BariAftercare: The Podcast

Who wants to acknowledge that their behavior broadcasts to others their level of self-esteem (at least to some degree)? Let’s see… when my body was emaciated from anorexia, it was an outward sign, unfortunately, of my internal low self-esteem. When I got drunk five nights a week during my last two years of college, it too, was an indication that my self-esteem was in the toilet, as did my abuse of prescription pain medication. Our behaviors reflect, to some degree, how we feel about ourselves. Research is clear that disordered eating, which can lead to obesity, emotional health issues and physical problems, is inextricably linked to low self-esteem. Anyone who has struggled with carrying extra weight knows that obesity takes a toll on one’s self-esteem. The really great news is that we can improve our self-esteem, which will lead to healthier behaviors.  And improving our behaviors, increases self-esteem. It’s a win-win.  Intriguing… let’s learn more about how this works… Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbaribossInstgram: @lauraleeprestonInstagram: @chefhealthyhenryInstagram: @myweightishistorySelf-esteem: Take steps to feel better about yourself.Identity-Based Habits: How to Actually Stick to Your Goals This YearIs self-esteem the primary predictor of disordered eating?Weight stigmatization and disordered eating in obese women: The mediating effects of self-esteem and fear of negative appearance evaluationPlease 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.

Some self-disclosure for you on THIS episode of BariAftercare! The SELF is a work in progress throughout our lives. There is a big TO DO following bariatric surgery when it comes to the SELF. Why? Because how we feel about ourSELF has a LOT to do with how we treat our bodies, the kinds of relationships we have … with other people, with food, with finances, with alcohol and many other things. Listen in and hear about my recent revelations about SELF and give some consideration to your relationship with YOUR self and what you might need to do to work on that relationship in order to improve your odds of maintaining weight loss and living an overall healthy lifestyle!Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbaribossInstgram: @lauraleeprestonInstagram: @chefhealthyhenryInstagram: @myweightishistoryPlease 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 found a quote I really like and it’s perfect for today’s podcast. The quote goes like this, “Success is never owned; it is only rented – and the rent is due every day.” Rory Vaden, the author of “Take the Stairs: 7 steps for Achieving True Success, is the person who said that. Basically, what Mr. Vaden is saying is the effort you put in today – to whatever it is you’re doing – determines your success tomorrow. The effort you put into developing your healthy lifestyle TODAY… will determine your long-term success. And isn’t that what you’re really interested in? Long-term weight maintenance? An overall healthy lifestyle? Then we need to get serious about this business of EFFORT… of ACTION… of DOING! We get results through action, NOT words. Again, the quote: “Success is never owned; it is only rented – and the rent is due every day.” Effort, action, doing… all are needed every day to get the results you say you want!Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbaribossInstgram: @lauraleeprestonInstagram: @chefhealthyhenryInstagram: @myweightishistoryPlease 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.

