Episode 5: From Diet Culture to Food Freedom - The Bariatric Mindset Shift

Food isn’t the enemy. It’s primal. It’s connection. It’s community. And it will always be part of our lives, even after bariatric surgery. That’s why the conversation needs to go deeper—it has to be about healing with food instead of demonizing it. Often, that healing includes facing our hunger—not just the physical kind, but the deeper hunger for what we truly desire in life. When we learn to honor both, food becomes a way to nourish and sustain us, rather than harm or control us.

In this episode of the Bariatric Mindset® Success Podcast, Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances share their personal transformations and dismantle some of the biggest myths surrounding post-op life. They challenge the misconception that bariatric surgery means saying goodbye to enjoying food forever, highlighting instead that the real work is about shifting how we relate to food.

Kristin and Frances explore the messy, human side of recovery—moving from emotional eating, diet-culture thinking, and even food addiction patterns to creating a more conscious, connected, and compassionate relationship with food. They discuss how old habits of using food as punishment or reward keep people trapped in cycles of restriction and bingeing, and why true healing requires a mindset shift that surgery alone can’t provide.

Listeners will learn why honoring both physical and emotional hunger is key to lasting success, and how cravings often point to unmet needs rather than personal weakness. Kristin speaks openly about her journey as a recovering emotional eater, while Frances shares her perspective on navigating food changes with diabetes. Together, they shine a light on the grief and resistance many patients feel around food after surgery—and how those feelings can be transformed into empowerment, joy, and self-trust.

Beyond food, they dive into the importance of movement, particularly strength training, reframing it from a punishment for overeating into a practice that supports longevity, mental health, and self-celebration. They also stress the role of community support, encouraging listeners to surround themselves with people who understand the complexities of life after bariatric surgery.

What You’ll Take Away from This Episode:

* How to reframe food as a partner in healing rather than an obstacle to overcome

* Why food rules like “good” vs. “bad” keep you stuck in diet mentality—and how to break free from them

* The connection between cravings, emotions, and unmet needs (including patterns of food addiction)

* The importance of community in long-term weight management and mindset work

* How embracing discomfort and change opens the door to sustainable growth

* Why recovery is not a quick fix, but an ongoing process of self-discovery

If you’ve ever wondered whether enjoying food after surgery is possible, or if you’ve struggled with guilt, cravings, food addiction, or fear of regain, this conversation will give you the insight and encouragement you need. It’s not about perfection—it’s about shifting perspective, building resilience, and creating a relationship with food (and yourself) that lasts a lifetime.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Bariatric Newbies: Myths and Realities

00:03:50 - Finding Balance with Food Choices

00:05:41 - Understanding Post-Surgery Insights

00:06:59 - Lessons Learned After Bariatric Surgery

00:09:40 - Bariatric Mindset and Ditching Diet Culture

00:12:28 - Understanding My Relationship with Food

00:14:45 - Understanding Our True Hunger

00:16:52 - Understanding Food Addiction and Recovery

00:18:48 - Understanding Weight Regain Challenges

00:20:58 - Lifelong Journey of Healthy Living

00:22:35 - Understanding Movement After Surgery

00:24:13 - Embracing Strength Training for Longevity

00:26:39 - Honoring Your Future Self

00:29:45 - Changing Your Relationship with Food

Key Takeaways

* Redefine Your Relationship with Food: Shift from comfort eating and diet-culture “good vs. bad” rules to conscious, nourishing choices.

* Cultivate Emotional Awareness: Recognize the emotional ties to food so healing goes deeper than what’s on your plate.

* Choose Lifestyle, Not Punishment: View healthy habits as lifelong practices that bring joy and freedom, not restriction.

* Lean on Community: Recovery is less isolating when you connect with others who understand the journey.

* Embrace Growth Through Discomfort: True transformation requires stretching beyond comfort zones and navigating challenges with resilience.

Ready to transform your relationship with food and discover life beyond dieting? Tune in to this episode for authentic conversations and practical insights from those who've walked the path of bariatric surgery success.

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