BariAftercare: The Podcast

Connie Stapleton, Ph.D.

Welcome to BariAftercare: The Podcast, where weight loss surgery patients learn healthy coping skills for dealing with the emotional and psychological issues related to living an amazing post-op life. Learn to avoid regain and how to lose post-op regain! Hosted by Dr. Connie Stapleton, a licensed psychologist with many years of experience sharing practical skills for improving your post-op relationships: with food, with other people and most importantly, the relationship you have with yourself! Be sure to check out the entire BariAftercare program for successful post-op living at www.bariaftercare.com. read less

Episode 125: Body Dysmorphic Disorder: What It IS and What It Is NOT
Yesterday
Episode 125: Body Dysmorphic Disorder: What It IS and What It Is NOT
People, to include medical professionals, seem to be throwing the term Body Dysmorphic Disorder around willy nilly these days. Unfortunately, many people are uneducated about what Body Dysmorphic Disorder actually is. In the world of bariatrics, it is my suspicion, based on the fact that only 1-2% of the population suffers from Body Dysmorphic Disorder and 90% of people (at least women) suffer from negative body image issues, that post-ops are dealing with DISTORTED BODY IMAGE issues but refer to this as Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I’m here to set the record straight so you know what you’re actually dealing with and IF you meet the criteria for Body Dysmporhic Disorder, then I’ll give you some information about where to get help for that. In the NEXT episode of BariAftercare, the Podcast, I’ll talk all about Body Image Issues to include Negative Body Image, or Distorted Body Image issues. Let’s get started and be sure to listen in next week, as well!Resources:BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.comUnderstanding the Difference Between Body Dysmorphia, Self-Esteem, and Negative Body ImageUnderstanding Body Dysmorphia and Body Image IssuesBody Dysmorphia And Negative Body Image The Truth Is You’re Confusing ThemConnie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson)Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell)Instgram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston)Instagram: @chefhealthyhenry (Henry Baker)Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes)Instagram: @myweightishistory (Rob Dimedio)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.
Episode 124: The Inimitable Laura Preston
May 23 2023
Episode 124: The Inimitable Laura Preston
I read a fiction series one time and the female protagonist was referred to by the author throughout the series as being “inimitable.” I loved the word… after I looked it up to see what it meant. The word “inimitable” means, “impossible to copy; unique.” That is how I think of Laura Preston. Laura is an 18-year post-op who has also worked in several professional roles in the bariatric community. MOST importantly, in terms of bariatrics, Laura has educated, inspired, encouraged, nudged, and walked the walked with thousands of bariatric friends. She has taught me so much, both personally and professionally, about a myriad of topics, and I know I can always count on Laura to be 100% upfront, honest and direct. You do NOT want to miss this episode OR all of Laura’s input on the BariAftercare FB page! Check out the entire BariAftercare program at www.bariaftercare.com. Now, let’s meet Laura!Resources:BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.comhttps://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/fear-of-success Explaining the Fear of Successhttps://www.successstartswithin.com/blog/fear-of-success 3 Steps to Overcome Fear of SuccessConnie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson)Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell)Instgram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston)Instagram: @chefhealthyhenry (Henry Baker)Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes)Instagram: @myweightishistory (Rob Dimedio)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.
Episode 123: Fear of Success!
May 17 2023
Episode 123: Fear of Success!
Are you really fearful of succeeding at weight loss or are you possibly afraid of the life changes that often accompany weight loss success? Do you fear changes in your relationships? Changes in the amount of attention you will receive after losing weight? Changes related to what others may expect of you as a healthier-weight, more active person? Are you afraid of the amount of effort it will take to maintain your weight loss success? If you are like so many others, these are valid concerns when it comes to the weight loss journey. The great news is, your fears of things related to weight loss success CAN be worked through! You can overcome your side fears and enjoy ongoing success in relation to living a healthier lifestyle at a healthier weight for your body! Listen in and learn how!Resources:BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.comhttps://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/fear-of-success Explaining the Fear of Successhttps://www.successstartswithin.com/blog/fear-of-success 3 Steps to Overcome Fear of SuccessConnie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson)Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell)Instgram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston)Instagram: @chefhealthyhenry (Henry Baker)Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes)Instagram: @myweightishistory (Rob Dimedio)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.
Episode 122: Fear of Failure and YOUR Weight!
May 10 2023
Episode 122: Fear of Failure and YOUR Weight!
If you’ve ever lost weight before, only to gain some, most, or all of it back, then you are likely familiar with fear of failure! Now you’re considering, or have had bariatric surgery, you may realize that the pesky old fear of failure lurks in the back of your mind, never too far from consciousness. Let’s talk openly about this nagging nuisance. AND let’s talk about some great ways to minimize the power that fear of failure can have over developing a healthy lifestyle so you can participate in the life of your dreams! To receive daily inspiration designed to help you live your healthiest life after bariatric surgery, go to www.bariaftercare.com and sign up for the complete program! Let’s get started with today’s episode!Resources:BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.comConnie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson)Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell)Instgram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston)Instagram: @chefhealthyhenry (Henry Baker)Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes)Instagram: @myweightishistory (Rob Dimedio)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.
