13/06/2026
🥗 The #1 issue I see in bariatric assessments? Emotional eating.
Many people aren't eating because they're physically hungry. They're eating to cope with stress, boredom, loneliness, overwhelm, anxiety, or difficult emotions.
As a Bariatric Counsellor and someone who is also 2 years post-bariatric surgery, I understand this journey from both a professional and lived experience perspective.
One simple technique I teach my patients is the HALT method. Before reaching for food, ask yourself: Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired?
Another helpful strategy is the 10-minute pause. When a craving hits, delay acting on it for 10 minutes and use that time to check in with yourself, drink water, go for a walk, or take a few deep breaths.
🥗 One of my favourite healthy habits is watching food reels and recreating colourful salads like this one. They're filling, high in fibre, great for gut health, support healthy skin, help reduce inflammation, and are especially beneficial during perimenopause—which I'm navigating myself as I approach 40 in just 2 months!
Remember: surgery changes the stomach, but the deeper work is healing your relationship with food.
💙 Want this colourful salad recipe? Comment RECIPE below.
📩 Considering bariatric surgery or looking for support before or after your procedure? Reach out to learn more.
WeightLossJourney FoodNoise MindfulEating Perimenopause GutHealth HealthyEating WomenOver40 TransformationJourney DESAHolisticWellbeing SleeveGastrectomy MentalHealthMatters Counselling Wellbeing WeightLossSupport PreOpSupport PostOpSupport HealthyLifestyle FoodRelationship MelbourneCounsellor PACFA BetterLifeSurgery DrMoAtalla
