BariAftercare: The Podcast

Did you know that we recyle something like 90% of our thoughts over and over, day after day AND that about 85% of those recycling thoughts are NEGATIVE thoughts? That’s what some research says! And I happen to believe that… even if we’re not aware of all those automatic negative thoughts on the hamster wheel of our mind. We need to change this to make room for and to create new, healthier neuropathways that keep us engaged in a non-stop loop of more neutral and positive thoughts! You’ve heard the saying… change you thinking, change your life. It's true. In this episode you will learn specific skills for challenging and changing negative thoughts using tried and true cognitive behavior tools. Let’s get going so you can get going on changing that stinkin’ thinkin’! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Rob DiMedio: https://www.busybariatrics.com/ Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Cognitive Behavior Worksheets: https://www.mentallyfitpro.com/c/free-therapy-worksheets/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-worksheets https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/abc-model-for-rebt Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

In this week’s episode will teach you skills for ditching self-defeating attitudes and behaviors and for overcoming a victim mentality, which we talked about last week! Learning to be more resilient when setbacks threaten to derail your progress and learning to increase your “I think I can, I think I can” attitude, or self-efficacy, will not only help you prevent emotional eating and avoid self-sabotaging eating behaviors, these skills will assist you in maintaining motivation to accomplish any goal you set for yourself in life! Let’s jump in so you can get started today using the skills of resiliency and self-efficacy to become your very best self AND maintain a healthy weight! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Rob DiMedio: https://www.busybariatrics.com/ Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies If You Think You Can’t… Think Again: The Sway of Self-Efficacy https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/flourish/201002/if-you-think-you-can-t-think-again-the-sway-self-efficacy To Thine Own Self-Efficacy Be True https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/live-in-concert/201807/thine-own-self-efficacy-be-true This Is the Belief That Influences Every Decision You Make https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/motivate/202308/this-is-the-belief-that-influences-every-decision-you-make Understanding Self-Destructive Behavior https://www.healthline.com/health/mentalhealth/self-destructive-behavior#diagnosis Why Do I Self-Sabotage My Diet? https://www.redmountainweightloss.com/blog/dr-kim-self-sabotage-controlling-life/?srsltid=AfmBOor-KVrZQul8CrN3LTTINVVxJQhB07kXZe8XT65hY5CiXISpp34n The Psychological Meaning of Resilience https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-new-home/201804/the-psychological-meaning-resilience Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at ww

Now, THAT’s a vague episode title! And it’s vague on purpose! None of us want to admit to … well, our less than healthy behaviors. Yet the truth is, we all engage in behaviors we would be mortified if others were to witness. The topic of this episode describes a type of behavior and mindset I would bet every one of us has engaged in at some points in time. For a percentage of people, this becomes a way of life. Others can see it clearly, but the one entrenched in this is usually oblivious… because they are hurting. Their attitude and behaviors results in continued self-sabotage and pushing others away. Enough of the mysteriousness…. Buckle your seatbelt, open your mind and let’s take a look at this topic. If you’re honest enough to see how this describes you, there are suggestions for pivoting into a healthier, more productive way of dealing. Let’s get started! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Rob DiMedio: https://www.busybariatrics.com/ Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Victim Mentality: 10 Ways to Help Clients Conquer Victimhood https://positivepsychology.com/victim-mentality/ The Agony and Ecstasy of Victimhood https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/putting-psyche-back-into-psychotherapy/202401/the-agony-and-ecstasy-of-victimhood Victim Mentality: Definition, Causes, and Ways to Cope https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-victim-mentality-5120615 Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

Do you ever wonder why you do some of the things you do? And also… why you might not do other things you want to do or plan to do? If you’re human… I’m gonna guess you have wondered those exact same things… maybe on daily basis! Our behaviors are linked to all sorts of things going on in our brains. Listen in as Dr. Joan Brugman helps us better understand the connection between our brains and our behavior! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Rob DiMedio: https://www.busybariatrics.com/ Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

