One of the most common questions patients ask after bariatric surgery is: "Will I ever be able to drink alcohol again?" The short answer is yes—for many patients, alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation after they've fully recovered. However, bariatric surgery permanently changes the way your body processes alcohol, making it important to understand the risks before having your first drink. Many patients are surprised to find that alcohol affects them much differently after surg

Bariatric surgery can be one of the most life-changing decisions you'll ever make. While surgery is an incredibly powerful tool for weight loss and improving health, it's important to remember that it's only the beginning of your journey—not the finish line. Life after bariatric surgery looks different in many wonderful ways. You'll likely eat less, move more comfortably, have more energy, and watch your health improve. At the same time, you'll be learning new habits, navigat

One of the biggest adjustments after bariatric surgery isn't learning to eat less. It's learning how to eat differently. Your surgery changed the size of your stomach—but your long-term success depends on developing new habits that nourish your body, preserve muscle, and support a healthy relationship with food. The good news? Once you understand a few simple principles, eating after bariatric surgery becomes much less overwhelming. Let's walk through the habits that I teach

One of the biggest benefits of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Ozempic is their ability to reduce hunger and help you feel satisfied with smaller portions. But sometimes appetite suppression works a little too well. One of the most common issues I see in people taking GLP-1 medications is simply not eating enough. When you aren't hungry, skipping breakfast, eating a few bites at lunch, and having a very small dinner might seem perfectly reasonable. You

Weight loss shouldn't mean sacrificing muscle. Learn how to approach exercise on a GLP-1, including why strength training should be a priority, how often to exercise, and where cardio fits in.

Struggling with nausea, constipation, reflux, bloating, or other GLP-1 side effects? Learn practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies that may help you feel better while still adequately nourishing your body.

Noticing increased hair shedding while losing weight on a GLP-1? Learn why rapid weight loss, inadequate protein and calories, nutrient deficiencies, and other factors may contribute—and what you can do about it.

Eating less is expected on a GLP-1—but eating too little can contribute to fatigue, weakness, nausea, muscle loss, and nutrient deficiencies. Learn how to recognize when your intake may be too low.

You don't necessarily have to give up your morning coffee on a GLP-1. Learn how caffeine may affect nausea, reflux, appetite, hydration, energy, and sleep—and when cutting back may help.

Eating significantly less after bariatric surgery or while taking a GLP-1 may also reduce your sodium and electrolyte intake. Learn the symptoms to watch for and when salt, broth, pickle juice, or electrolyte drinks may be helpful.

Reduced appetite can sometimes mean reduced fluid intake too. Learn how much fluid you may need on a GLP-1, signs you may be falling behind, and simple ways to stay hydrated.

Feeling exhausted on your GLP-1 isn't something you should automatically ignore. Learn how sleep, food, carbohydrates, protein, exercise, hydration, nutrient status, and medication dosing can all affect your energy.

Protein is essential for maintaining muscle, strength, and overall nutrition during weight loss. Learn how to meet your protein needs on a GLP-1 even when your appetite and portion sizes are significantly smaller.

GLP-1 medications can be powerful tools, but how you eat, exercise, hydrate, and manage your medication matters. A dietitian shares 10 of the biggest GLP-1 mistakes she sees—and what to do instead.

Eating significantly less can make it harder to meet your vitamin and mineral needs. Learn which nutrients deserve attention on a GLP-1, common deficiency symptoms, and when supplements or lab testing may be appropriate.

If there is one nutrition habit that has the greatest impact on your long-term success after bariatric surgery, it's this: Protein comes first. Whether you've had a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or another bariatric procedure, consistently meeting your protein goals is essential for healing, preserving muscle, supporting your metabolism, and achieving healthy, sustainable weight loss. Many patients focus primarily on eating less after surgery, but what you eat is just as im

One of the most emotional concerns I hear from bariatric patients has nothing to do with the number on the scale. It's hair loss. Many patients are surprised—and understandably worried—when they begin noticing more hair in the shower, on their brush, or around the house a few months after surgery. The good news? Hair loss after bariatric surgery is common, usually temporary, and in many cases can be minimized by supporting your body with proper nutrition. A woman with flowing

One of the most common questions I hear from bariatric patients is: "Why am I so tired?" While it's completely normal to feel fatigued during the first few weeks after surgery as your body heals, ongoing fatigue months—or even years—after surgery is often a sign that something needs attention. The good news is that, in many cases, improving your energy doesn't require a complicated solution. It usually comes down to consistently practicing the healthy habits that support your

As a bariatric dietitian, I've had the privilege of helping hundreds of patients navigate life after weight loss surgery. One thing I've learned is that long-term success isn't determined by having the "perfect" surgery—it's determined by consistently practicing the right habits. The good news? Most of the challenges I see after bariatric surgery are completely preventable. If you're preparing for surgery or are already on your journey, avoiding these common mistakes can help

One of the biggest misconceptions after bariatric surgery is that the less you eat, the more weight you'll lose. While it makes sense to think that eating as little as possible would speed up weight loss, that's often not what happens. In fact, one of the most common reasons I see patients hit frustrating weight-loss plateaus is that they're simply eating too little after bariatric surgery. As a bariatric dietitian, I frequently work with patients who are consistently eating