Many years ago, I was a patient in an outpatient program that met four nights a week. One day, the counselor approached me and told me I could no longer wear any makeup – to include mascara – to the sessions each night. From that night on, I was held accountable for following through with the no make-up/no mascara agreement as the counselor literally scrutinized my face every evening! Accountability. Being responsible, being obliged to do something we have agreed to do, being … well… an adult, could we say? Accountability can significantly increase the odds of your maintaining a healthy weight and living a healthy lifestyle. Listen in and learn the reasons why… while also getting great ideas for establishing  accountability measures to use in your life! And… you’ll also find out the reason behind the no make-up (including no mascara) instructions! Let’s get started.Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbaribossInstgram: @lauraleeprestonInstagram: @chefhealthyhenryInstagram: @myweightishistoryhttps://planosnutrition.com/2021/02/22/the-power-of-accountability/https://www.matherhospital.org/weight-loss-matters/accountability-and-weight-loss/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 was with two of my grandsons this weekend… on Saturday and Sunday … for quite some time. On Monday my son, their father, informed me that not only did both boys test positive for strep throat on Monday, so did my son and his wife, their mother! I adamantly told my son that I am NOT going to have strep throat! My insistence that I won’t be getting strep does NOT negate the reality that I was exposed and that I may, in fact, come down with strep throat. I would be wise to ACCEPT that I was exposed, ACCEPT that strep throat is highly contagious, and ACCEPT that I may come down with it. When it comes to maintaining weight loss, there are some things you may need to accept, whether you like the realities or not! Let’s talk about some of the things you need to accept as a post-op if you want to maintain your weight loss. Let’s get started!Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbaribossInstgram: @lauraleeprestonInstagram: @chefhealthyhenryInstagram: @myweightishistoryPlease 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 the movie, Cool Runnings (a must see in my book), the main character, Daresse, who is preparing for the Olympic try-outs as a sprinter, says to his wife, “I don't care how fast they run, I'm going to run faster. I don't care how much they want it, I want it more. I'm going to the Olympics, baby. I feel it.”THAT is a positive attitude! And having a positive attitude is critical to achieve one’s goals.Attitude. That’s what we are talking about today. And in particular, we’re talking about how having a positive attitude is not just important when it comes to losing weight and maintaining that weight loss, it is CRITICAL… ESSENTIAL to maintaining weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Listen in and learn how to improve your attitude and keep that weight off… Here’s a hint.. you have to use AWARENESS, which we talked about in last week’s episode to help you improve your ATTITUDE! Let’s get on with today’s message!Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbaribossInstgram: @lauraleeprestonInstagram: @chefhealthyhenryInstagram: @myweightishistoryGet Rid Of Your “Fattitude” and Develop a “Fittitude” by Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Kim Feinstein, RedMountain Weight Loss Behavioral Weight Loss SpecialistHow Positive Thinking Can Help You Lose Weight by Dr. Simonds, board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine.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.

“Connie! You’ve got to be careful with your voice!” people would tell me... a lot of people… “What do you mean?” I asked, sincerely not sure what was wrong with my voice. What I learned was that, unaware to myself, I always spoke very loudly, I sounded angry and more intense than I was feeling. I was unaware. Completely unaware that I came across that way. With awareness, I have learned that I can change how I use my voice and doing so greatly improves my relationships with people. When it comes to your weight loss journey, what do you need become aware of? Are you an emotional eater? Do you make excuses for choosing unhealthy foods? Do you rationalize not exercising? Listen in and learn how being aware of something gives you an opportunity to make healthier changes, which could make a big difference in your long-term health!  Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbaribossInstgram: @lauraleeprestonInstagram: @chefhealthyhenryInstagram: @myweightishistoryPlease 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 … we have relationships with family members, friends, co-workers, partners, pets, … and yes – we have a relationship with food! What is the quality of your relationships? Are some of them healthy and others unhealthy? What makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy anyway? If you have an unhealthy relationship … with food, in this case… what can you do to improve that relationship? Listen in and give some thought to YOUR relationship with food… and then write a letter to food! What??? Let’s get started….Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercarePlease 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.

We’ve all heard that actions speak louder than words. This definitely holds true in the world of bariatrics! Prior to surgery or any weight loss program, most people talk about their commitment, their readiness for change, and proclaim their promises to do things differently this time. In this episode of BariAftercare, we’ll explore 9 objective factors that can help determine if a person is realistically likely to make changes in their life. These factors were introduced by best-selling author Henry Cloud, and are from the book Necessary Endings. Dr. Cloud also co-authored the phenomenal book,  Boundaries. As we review these 9 factors, consider your own journey and ask yourself if you are talking the talk or walking the walk toward sustained weight loss, improved health and a better quality of life. Let’s get started!Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareNecessary Endings by Henry CloudPlease 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 the bariatric world, we focus a lot on setting goals. A goal answers the question: What do you want? As a post-op, you want to lose weight, improve your health and the quality of your life, and you want to maintain that healthier weight for life! Those are truly great goals! Having a process, or system, answers the question, “How are you going to reach those goals?” Goals point you in the direction you want to go. Your process, or system, is made up of the things you do each day so that you reach those goals. Listen to this episode of BariAftercare and learn the importance of developing an individualized system that keeps you on track, helps prevent you from being overwhelmed, increases your motivation and gives you reasons to celebrate every day! Let’s get started!Resources:Connie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercarePlease 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.