There are all sorts of ways people choose to lose weight… surgical weight loss procedures, GLP 1’s, Weight Watchers, Noom, and all sorts of various diets such as the Mediteranian Diet, the KETO diet, or tragically, some version of the cabbage soup diet. Here’s the deal… no matter how a person loses weight, they all experience many of the same things after losing weight… and I’m NOT just talking about physical changes. Yes, clearly there are physical changes but there are also dietary changes, not to mention the NUMEROUS emotional, psychological and relationship changes that happen when someone loses weight. Being aware of, and maybe even prepared for, these changes is important! Listen in and be in the know! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Rob DiMedio: https://www.busybariatrics.com/ Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies 5 Best Weight Loss Programs to Try in 2025, According to Dietitians https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-weight-loss-programs Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

There’s little in life I find more inspiring than when a person takes a difficult situation and creates something amazing out of it! Rob DiMedio is one of those people! Rob, a post-op who chronicled his journey on social media, has taken his passion for health and created a business called Busy Bariatrics. Due to Rob’s passion for taking charge of his health, Busy Bariatrics has gotten VERY BUSY! If you already know Rob, you’ll love catching up with him on this episode. If you don’t know Rob, you’re in for a treat! Listen in and become one of the people inspired by this energetic post-op! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Rob DiMedio: https://www.busybariatrics.com/ Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

Food… a red herring? As in… a fish? Nope! So what does that mean… food… a red herring? You think I’m gonna tell you here, in the intro? Not a chance! But when you listen to the entire episode, you’ll learn why Dr. Anita A. Johnson, author of Eating in The Light of The Moon, wrote an entire chapter on this topic. Also, as you listen to this episode, based almost entirely on that one chapter in Dr. Johnson’s book, I hope you will make the decision to join me for a Book Review about Eating in The Light of The Moon to be held on Sunday, March 30th at 7 PM EST on the Zoom platform. To register for this event, go to my website www.conniestapletonphd.com/books If you are a member of the online BariAftercare community, this event is, of course, free for you! Now let’s get started on this awesome information! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Book: Eating In The Light Of The Moon by Anita A. Johnson Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

You’ve heard the Serenity Prayer: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot chance, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Turns out the founders of AA did NOT create this thinking. It originated many years BC… before the birth of Christ! The ideas used in the Serenity Prayer come from an ancient Greek Philosophy known as Stoicism. Using the tenets of this philosophy, focusing on what you CAN change in your life and NOT paying attention to the things you can’t change, is how to create the life you want. This does require that you know the difference between what you can and cannot control. Listen and learn how to better create your healthiest life after weight loss. There’s an amazing exercise at the end of the podcast that could be a game changer for you! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Book: The Art of Letting Go: Stop Overthinking, Stop Negative Spirals, and Find Emotional Freedom by Nick Trenton. Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

People usually have certain expectations when they begin a weight loss experience, whether that means having a surgical intervention, taking medications or participating in a structured program. For many people, some of their expectations are met; some are not. What I find particularly interesting as people lose weight are the things they learn about themselves that they hadn’t anticipated. In this episode, I’ll be talking to Sandra about the things she has discovered about herself in the nearly two years since having bariatric surgery. I’m sure many listeners will relate to what Sandra shares! Let’s get started and be sure to leave us comments after listening! We love those! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

So many people considering bariatric surgery are confused as to the reason anyone would have to have a pre-surgical psychological evaluation? Why would they need to be cleared by a psychologist just to have weight loss surgery? As today’s guest host, Dr. Joan Brugman, a psychologist who, like myself, conducts many bariatric pre-surgical evaluations, explains to people, “Having bariatric surgery is not like having your tonsils taken out.” When you have your tonsils or appendix removed, you have the surgery, let your body heal, and go about your life as before. That’s not the case when a person has bariatric surgery, although far too many people going into bariatric surgery think that’s how it’s going to be. When a person has bariatric surgery, every area of their life changes … which is part of the reason we do pre-surgical evaluations. Listen in as Dr. Brugman and I share how vitally important the pre-surgical evaluation is and how it can help you prepare for long-term success following bariatric surgery. Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Dr. Joan Brugman: drjbrugman@outlook.com Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

