Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help individuals struggling with obesity achieve long-term weight loss and improve their overall health. Meal planning and prepping is an important aspect of maintaining weight loss and improving overall health after bariatric surgery, but establishing a habit of meal planning and prepping can be challenging. Here are some tips and strategies to help make meal planning and prepping a habit after bariatric surgery.

Schedule meal planning and prepping time: Scheduling a specific time for meal planning and prepping can help establish a habit of meal planning and prepping after bariatric surgery. This may involve setting aside a few hours on a weekend or weekday evening to prepare meals and snacks for the week.
Create a meal plan: Creating a meal plan can help reduce stress and save time when it comes to meal planning and prepping. The meal plan should be focused on healthy, nutrient-dense foods that support long-term weight loss and overall health.
Use portion control: Portion control is important after bariatric surgery to avoid overeating and maintain weight loss. Using meal prep containers or portion control tools can help ensure that meals are properly sized.
Make it enjoyable: Meal planning and prepping can be an enjoyable and creative activity. Experimenting with new recipes and flavors can make it more enjoyable and increase the likelihood of establishing a habit of meal planning and prepping.
Involve others: Meal planning and prepping with a partner, friend, or family member can provide motivation and support. This can also make it a social activity that is more enjoyable.
Be flexible: Being flexible with meal planning and prepping can help maintain motivation and prevent burnout. This may involve preparing larger batches of meals that can be frozen for later use or incorporating leftovers into new meals.

In summary, meal planning and prepping is an important aspect of maintaining weight loss and improving overall health after bariatric surgery. By scheduling meal planning and prepping time, creating a meal plan, using portion control, making it enjoyable, involving others, and being flexible, individuals can effectively establish a habit of meal planning and prepping after bariatric surgery. If you're struggling to establish a habit of meal planning and prepping after bariatric surgery, consider seeking support from a therapist or support group to help manage emotional or psychological barriers to meal planning and prepping.