The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, breaks down how quickly small, seemingly insignificant food choices can add up to hundreds of unlogged calories. This isn’t about guilt—it’s about awareness, strategy, and staying on track toward your goals.

The Little Things Add Up—Fast

You might think that nibbling a few Goldfish crackers your kids left behind isn’t a big deal. But did you know that 44 Goldfish = 140 calories? That’s a snack-sized surprise that never even hits your tracker.

Then, there’s the office candy dish. You grab three Hershey Kisses during your break. That’s another 70 calories. “It’s just candy,” you might say—but day after day, those treats matter.

Now think about condiments. A tiny container of ketchup with your lunch? That’s 70 more calories if you use just four tablespoons. And what about that Starbucks latte made with regular milk? 170 calories—without even counting any syrups.

And here’s a common one that almost no one logs: avocado oil used for cooking or salad dressing. Just one tablespoon adds 120 calories, and you probably didn’t even notice.

Over 550 “Invisible” Calories Per Day

Altogether, these "invisible" bites and sips can easily exceed 550 calories a day—a massive amount for someone with a post-op caloric range of 800–1,200 calories.

If you're not working out intensely, that kind of untracked intake could derail your weight loss journey. Worse, it might leave you feeling like you're doing everything right when the scale says otherwise.

Why Food Journaling Is Non-Negotiable

Tracking what you eat isn't optional—it’s essential. Especially in the first year post-op, awareness is your greatest tool. By logging everything, even small bites and condiments, you regain control and can adjust with intention.

Need help staying on track? Join our supportive community at the Bariatric Rewrite Private Group, where we help you stay accountable and inspired every step of the way.

Take Back Control of Your Post-Op Nutrition

If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, you're not alone. Transitioning to a Whole Foods lifestyle after surgery takes more than willpower—it takes education, strategy, and support.

At The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, we help bariatric patients build better food habits that support long-term success. And if you're ready to ditch the food confusion, book a call with Shenelle Coplien to get expert, personalized guidance.

Learn More from Trusted Sources

• Visit the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s Bariatric ReWrite page for professional guidance.

• Understand how calorie creep can sabotage your weight loss goals.

• Learn how condiments and oils impact weight loss more than you might expect.

Are You Struggling with Food Addiction? Take the First Step Today!

If cravings, binge eating, or emotional eating are holding you back, you’re not alone. Food addiction can impact long-term weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, bypass surgery).
At The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, we help you break free from stress eating and build a sustainable, healthy relationship with food.

✅ Discover if you're facing food addiction and get expert guidance on bariatric nutrition, meal plans, and support from Shenelle Coplien and the Bariatric Rewrite team. Your journey to lasting weight loss starts here!
👉 Take the Food Addiction Quiz Now!
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