What does the story of a young child participating in swim meets have to do with fear of failure… or fear of regain? Listen in and gain a different perspective on fear of failure. I’ll talk about how fear of regain can lead you right to that place you most want to avoid! And, of course, I’ll give you some tips on how to lead yourself away from fear of failure and fear of regain while empowering yourself to create the healthy life you said you wanted at the beginning of your weight loss journey! We have a lot to cover so let’s get started! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

Today I have three guests, all members of the BariAftercare program, joining me to talk about their fears of success following significant weight loss. Each of my guests is at a different place in their post-op journey and each is experiencing unique concerns related to their weight loss success. It’s likely that each person who experiences significant weight loss has some worries about the changes they will experience in life as they reach and maintain the lifestyle goals associated with weight loss. See if some of the concerns expressed by today’s participants are things you have thought about and let us know if you have experienced other fears about life as you successfully maintain your weight loss. Let’s get started. Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Wiest, Brianna. The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery. Kindle Edition. Why Do You Say You Want to Lose Weight But Then Don’t Do It by Sherry Pagoto, PhD Why Do I Fear Success by Carrie Barron M.D. Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

I’m introducing a funky new word to your bariatric journey tonight when I ask you to keep your DRISHTI in mind as you move through your years of creating your healthy lifestyle. You need consistent effort, ongoing preparation and a lot of patience to prevent falling back into the dreaded DIET mentality, which can suck you far, far away from your life of growth and healthy living! Let’s get started and learn -or maybe relearn some things critical to remember on this journey! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

Boundaries can be physical… like fences, or gates at the top or bottom of stairs to keep toddlers and pets from going up or down. Boundaries can also be emotional and are established by using communication skills. Physical and emotional boundaries are often used to keep us safe. Emotional boundaries are essential in healthy relationships. Yet many people are reluctant to set boundaries with others. It’s difficult, it can be scary and it puts one in a vulnerable position. However, learning to set boundaries is a must in healthy adult relationships and to improve our sense of personal power. Listen in and learn to set boundaries in life, especially with food pushers! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Dr. Susan Mitchell: https://www.facebook.com/DrSusanMitchell https://www.facebook.com/bariatricsurgerystrategies Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend https://www.drcloud.com/books/boundaries The Book of Boundaries: Set the Limits That Will Set You Free by Melissa Urban https://www.melissau.com/boundaries-book/ Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

If you have lost a significant amount of weight and remain preoccupied with the scale, if you allow the scale to determine your mood, if you are overly obsessed with a goal weight, or are struggling to overcome emotional eating… OR if you said you wanted to lose weight to improve your health or to prevent health problems, or because you wanted to be able to enjoy participating in activities with those you love and to live longer doing so AND you have accomplished those things but STILL play the diet mentality games, then we need to talk about your emotional and mental wellness. You might have to find out what exactly that means first, which is one good reason to listen to this episode. You will also learn some skills for improving mental wellness that will help you move away from the pre-weight loss weight obsession and diet mentality so you are free to enjoy all the benefits that come with weight loss! Let’s jump in! Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

I get all passionate in this episode and do quite a bit of self-disclosing. Why? Because I believe with everything that I am that improving your relationship with yourself is the ONLY way you will be able to follow through the behavioral changes that are necessary for keeping weight off long-term or for remaining free from any long-term unhealthy behavior a person has engaged in to the point it has caused problems in their life. Our actions, our words, our treatment toward ourselves and others are outward signs that clearly demonstrate to others – and ourselves, if we’re honest enough to go there, how we really feel about ourselves. That may be a painful thing to hear, but more often than not, that is a reality. The great news is that every single person listening to this podcast has the ability to improve their relationship with themselves. In turn, every other relationship you have in life, to include your relationship with food will improve. Not kidding. Listen in to learn how to start – or continue – your adventure of improving your relationship with yourself! Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