Episode 121: Meet Your BariAftercare Support Team
May 4 2023
Episode 121: Meet Your BariAftercare Support Team
One of my favorite sayings is, “No one can do it for you, but you can’t do it alone!” Meaning… you are the one who ultimately does the DO-ing required for making the changes in your life. However, without the support, encouragement, accountability and an occasional loving kick in the rear from others, the DO-ing may not get done! In this episode of BariAftercare, the Podcast, meet the amazing group of peers and professionals who will, on a daily basis, contribute to your education about how to live a healthy post-op life, provide you with ongoing encouragement, give you lots of tips and tools to incorporate into your daily post-op life, and share parts of their own stories of personal growth as post-ops! To receive all of their input into YOUR journey, go to www.bariaftercare.com and sign up for the complete program! Let’s get on with the introductions!Resources:BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.comConnie Stapleton PhD website: www.conniestapletonphd.comBariAftercare website: https://www.conniestapletonphd.com/bariaftercareBariAftercare Facebook page (for members only): https://www.facebook.com/groups/BariAftercareInstagram: @therealbariboss (Tabitha Johnson)Instagram @drsusanmitchell (Dr. Susan Mitchell)Instgram: @lauraleepreston (Laura Preston)Instagram: @chefhealthyhenry (Henry Baker)Instagram: @cale101 (Caleshia Haynes)Instagram: @myweightishistory (Rob Dimedio)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.
Episode 119: How Expectations Can Lead to Trouble
Apr 26 2023
Episode 119: How Expectations Can Lead to Trouble
You know how we get ourselves in trouble with expectations? We mistake wishes, wants, dreams and desires for realistic outcomes. Expectations are defined as a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future. Realistic expectations are based on what is actually possible, not on desire or dreams alone. When it comes to weight loss, unrealistic expectations run amok. Let’s dig in to this episode and look at how unrealistic expectations are a form of self-sabotage and lead to giving up on our goals all together, cause problems in relationships, and damage self-esteem. AND… we’ll talk about how to set realistic goals that will lead to a healthier lifestyle.Resources:BariAfterare: www.bariaftercare.comConnie 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: @cale101Instagram: @myweightishistory How to Relinquish Unrealistic Expectations: 4 Tipshttps://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-relinquish-unrealistic-expectationsThe Psychology of Expectationshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cui-bono/201802/the-psychology-expectationsPlease 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.
Episode 118: Obesity… Whose FAULT is it, anyway?
Apr 19 2023
Episode 118: Obesity… Whose FAULT is it, anyway?
Have you seen the latest headlines by professionals in the world of bariatric medicine? Extra, Extra… read all about it: Obesity Is Not Your Fault! Who doesn’t want to hear that? Besides me, that is… Why don’t I want to hear that obesity is not your fault? Is it because I believe that obesity IS your fault? I certainly do NOT think your genetics are your fault, nor do I think your childhood environment was your fault, nor do I think many illness and medications that lead to weight gain are your fault. So, what IS my issue with professionals proclaiming that “Obesity is not your fault?” Guess you’ll have to listen and find out… More importantly, listen and make up your OWN mind about this issue… and whether fault or blame is what we really need to be focusing on when it comes to living a 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: @myweightishistoryWhy we play the blame game—but rarely win.The Obesity Pandemic—Whose Responsibility? No Blame, No Shame, Not More of the SameBerry EM. The Obesity Pandemic-Whose Responsibility? No Blame, No Shame, Not More of the Same. Front Nutr. 2020 Jan 31;7:2. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00002. PMID: 32118024; PMCID: PMC7025495.9 Reasons Why Obesity is Not Just a ChoicePlease 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.
Episode 116: Identity Exposed Through Self-Talk
Apr 5 2023
Episode 116: Identity Exposed Through Self-Talk
If you’re regularly dissing on yourself in what you say to and about yourself (or even think negative thoughts about yourself), not only will your life suffer, but so will the lives of those around you! Let’s be honest… if you’re feeling angry with yourself, if you’re down on yourself all the time… it’s like being lost in a mental boxing ring in your head and you’re about to knock yourself out because you’ve been beating on yourself with negative self-talk. Not only are you being hurt, but the others in your vicinity are gonna feel that energy coming from you. And when it comes to negative self-talk, the energy is definitely negative. Negative thoughts lead to negative feelings, which often leads to negative behavior… often in the way of unhealthy eating. Let’s make stinking thinking (the negative self-talk) a thing of the past. Doing so will greatly increase the likelihood of you maintaining a healthy weight! Let’s learn how this is all connected…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: @myweightishistoryThe Committee in Your Mind (Part 1), Dr. April Seifert https://www.peakmindpsychology.com/blog/0187 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.
Episode 115: Self-esteem, Identity, and Behavior
Mar 29 2023
Episode 115: Self-esteem, Identity, and Behavior
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.
Episode 113: The 4 ACES — Effort
Mar 16 2023
Episode 113: The 4 ACES — Effort
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.
Episode 112: The 4 ACES: Accountability
Mar 9 2023
Episode 112: The 4 ACES: Accountability
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.
Episode 110: The 4 ACES: Focus on Attitude
Feb 28 2023
Episode 110: The 4 ACES: Focus on Attitude
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.