We talk a lot on this site about the habits and routines that have worked for us post-surgery. So it feels only right that when those habits slip — as they have over the past couple of months — we’re honest about that too.
What Actually Happened
The honest version is this: somewhere over winter, the snacking crept in. Not dramatically, not in a way that was obvious at first — but gradually, the structure around eating loosened and the gaps started filling with things that hadn’t previously been part of the routine.
Chocolate bars. Crisps. The kind of easy, grab-and-go snacks that are fine occasionally but that were appearing more regularly than they should have been. Not the chicken drumsticks and Babybels that work well for us — the other stuff. The slider foods that don’t really satisfy and don’t contribute much nutritionally but are very easy to reach for when you’re tired or bored or the day has been long.
To be clear — we didn’t gain weight significantly from this. The sleeve still provides restriction, and we weren’t eating vast quantities. But the habits themselves were drifting in a direction we didn’t like, and ignoring that felt dishonest.
Why It Happens
Winter does something to routines. The dark, the cold, the general heaviness of the season — it makes comfort eating more appealing and structured meal prep feel like more effort than it’s worth. It’s not an excuse, it’s just the reality of being human.
Two years post-op, the sleeve is still there doing its job, but the habits have to do their job too. The surgery is a tool. When the habits that support it drift, you feel it — not always in the scale, but in energy levels, in how satisfied you feel after eating, in the general sense of being on track versus just getting by.
The Reset
We’re back to meal prepping properly. A batch cook at the weekend — proteins, simple vegetable sides, soups — that sets up the week with ready-made options that don’t require a decision at every meal.
Protein shakes are back in the morning rotation. Protein bars as the planned snack rather than whatever’s in the cupboard. The structure isn’t punishing — it’s actually a relief to have it back, because structure makes the day simpler rather than harder.
Spring felt like the right time to reset. Lighter days, more energy, more motivation to move and cook and be intentional. If your habits have drifted too — you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in a reset.
Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience and is intended for general information only. It should not be taken as medical advice. Every journey is different, and it’s important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your own circumstances before making any medical decisions.