Most Asked Bariatric Surgery Questions After 10 Years of Live Calls

Over the past 10 years of hosting live calls with my community members, I’ve heard a lot of bariatric surgery questions—some once, some hundreds of times. And honestly? The most common questions are often the most important ones.

That’s why I pulled together the top questions patients ask after bariatric surgery, with short, straightforward answers. These are the things every patient wonders about—whether you’re in the first few months after surgery or many years down the road.

Most Asked Bariatric Surgery Questions

1. How much should I be eating now?

Portions sizes will naturally grow in the first year post-op. Nothing to be alarmed of. This is why I like the “2 bites protein to 1 bite veggies/fruit” approach. It allows you to focus on the quality of food and let your body cues tell you what the right amount is. This approach can work no matter how many years post-op. A good resource for this question is the Food Clarity at Every Stage Post-Op eBook. (Members: this is in the Premier Access library)

2. What’s the best way to get started when I feel overwhelmed?

This is why I created the Food Fundamentals Course: to help answer this common question. Nutrition is very noisy, even (especially) for bariatric patients. Located in the Premier Access library.

3. Can anything be done to minimize hair loss or loose skin?

Losing hair is a common experience in the first 3-6 months postop because of the stress of the surgery and the speed of weight loss. That can’t be prevented. If it’s been more than 12 months since surgery and you notice hair loss, that could be related to Zinc, Iron, Protein or other vitamins. Staying on track with vitamins and bariatric labs will help prevent this experience. Loose skin is very tricky and depends on age, genetics, and the amount of weight loss. Strength training and hydration help, but it’s mostly part of the journey.

4. How do I get 64 ounces of water a day?

Just keeping swimming. Sip all day, keep a bottle with you, and set reminders if needed. Flavoring with lemon or sugar-free mixes can help. Sometimes it’s not one big trick that makes it easy but lots of little tips and tricks that help the ounces add up here and there.

5. Are straws and carbonation okay after surgery?

After the early healing stage, most patients can tolerate them. Everyone’s different—try slowly and see how your body responds. Many programs will ask you to wait six months before trying.

6. What are some lunch ideas?

This link will take you a big blog of recipe and meal ideas organized by sections:

Cold Protein Salads

Deli Meat and Low-Carb Wraps

Salad Jars, Kits and Bento Boxes

Stoups and Chilis

Pre-cooks Meats

7. Breakfast ideas that aren’t eggs?

Chicken or turkey sausage links or patties (store bought or here is a recipe idea)

Greek yogurt or Cottage Cheese with berries

Protein bento box (cheeses, lean turkey/ham/chicken, portioned amount of nuts)

Protein pancakes (see our top-rated recipe for Banana Nut Protein Pancakes!)

Egg-free breakfast casserole (chopped veggies, turkey or chicken sausage, cheese)

Protein shakes or protein coffee *if it keeps your hunger controlled!

8. How can I handle emotional eating at work?

Lots to say here – I recommend the Emotional Eating course in the Premier Access membership. Invest in your 5 pillars to set yourself up well physically, try to set yourself up well in your environment by packing options for yourself and avoiding the tempting environments the best you can. Use stress-relieving tools like deep breathing, cold water to the face, walk breaks outside, aromatherapy, and slow music to help combat cortisol.

9. Should I increase carbs if I’m exercising more?

Typically yes. This will depend on what type of exercise, duration and your overall goals. This can be an individualized answer and would help to do 1:1 visits with me for more help. The Exercise and the Bariatric Diet course in Premier Access can help explain more and this is a link to my 1:1 services page.

10. How do I get back on track after a setback?

Sometimes it’s a matter of going for a long walk and asking yourself what would help you feel better! Truly. A lot of times you have the answers you just need some time and space. Go back to the 5 Pillars: Water, Food, Movement, Sleep and Vitamins. Which one of those would help you most right now? The other pillars will improve when you put effort towards one, and you will feel more yourself even after a week of some foundation building. Members utilize the 10 Day Habit Refresh Workbook or the After the Honeymoon Course for inspiration while they do it!

11. What if my family isn’t making changes?

Again, lots to say here. It’s everyone’s home turf, so everyone does deserve some say. To an extent. But how can you make it work for you? This might mean organizing the shelves so everyone has their area and their bins are dark – not see through where you have to see it every time you open the pantry or fridge.

And if you’re cooking, put your energy into the main protein and veggie entree then put out simple sides for them. Remember, this is your health journey. You can lead by example without making two separate meals. If they want more, they can add to the “family-style” meal. Make things deconstructed, and everyone can pick what goes on their plate, including you.

12. What can I do about a weight stall?

Try not to weigh too much. Use body composition or measurements for other indicators of body change. Look at the five pillars: water and walking can sometimes be the key to see a breakthrough. Get back to food journaling, you can request feedback from me. Look for non-scale victories, stay consistent. They are annoying, but they are normal.

13. Can I ever eat and drink at the same time again?

It’s best to separate eating and drinking long-term because the anatomy has been permanently changed. Food moves through the stomach faster when liquid is added to the meals. You can drink until the first bite, but yes, this is a recommendation that stays.

14. How does cortisol affect weight loss?

Cortisol is very helpful to the body, but too much, too often can take a toll, too. High stress can raise cortisol, which may impact hunger and fat storage. Cravings for high sugar or high fat foods might occur to “fuel up for the fight” for fight or flight mode. Stress management (sleep, movement, downtime) is a very important component of weight management.

15. Small meals or three meals a day?

Both can work depend on the patient and situation. We tend to start with three meals a day with the goal of hitting hydration goals with the tricky fluid rule. Focusing on solid proteins, small bites, going slowly, stopping at fullness and waiting to drink can help make three meals a day possible. Further into the journey, protein snacks may become necessary. A planned snack is not grazing. The key is consistency with protein and not grazing all day. Choose the rhythm that helps you feel satisfied and in control.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the most asked bariatric surgery questions I’ve answered over the years—but chances are, you’ve wondered about them too. Remember: you don’t have to do this alone.

✨ If you’re looking for recipes, courses mentioned in the video, meal plans, and a community that understands, check out my Premier Access Membership, where you’ll find everything you need to stay confident and on track.