Calling all MEN! (And ladies, you need to listen to this, as well!) Meet Rob DiMedio, a history teacher, post-op and POST-OP MENTOR! When I suggest that people IMMERSE themselves into their recovery from obesity, Rob is the STELLAR EXAMPLE! You're gonna love him. AND... he is going to assist me in the FIRST EVER MEN'S RETREAT for post-ops to be held in Atlanta, from August 9th - 13th. Guys - if you're interested in attending, email me at info@conniestapletonphd.com.Resources:BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareContact information for Rob DiMedio:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-dimedio/Instagram: @myweightishistory https://www.instagram.com/myweightishistory/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiMedio3Please 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 episode of BariAfercare you are being introduced to another regular member of BariAftercare for 2023: Chef Healthy Henry! Henry is a post-op himself. He has taken his professional skills as a chef and is using them to his – and now to your – benefit! Chef Healthy Henry is going to show you -  every month - how to cook a beautiful, bariatric-friendly, healthy meal! You can continue to enjoy the satisfying flavor of wonderful food and learn to prepare in a way that is consistent with your post-op goals of living at a healthy weight so you can enjoy a fuller quality of life! In addition to being an amazing chef, Chef Healthy Henry is a really good man! I look forward to having him as a regular part of the BariAftercare family each month.Resources:BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareContact information for Chef Healthy Henry:Website: https://www.chefhealthyhenry.com/Instagram: chefhealthyhenryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083286275097

Welcome to 2023 and BariAftercare, the Podcast! I’m your host, Dr. Connie Stapleton... even though I’m not quite sounding like myself! BUT… the show must go on, so this is me with a touch of laryngitis. This is episode 103: the first of a monthly video series this year called Family, Friends and Relationships after Bariatric Surgery. In this episode I’d like to introduce you to Tabitha Johnson, aka BariBoss! Tabitha is a post-op herself. She is also a bariatric coach and a licensed Marriage and Family therapist. Every month Tabitha and I will have a discussion together about how relationships often change after surgery, including the relationship you have with yourself! Let’s get started so you can hear for yourself the reason I chose this amazing woman to be part of BariAftercare on a monthly basis!Resources:BariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareContact information for Tabitha Johnson:Website: https://bariboss.com/Instagram: therealbaribossFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabitha.baribossTwitter: @theBariBossPlease 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.

Welcome to the last podcast episode of 2022 in which you will hear from an incredibly dynamic woman who has not only received numerous gifts as a result of having bariatric surgery but is also going to share the gift of herself and her chosen career in the travel industry with the bariatric community in the near future. Listen in as Meg Sytnick tells you about the journey she has been on thus far and where she plans to go in the New Year. Speaking of the New Year, I look forward to sharing more education and information related to the emotional and psychological aspects related to bariatric surgery in 2023. I also want to thank you for listening to the BariAftercare podcast throughout 2022 and inviting others to listen as well! I wish each of you a healthy and joy-filled 2023. Now, let’s get started with Meg! Resources:Dr. Stapleton's Four-Part Protection Plan:Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Meg SytnickIG: @viptravelgirltheviptravelgirl@gmail.comBari AdventuresIG: @bari.adventuresmeg@bariadventures.comwww.bariadventures.comPlease 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.

Have you ever met a person with a sparkling personality? If not, you’re about to! Meet Ilona! Ilona is a breath of fresh air! She can put a smile on your face in an instant! She also has the ability to share direct and honest feedback in the most loving way! I know you’ll love hearing about the gifts Ilona has received as a result of choosing to have bariatric surgery as well as how she is sharing those gifts with others. AND with you – in this episode of BariAftercare!Be sure to share the gift of BariAftercare with those you know who would benefit from ongoing information to help them along their journey toward improved health and a better quality of life after having a surgical weight loss procedure!Now let’s hear from Ilona!Resources:Dr. Stapleton's Four-Part Protection Plan:Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Please 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.

