Breaking Free from Food Addiction After Bariatric Surgery: The Power of "Not Today"
May 09, 2025
Overcoming food addiction, especially after bariatric surgery, can feel overwhelming. Many bariatric patients think they’ll never be able to eat certain foods again, but there’s a powerful mindset shift that can make all the difference: "Not today."
The Myth of "Forever"
As a coach for bariatric patients with food addiction, I never tell my clients that they will live without their trigger foods forever. This "forever" mindset can be overwhelming, unrealistic, and ultimately disempowering. Whether it’s sugar, fast food, or ultra-processed junk, these foods are often seen as forbidden. But this isn’t the approach I use for myself or with my clients.
As a recovering alcoholic, I’ve learned that forever is too big. It steals your energy before you even get started. When I was in active addiction, I was told I had to be sober "forever," but I quickly learned that focusing on the long term only made recovery seem daunting. Instead, I learned to live on a daily reprieve, focusing on today—not forever.
The Power of "Not Today"
Instead of telling myself, “I’m never drinking again,” or “I’m never eating sugar again,” I simply say, “Not today.” This shift in mindset helps me stay focused and calm. Today, I’ll make choices that align with the life I’ve worked hard to build. I’ll fuel my body rather than numb it. I’ll keep the promises I made to myself.
This same approach can be applied to food addiction after bariatric surgery. The goal isn’t to promise that you’ll never indulge again but to focus on today. In my personal journey, I haven’t had fast food in over three years, but I don’t tell myself, “I’m never having fast food again.” Instead, I remind myself, "Not today." Tomorrow is another day, and I can face it then. The key is to make the best choices for your body right now, one day at a time.
The Mental Strain of Overcoming Food Addiction
Food addiction, especially after bariatric surgery, can be an exhausting mental battle. Some foods trigger a mental obsession that can feel relentless. Once you take a bite, your mind races, thinking about the next bite. This cycle can be mentally draining and often harder to fight than the cravings themselves. But you don’t have to give in. Instead of letting the thought of "forever" overwhelm you, focus on resisting today. It’s often easier to make that choice than to wrestle with the idea of never indulging again.
Healing One Day at a Time
This journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about healing one day at a time. Just like in recovery from alcohol addiction, the goal isn’t to be perfect forever. It’s about making intentional, mindful choices that align with your values and your health. Bariatric patients often face the temptation of trigger foods after surgery, but it’s not about depriving yourself forever. It’s about saying "not today" and choosing to heal and grow each day.
Building Accountability & Support
If you’re finding it difficult to transition from food addiction to a healthier relationship with food after bariatric surgery, know that you’re not alone. At The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, we offer a 4-month intensive food addiction program that includes daily accountability. This program is designed to help you break free from the cycle of cravings and build sustainable, healthy habits that will last. It’s like nothing else you’ve tried before, and it’s tailored specifically for bariatric patients.
The key to overcoming food addiction after bariatric surgery is not to focus on "never" but on the present moment. The goal is to focus on making the best choices for your health today, and to embrace the mindset of "Not today." This small shift in perspective can make a world of difference in your journey toward lasting change.
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