I’m Now a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC)—Here’s What That Means for You

I’m so excited to share that I’ve officially completed my Board Certification as a Bariatric Counselor (BCBC) through the American Association of Bariatric Counselors.

As a therapist in Waco, Texas, this certification allows me to offer more specialized, evidence-based support to individuals who are preparing for or adjusting to life after bariatric surgery.

Because while surgery changes your body… it doesn’t automatically change your relationship with food, your coping patterns, or how you feel about yourself.

And that’s where this work matters most.

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Why Bariatric Support Needs More Than Just a “Plan”

Most people going into bariatric surgery are given very clear guidelines:
What to eat
What to avoid
How to track progress

But what’s often missing is support for the emotional and psychological side of this process.

Things like:

• The fear of “messing it up”
• Worry that old patterns with food will come back
• Grief around losing food as a coping tool
• Body image changes that feel unfamiliar or confusing
• The pressure to “get it right” after such a big decision

These are not signs that you’re failing.
They’re normal, human responses to a major life change.

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What a Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor (BCBC) Does

Working with a BCBC means you’re getting specialized support that goes beyond general therapy.

In our work together, we focus on:

• Building a healthier relationship with food (without extremes or shame)
• Understanding emotional eating patterns in a compassionate, non-judgmental way
• Reducing anxiety around surgery and long-term outcomes
• Supporting identity shifts as your body changes
• Helping you rebuild trust with your body and yourself

This is not about more discipline or stricter rules.

It’s about creating a way of living that actually feels sustainable.

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Before Surgery: Emotional Readiness Matters

If you’re in the pre-surgery phase, you might feel:

• Excited but also scared
• Hopeful, but worried you’ll fail
• Confident some days and overwhelmed others

Therapy can help you:

• Understand where your relationship with food comes from
• Identify triggers and patterns before surgery
• Build emotional safety and self-trust
• Feel more grounded and prepared going into the process

You don’t have to wait until something feels “wrong” to get support.

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After Surgery: The Part No One Talks About Enough

Post-surgery can bring its own set of challenges:

• “Why am I still thinking about food this much?”
• “Why do I feel out of control sometimes?”
• “Why don’t I feel as confident as I thought I would?”

Even when things are going “well,” there can still be:

• Lingering food noise
• Anxiety about weight regain
• Unexpected emotional triggers
• A disconnect between your body and your identity

This is where ongoing support can make a huge difference—not just in outcomes, but in how you feel living your life.

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You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

One of the biggest fears I hear from clients is:

“What if I go through all of this… and still struggle?”

And the truth is—struggling doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
It means you’re human.

Support can help you:

• Feel less alone in the process
• Navigate challenges without spiraling
• Build a more peaceful, flexible relationship with food
• Actually enjoy your life—not just manage it

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Bariatric Counseling in Waco, Texas (and Virtual Across TX)

At Rooted & Nourished Psychotherapy, I offer bariatric counseling for individuals in Waco, Texas and virtually across the state.

My approach is:

• Trauma-informed
• Compassionate and non-judgmental
• Nutrition-informed
• Focused on long-term sustainability (not perfection)

Whether you’re preparing for surgery or adjusting afterward, therapy can be a space to slow down, process, and feel supported in a way that often gets overlooked in medical settings.

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Ready for Support?

If you’re considering bariatric surgery—or navigating life after—you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions, share what’s been coming up for you, and see if working together feels like the right fit.

👉 Book your free consultation today