The First Year Matters More Than You Think

The first year after bariatric surgery is critical for setting lifelong habits. Many patients struggle with weight regain, not because the surgery didn’t work, but because of avoidable mistakes. If you want lasting success, avoid these three common pitfalls.

1. Not Tracking Your Food

Food tracking may feel tedious, but it’s a non-negotiable for long-term success.

• Why it matters: You need to monitor your protein intake to prevent muscle loss and deficiencies.
• Common mistake: Assuming that eating less alone guarantees results.
• The reality: Without tracking, you risk undereating or overeating, both of which can lead to stalled weight loss or regain.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a food journal or app to stay accountable. At The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, we emphasize structured bariatric meal planning to ensure post-op success.

2. Rushing Into Intense Workouts

Exercise is important, but not in the first three months.

• Why it matters: Your body needs time to adjust post-surgery. Jumping into workouts too soon can lead to fatigue, injury, or inadequate calorie intake.
• Common mistake: Pushing workouts while eating as little as 800-900 calories/day.
• The reality: By month three, you can introduce structured workouts, but to build muscle or sustain cardio, you must increase calories—ideally 1,000-1,200 calories per day.

💡 Key Tip: Start with walking and low-impact exercises before progressing to resistance training. Bariatric weight loss guidelines recommend a gradual return to fitness, emphasizing protein-rich meals for recovery.

3. Believing Your Restriction Will Last Forever

Your restriction feels strong now, but it won’t last forever.

• Why it matters: Many patients assume their small portion sizes will permanently keep weight off.
• Common mistake: Thinking that eating less alone is enough for maintenance.
• The reality: Over time, your stomach’s capacity increases. If you haven’t built healthy eating habits, weight regain is likely.

💡 Mindset Shift: The goal isn’t just eating less—it’s eating nutrient-dense, protein-packed meals to support long-term bariatric success.

Your Second Chance Starts Now

At The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, we help patients avoid post-op pitfalls by providing expert nutrition coaching and support. Learn how to navigate food addiction, maintain weight loss, and build sustainable habits.

Are You Struggling with Food Addiction? Take the First Step Today!

If cravings, binge eating, or emotional eating are holding you back, you’re not alone. At The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, we help you break free from stress eating and build a healthy, sustainable relationship with food.

✅ Discover if you're facing food addiction and get expert guidance on bariatric nutrition, meal plans, and post-op weight management from Shenelle Coplien and the Bariatric Rewrite team.

👉 Take the Food Addiction Quiz Now!

Join our bariatric support community for bariatric diet tips, post-surgery care, and healthy recipes to fuel your transformation.