Bariatric Surgery Regret: The Truth About Timing, Readiness, and What We'd Change
May 15, 2025
Bariatric surgery isn’t just about shrinking your stomach—it’s about reshaping your entire life. And for many, that reshaping process stirs up powerful emotions, especially in the months and years after surgery. Whether you’re one year post-op or ten, you may find yourself looking back and asking: “Did I do this too late?” or “Was I really ready?”
The Regret No One Talks About (But Everyone Feels)
If you’re newly post-op, you might be deep in what we call “regret mode.” You’re healing, adjusting to new habits, and maybe even wondering if one more round of Weight Watchers would’ve worked. (Spoiler: it probably wouldn’t have.)
This feeling is incredibly common—and temporary. But for those further out, a different kind of reflection kicks in. It’s not just “Why did I do this?”—it’s “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
One bariatric patient puts it like this:
“I had surgery at 38. I’m 41 now. If I could go back, I would have done it in my early 30s. Not my twenties—I still had too much growing up to do. But at 32? Absolutely.”
What Would You Do Differently?
If you’re honest with yourself, what would you change about your bariatric journey?
-
Would you have done it earlier?
-
Would you have worked on your relationship with food before going under the knife?
-
Would you have trusted your gut instead of the doctor who told you it was just a matter of “willpower”?
These questions matter. Because this journey isn’t just medical—it’s emotional, mental, spiritual. Sometimes we don’t realize what we really needed until we’re deep in it.
You’re Not Alone in This
Regret is part of transformation. So is truth. That’s why sharing your story can be healing—not just for you, but for others in the community who need to know they’re not alone.
At The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, we see this pattern often: people who wish they had more support before surgery. People who didn’t realize how much food addiction, emotional eating, and self-worth were wrapped up in their weight.
If this resonates, now is the time to go deeper.
-
Not sure if food addiction is still sabotaging your progress? Take our Food Addiction Quiz.
-
Want to hear how others turned regret into purpose? Read how one patient’s life changed with the help of Food Junkies here.
And when you’re ready to build a lasting foundation—mentally and nutritionally—our Rewrite Lifestyle Community is here to support you every step of the way.
Internal & External Links
Internal Links:
External Links:
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. Food addiction can impact long-term weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, bypass surgery).
At The Rewrite Lifestyle Center, we help you break free from stress eating and build a sustainable, healthy relationship with food.
✅ Discover if you're facing food addiction and get expert guidance on bariatric nutrition, meal plans, and support from Shenelle Coplien and the Bariatric Rewrite team. Your journey to lasting weight loss starts here!
👉 Take the Food Addiction Quiz Now! – https://www.rewritelifestyle.com/are-you-a-food-addict
Join our bariatric support community for expert tips on the bariatric diet, post-bariatric surgery care, healthy eating, and bariatric recipes to fuel your transformation.
