What Are The 21 Most Common Mistakes Bariatric Surgery Women Make?

After surveying more than 500 bariatric surgery women, one thing was crystal clear: Their biggest obstacle to success is Mistake #3, putting other people’s needs before your own. Many women don’t even realize they do this, or they don’t think they have a choice.

The 21 Most Common Mistakes checklist covers a variety of concerns, from simple (but not easy) things like drinking enough water to more challenging concerns, such as avoiding dealing with your feelings. Even though your bariatric surgeon may have urged you to make self-care a priority, many women have the habit of putting themselves last.

With this handy checklist, you’ll learn what to look out for on your sometimes joyous, sometimes challenging journey after bariatric surgery. Won’t it be nice to be a little more prepared and to see what common mistakes you might be making

Bent Trees

My favorite place in Wilmington, North Carolina (where I lived for many years) is a grove of trees just off the beach near Fort Fisher. I am fascinated by those trees, which were bent by ocean breezes. They lean, but they haven’t fallen.

They haven’t fallen because they have adapted.

I’ve seen pictures of Wilmington after hurricanes. Certainly, some shallow-rooted trees were taken down by the strong winds. But not so much those old trees by the shore. It’s hard to imagine any trees surviving the onslaught of hurricane-force winds, but they do it all the time.

They survive, because with each gust of wind they bend a little more and adapt. In fact, trees need wind, because it helps their roots deepen and grow stronger.

My favorite place in Wilmington, North Carolina (where I lived for many years) is a grove of trees just off the beach near Fort Fisher. I am fascinated by those trees, which were bent by ocean breezes. They lean, but they haven’t fallen.

They haven’t fallen because they have adapted.

I’ve seen pictures of Wilmington after hurricanes. Certainly, some shallow-rooted trees were taken down by the strong winds. But not so much those old trees by the shore. It’s hard to imagine any trees surviving the onslaught of hurricane-force winds, but they do it all the time.

They survive, because with each gust of wind they bend a little more and adapt. In fact, trees need wind, because it helps their roots deepen and grow stronger.

Bent Trees
As a bariatric-surgery veteran and coach, I have worked with thousands of people over the years who have struggled after their surgery. Some felt as if they’d been knocked down by the wind. I have felt like that.

The thing is, we are just bent. That’s the nature of life. And being bent by the wind only makes us stronger.

Katie Jay

MSW, Certified Life and Wellness Coach