Relationships of all kinds can be complicated. And they change over time! Friendships change over time, your relationship with your spouse or partner may be good for years, and then flail, and then get better again! Your relationship with money or social media can change at different stages of life. Your relationship with food may also change over time – or perhaps you have always had a difficult, or unhealthy relationship with food. Let’s dig in and discover - or maybe RE-Discover where your relationship with food is at now and how you can IMPROVE that relationship… it CAN happen! Listen in. Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Your Relationship to Food Mirrors How You Handle Life David Hanscom MD https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-another-name-for-pain/202209/your-relationship-to-food-mirrors-how-you-handle-life Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

How did I get here? I’m guessing you didn’t grow up wanting to have the disease of obesity as part of your adult life! And if you have comorbid health issues associated with your obesity, I’m pretty certain you ask yourself the question, how DID I get here? Well, the chronic disease of obesity is a complicated one. Some of the things that lead to obesity you have had no control over… your genetics, what you were fed as a child, if you have illnesses that contribute to weight gain or if you take medications that lead to weight gain. Be compassionate with yourself about those things. And be diligent about taking personal responsibility for the things you can control – your personal health habits. In this episode we talk about the issues contributing to obesity and what you can do to limit the effects of the disease, even if you are genetically predisposed to it or come from a family where you learned really unhealthy eating behaviors! You CAN manage this dreaded disease and work toward the life you dream of living! Let’s get going! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Obesity and Overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight Obesity Risk Factors. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/risk-factors/risk-factors.html Physical Activity Basics https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/index.html Does Healthy Eating Cost More? https://extension.usu.edu/nutrition/research/does-healthy-eating-cost-more Weight Gain Conditions: https://www.webmd.com/obesity/ss/slideshow-weight-gain-conditions https://www.webmd.com/obesity/ss/slideshow-weight-gain-conditions https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2571048/#:~:text=The%20importance%20of%20place,significant%20ways%20to%20childhood%20obesity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8365653/ https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article-abstract/123/1/159/3930933?redirectedFrom=fulltext#google_vignette https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6052856/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20eating%20disorder,experiences%20a%20loss%20of%20control.

It’s always an honor and a privilege to have Laura Preston on the podcast with me because Laura IS, in many ways, BariAftercare! She is an organizer extraordinaire, has an understanding of the bariatric community that is unmatched, and has a passion for aftercare as deep as my own. In this episode, we talk about the many ways we, along with our other BariAftercare mentors, as well as members of the BariAftercare community, have steered BariAftercare to assist post-ops with accountability, focus, education, encouragement and maybe even a bit of entertainment! We also share some helpful new tools we are adding to the daily schedule that will help you wake up with a good, healthy start to the day, content to help you make wise decisions throughout the day, and a wind-down to help you get a good night’s rest. All day every day, BariAftercare is available to help you live your healthiest life, to include your weight loss adventure. But remember, with BariAftercare, we go beyond bariatrics! We also have a great introductory offer for people ready to join the full online BariAftercare program at www.bariaftercare.com Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.

Scott Bagwell, an active member of the full online BariAftercare program, is today’s guest on BariAftercare, the Podcast! Scott had bariatric surgery almost one year ago and has lost an extraordinary amount of weight. He has also been one of this season’s new “Best Friends” on the TLC network show, 1000 Pound Best Friends. Today you’ll get to know more about Scott, his childhood, his weight ups and downs, and how he found himself as part of the 1000 Pound Best Friends cast. Listen in and be ready to get inspired to follow a dream of yours by listening to Scott share his dream of fulfilling a promise he made to his father prior to his father’s death. Also think about how you can, as Scott is doing, share with others your courage, your strength and the joy obtained by working hard to create a life of your choosing! Resources: BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.com Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.com BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercare BariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercare Kevin Stephens: Your Bariatric Buddy https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourbariatricbuddy/people Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes) Instagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson) Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell) Instagram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston) ProCare Vitamins (10% off with code ConnieStapleton) Scott Bagwell Instagram: @scott_1kbestfriends Please subscribe to the show and rate it on Apple Podcasts, download free information at www.conniestapletonphd.com, and follow me on Twitter (@cstapletonphd), Instagram (@cstapletonphd), YouTube, LinkedIn, and on Facebook.