Are Your “Healthy” Foods Fueling Inflammation After Bariatric Surgery?

If you've had bariatric surgery and feel stuck in your weight loss journey—or worse, you’re regaining—you’re not alone. The culprit may be hiding in plain sight: your go-to protein shakes and bars.

These processed “healthy” staples may actually be fueling inflammation, bloating, and weight gain. Let’s break down why this happens and what you can do to get your weight loss back on track.

Understanding Omega-3s vs. Omega-6s

Your body needs both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. But the balance matters—a lot.

• Omega-3s (found in salmon, chia seeds, walnuts) are anti-inflammatory. Think of them as the repair crew for your body—helping to reduce inflammation, support brain health, and regulate metabolism.

• Omega-6s (found in soybean oil, canola oil, corn oil, and other seed oils) are inflammatory when overconsumed. These are found in many processed foods, including most protein shakes, bars, and puddings labeled for bariatric use.

The typical Western diet has a dangerous imbalance—about 21 omega-6s to every 1 omega-3. That’s like having one person fixing the house and 21 others setting it on fire. Your body can’t heal or lose weight efficiently in that kind of chaos.

Hidden Inflammation in “Bariatric-Friendly” Foods

Many post-op patients start their day with coffee and a protein shake, snack on a protein bar in the afternoon, nibble on protein chips later, and end the day with protein pudding. These processed snacks are usually loaded with industrial seed oils.

This constant stream of omega-6s causes chronic inflammation. And inflammation does more than make you feel bloated—it can stall weight loss, cause joint pain, and increase cravings.

The Two-Week Challenge That Changed Everything

At The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, we’ve seen the magic of simply removing these inflammatory foods. Clients who ditched protein bars and shakes saw the scale move—sometimes by 5 to 10 pounds in just two weeks.

If you're unsure where to start, join our Bariatric Rewrite Private Group. We share free whole food recipes daily, complete with macros and serving sizes tailored to your post-op phase.

Practical Tips to Reduce Inflammation

💡 Here's how to take control:

• Swap processed shakes and bars with whole food protein sources like eggs, chicken, and lentils.

• Incorporate omega-3-rich foods: fatty fish (like salmon), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and avocado.

• Read labels and watch out for sneaky omega-6 culprits like soybean, sunflower, and canola oil.

Healing isn’t just about calorie counting. It’s about creating an internal environment where your body can truly thrive—free from inflammation and cravings.

Let’s Rewrite Your Bariatric Journey

Still feeling stuck? You're not alone. We dive deeper into whole food solutions, personalized support, and healing strategies in our 1-on-1 coaching.

Want to learn more about the science behind inflammation and bariatric nutrition? Check out ASMBS’s detailed guide on the importance of nutritional quality after surgery.

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!

Join our bariatric support community for expert tips on the bariatric diet, post-bariatric surgery care, healthy eating, and bariatric recipes to fuel your transformation.