BMI

Some of the commonest things I get asked by patients after bariatric surgery is, “So what can I eat now? When can I eat sweets? When can I drink Coke?” Or words to that effect.

Each time, I sigh. It means another ten minute lecture is due on my part. I have to teach an important lesson to the patient (not to mention the family) all over again.

So my lecture goes somewhat like this:

Why are you here? Because eating the way you do has led to a level of obesity that is dangerous to your health and even your very existence. You have suffered endlessly because of your obesity. You have lived through your own self-recrimination, the admonishment of your family, the chiding and teasing of your friends, and countless other miseries unique to the severely obese individual.

Eating the kind of foods the way you have been eating has caused you so many life-threatening diseases like diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension. Eating sugars and junk has brought you to surgery as a last resort.

So why are you not looking further ahead to being leaner and healthier? Why are you looking back to eating the same kind of way that has made you what you are today? Look at this thing in perspective. You have a whole new life ahead. Plan on how you can make the most of this with your new-found health and look. Liberate yourself from guilt and misery. Focus! The goal is health and leanness, not food. Focus! Look, you are several trouser sizes down! Look, you look great in that new slim-fit T-shirt! Look, people are wide-eyed at your transformation. Look, your husband thinks you are beautiful again!

Don’t miss these achievements. None of this is possible if you think surgery is your destination. It is not. Surgery is your vehicle. It will take you where you would never have dreamed of reaching. But you will do so only if you keep sight of your goals. That is what is called FOCUS.

Click on pen to