Hey, what’s for dessert? I grew up in Tennessee and this was a common question. Still is. And, I have to admit, I love dessert. Always have. But wait, I’m a dietitian. But first I’m a person who loves food and good dessert. How about you? You’ve had bariatric surgery but I bet you’ve asked yourself this question too, right? Can you have dessert or do you have to deny yourself now? Can dessert be good for you? Is dessert off the menu or what does dessert look like post surgery?
Hi, I’m registered dietitian nutritionist Dr. Susan Mitchell. You’re listening to the Bariatric Surgery Success podcast episode number 52. Most of my career I’ve worked in some type of media, particularly radio where I did morning drive nutrition spots for over 18 years. That’s what lead me to start podcasting and ultimately to you. I created Bariatric Surgery Success to provide you with life-changing information based on science along with simple strategies and tools to help you be successful in your transformation and your entire journey. So happy you’ve connected with me. You’re in the right place and I’m glad you’re listening.
I’d like to give a shout out this week to Christine who said this on Facebook: “Listening to your podcast every week helps keep me on track! I’m also excited about Dr. Connie joining the show.” Thank you Christine. Happy to know that the podcast helps you stay on track week to week. And yes, Dr. Connie’s spot on when it comes to mental health issues, isn’t she? 
If you missed guest psychologist Dr. Connie, the episode is #51 called Bariatric Mental Health Q & A: Your Questions Answered. Listen to it on the website or your favorite podcatcher like Apple or Google podcasts.
Let’s get right to it…dessert or no dessert? Basically whether we’re talking about treats or goodies or desserts we’re talking about the same thing. You may eat them at different times but they all fall in the same category. Bottom line, it’s all in your smart strategy. First, the replay. Remember that your body is unique as is your surgery. So as I always mention, circle back to your surgical team to make sure certain changes will work for you. Let’s be honest with each other. How long can you eat plain ol’ chicken or fish and brown rice or broccoli? Answer: not that long. Sure, you want to continue with your wins and successes but skipping a treat or a dessert that you really want can set you up to want more of it. Can I get an Amen?
Remember prior to the COVID pandemic, when you worked in an office and someone had that cool candy bowl always filled with M & M peanuts? Did you grab a few and feel satisfied or did you deny yourself? Did you then try to ignore them all day but those M & M’s kept calling your name? Denise, Peggy. What happened then? If you denied yourself long enough, did you go in there and grab a big handful or maybe even look in the drawer for the bag? Denial leads to feelings of being deprived, and ultimately, cravings and over eating. If you’d just had a few peanut M & M’s when you really wanted them, it’s likely you would have been satisfied and moved on. 
You’ve made terrific progress up to now and want to continue but can you fit a favorite dessert into your eating plan? You bet you can. It’s all about a smart strategy. By that I mean, think of the food choices you’ve made since surgery. I’m assuming you’re almost a year or more out now from surgery to be talking desserts or treats. You eat high protein foods, watch your processed carbs, choose healthy fats. When it comes to treats or dessert, whether you buy them or make them, try to meet those goals we just mentioned: include protein, keep the sugar low, and emphasize healthy fats. And sure, calories should be lower so you don’t ruin all your efforts with weight regain. However, before we talk more on how to do this, there will be times during special occasions, like a birthday or anniversary, when nothing but a certain dessert that you love will do. You know exactly what I mean? What