As Sam the Snowman, voiced by the inimitable Burl Ives in the famous, animated holiday story, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer says, “Ah, youth.” Today you will meet a most incredible young post-op named Olivia who shares wisdom beyond her years related to the lessons and gifts she has received as she has ventured into her new life as a healthier version of herself. Olivia is an inspiration to me, and I know she will be for you, as well! By the way, did you know that the name of that snowman narrator in Rudolph was Sam? I didn’t until today when I Googled it! Keep that in your pocket for holiday trivia games. Now, let’s hear what Olivia has to share!Resources:Dr. Stapleton's Four-Part Protection Plan:Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Please 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.

We’re in the thick of the Holiday Season! The holidays are a time of giving and receiving gifts! Today, and for the next few weeks, post-ops are going to share with you the gifts they have received as a result of having bariatric surgery. In addition, they share how they have shared those gifts with others! Meet Chris Chastain, a man I have known for over half his life! Tonight he shares the gifts he experiences on an ongoing basis as a result of having bariatric surgery. He also tells us how he shares those gifts with others… including you! You can find his contact information in the show notes if you’d like to get in touch with him! Let’s get started!Resources:Chris’s Facebook pageDr. Stapleton's Four-Part Protection Plan:Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Please 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 likely been hearing and seeing a lot on podcasts and on social media about eating healthy over the holidays and protecting yourself from all of the high-carb, high-sugar foods that are … well, everywhere! That is all good stuff and I hope you listen to and read as much as possible about staying on track over the holidays! What about protection for your emotions? Many people are emotional eaters and we know that a lot of emotions get dredged up over the holidays. We come face to face with people who have hurt us. We go to homes that may hold amazingly wonderful or maybe dread-filled memories. Let’s talk about how to protect yourself emotionally during this holiday season … and prevent emotions from leading to unhealthy eating! Here we go!Resources: Dr. Stapleton's Four-Part Protection Plan:Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Please 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.

A post-op patient recently told me she has started counting the number of self-sabotaging behaviors she recognizes herself engaging in every day. She was shocked and horrified at the many ways she was sabotaging her own weight loss success. Examples of her self-sabotaging behaviors included hiding food in her closet and eating it before she went to bed at night, telling her spouse she was going to the gym but instead going to get fast food and sitting in the parking lot eating by herself, and emotionally beating herself up by calling herself abusive names after engaging in those behaviors. How about you? Do you engage in behaviors that lead you away from your long-term weight and healthy lifestyle goals? Listen in and learn about the reasons people engage in self-sabotage and get some hints on how to extinguish these unhealthy behaviors. Let’s get started!What Weight Loss Self-Sabotage Looks LikeStop Tripping Yourself on Your Weight Loss JourneyA Weight-Loss Expert Explains Why We Sabotage Our Goals (and How to Stop)Why do I self sabotage my weight lossSelf-SabotagePlease 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 not mad!” she shouts as she throws her backpack and slams the door while leaving you shaking your head. Passive aggressive behavior… when words and non-verbal communication don’t match. Sadly, we’re all probably fairly competent when it comes to this sort of communication. How does passive-aggressive behavior interfere with the weight loss process? To begin with, there’s a lot of emotional eating associated with saying things we don’t really mean and then acting them out in a way that displays how we really feel. We also damage relationships with passive-aggressive behavior and risk destroying receiving much-needed support in our health journey. Listen in and learn more!Be sure to go to www.bariaftercare.com and sign up so you can hear the second part of BariAftercare’s Communication Styles and Your Weight. Now, let’s get started!Resources:7 tell-tale signs of passive-aggressive behavior, plus how to respond and address it in yourselfPassive-Aggressive Behavior9 Phrases That Make You Sound Like a Passive Aggressive JerkThe worst passive-aggressive phrases, according to Americans17 EXAMPLES OF PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR4 Strategies for Dealing with Passive-Aggressive PeoplePlease 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.