Guest blog by Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Life & Wellness Coach After bariatric surgery, it’s tempting to think life will finally be a smooth ride, that once you heal, you’ll be cruising straight down the highway toward weight loss and well-being. But highways aren’t straight lines. They rise and dip, and sometimes throw you a sharp curve without warning. I’ve learned that it’s my responsibility to stay on the road, whether it curves, dips, or gets downright bumpy, because it will. Reaching my goals can’t depend on perfect conditions or sunny skies. Instead, I’ve learned to stay alert, navigate challenging stretches, and steer myself back when I start to drift or get pushed off course. Beyond the Basics of Bariatric Success When people talk about “the basics” after bariatric surgery, they usually mean protein, hydration, vitamins, nutrient-dense foods, and exercise. Yes, those matter. But foundational well-being after bariatric surgery is more than a checklist or a diet; it’s the art and science of staying on track by paying attention to all aspects of your life. I like to think of my bariatric journey as a road trip. After surgery, my body changed rapidly and dramatically. Suddenly, I found myself driving a very different “car,” one that required new skills, knowledge, and resources. Forgive this old-fashioned metaphor from someone who learned to drive in 1976. In the old days, cars needed fuel, of course, preferably before the needle hit empty. They also required the driver to use a paper map and, ideally, to bring along some good company because you couldn’t drive and read the map at the same time (and podcasts and playlists hadn’t been invented yet)! You needed inflated tires to soften the bumps, oil to keep the engine running smoothly, and a driver, you, to stay alert to the road ahead. And sometimes, you needed a little humility, the kind that comes from getting stuck in the mud…or stuck on a hill. Finding Balance After Bariatric Surgery When I was 15 and learning to drive a stick shift, my sister and I got stuck at the bottom of a very steep hill because neither of us had mastered the balance of pressing the gas while releasing the clutch. We must have tried for 10 minutes before a man pulled up behind us and asked if we needed help. We gratefully got out, and he drove it up the hill for us. I didn’t appreciate the lesson until much later: Balance, like the skill of using a car clutch, requires guts, patience, and a little help. You can’t always figure everything out alone, and you can’t rush learning. Whether it’s driving a stick shift or learning your post-bariatric needs, progress is rarely smooth, but it is possible. Core Habits for Bariatric Journey Progress Staying on course requires intentional practices that brace you for the bumps. Consider these supportive habits: Check your fuel: nutrition + emotional needs. Are you feeding your body and your spirit or running on fumes? Balanced eating includes pleasure, not just protein. Balanced living includes rest, laughter, learning, self-compassion, and connection. Check your alignment: values + actions. When you veer off the road of self-care, it’s often because something inside you is out of alignment: fear, frustration, guilt, envy, old patterns, or unrealistic expectations. Watch for warning lights. Emotional eating, fatigue, irritability, and overcommitting are not moral failures; they’re dashboard signals. Paying attention early helps prevent a full breakdown. Carry your bariatric support toolkit. Surround yourself with supportive people, coping strategies, and professional guidance. Don’t wait until you’re stranded with no way to call for help. Consistent support matters. The Power of Humor on the Bariatric Journey This journey isn’t always tidy. So laugh when you spill your protein shake or eat too quickly and regret it (because you probably will). Laughter is internal aerobics; it calms your nervous system and keeps you flexible. When I remember that hill my sister and I faced, I realize it wasn’t just about learning to drive. It was a lesson in resilience, and honestly, a really great memory. Staying Present in Your Post-Bariatric Journey Life after bariatric surgery is like driving through unfamiliar territory. The landmarks have changed, and the old map doesn’t fit the new landscape. But your presence behind the wheel makes all the difference. When you get lost (and you will), remember: You have what you need to find your way again. You carry the wisdom of every hill you’ve climbed, including the ones where someone helped push you forward. Foundational well-being after bariatric surgery isn’t a straight road or a smooth ride. When things get bumpy, grip the wheel lightly. Roll down the window. Feel the breeze. And breathe. You’re still moving forward, and that matters.