Guest blog by: Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Wellness Coach When you have bariatric surgery, so much of the early focus is on what you’re eating, how your body is healing, and how much weight you’re losing. And while those things matter, you start to realize over time that lasting success isn’t just about what’s on your plate. It’s about your whole life—the people around you, the way you care for your mind and body, and the little things you do every day to stay balanced. Think of it like one of those hanging mobiles. Every part is connected, and when one piece shifts, the whole thing moves. If you ignore one area for too long, everything can feel a little off. But when you pay attention to each part, things start to feel steadier, lighter, and easier to manage. Let’s talk about what those areas are—and how you can start supporting them. Mental Environment: Your Mind Matters Your mindset, your inner voice, and how you talk to yourself matter more than you might think. Being kind to yourself, staying curious, and letting go of the blame game makes a huge difference. Instead of beating yourself up when things don’t go perfectly, try looking at it like an experiment. What worked? What didn’t? What might you do differently next time? And if you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, past trauma, ADHD, or addiction, know that you’re not alone. These things can quietly get in the way of your progress. Recognizing them and getting support when you need it is a powerful step toward long-term success. Physical Environment: Caring For Your Body After surgery, your body works differently. It needs steady, thoughtful care—food that nourishes, movement you enjoy, good sleep, and ways to handle stress that don’t involve food. Exercise doesn’t have to mean the gym. A walk, stretching, or dancing in your living room counts. And finding little ways to relax, like deep breathing or listening to music, can help settle your body and mind. Physical Environment: Your Surroundings Look around—does your home, kitchen, or office help you stick to your goals? Or does it trip you up? Simple things like keeping tempting foods out of sight, having your supplements somewhere visible, or setting up a cozy corner for rest can make healthy choices feel more natural and less stressful. Emotional Environment: Listening to Your Feelings Emotions aren’t the enemy—they’re trying to tell you something. A healthy emotional space means letting yourself feel what you feel without stuffing it down with food or pretending everything’s fine. Learning the difference between being hungry and being sad, stressed, or bored is a skill worth building. It helps you respond to what you actually need, instead of reacting out of habit. Social & Relational Environment: Surround Yourself With The Right People After surgery, some relationships change. And that’s okay. The people you spend time with have a big impact on how you feel and the choices you make. Surround yourself with those who support your journey and lift you up. Setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away—it’s about making sure you have room to take care of yourself, too. And if it feels hard, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Soulful Environment: Nourishing Your Soul This is about the bigger stuff—what lights you up, what makes you feel connected, and what gives your life meaning. It could be faith, creativity, nature, volunteering, or simply moments of joy and gratitude. Tuning into what matters most to you gives you strength on the hard days and helps you stay grounded in what you’re working toward. The Bottom Line Life after bariatric surgery isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about creating a life that feels good, inside and out. Some days will feel easy, others won’t—and that’s normal. What matters is noticing what’s working, adjusting what isn’t, and giving yourself the grace to keep going. Picture your life like that mobile again. Everything’s connected, and when you care for each part—your mind, body, emotions, surroundings, relationships, and soul—you’ll find a balance that’s steady, flexible, and uniquely yours.