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Bariatric surgery is a big decision — one that can change not only your body but also your relationship with food, your identity, and your confidence.
Many people focus on the physical recovery, but the emotional recovery is just as important. Therapy can help you prepare for surgery, adjust to the changes afterward, and build a healthy, trusting relationship with your body.

Therapy for men and women navigating the psychological, emotional, and behavioral sides of the bariatric journey — so you can heal in every sense of the word.

Emotional and mental support before and after weight-loss surgery.

"Am I ready for bariatric surgery?"

“I am scared to have bariatric surgery"

"What can I expect?”

"How to cope with loose skin after weight loss surgery?"

"How do I deal with food cravings after surgery?"

"I don't have a weight loss goal I just wanted to be healthy" 

"I want to be able to play with my kids"

"I want to live long enough to see my grandchildren"

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  • Explore your motivations and expectations
  • Build sustainable coping tools for stress and emotions
  • Develop realistic goals and boundaries
  • Strengthen body trust and intuitive awareness
  • Adjust to new eating behaviors without shame or fear
  • Cope with identity shifts and changing body image
  • Reconnect with joy and satisfaction in daily life
  • Address old patterns or beliefs about food and worth
  • Create balanced, nourishing habits that last


When you understand your “why” beyond the scale, you set yourself up for long-term emotional and physical healing. Healing is not just about weight loss — it’s about rebuilding trust with yourself.

What Therapy Can Do Before & After Surgery


These feelings are more common than most people realize:

Emotional eating or guilt around food after surgery

Fear of regaining weight or “doing it wrong”

Anxiety about body changes or attention from others

Difficulty adjusting to new hunger cues and eating patterns

Pressure from others to “be successful” after surgery

Conflicted feelings about self-image or identity

Depression, grief, or frustration when the process feels harder than expected

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Bariatric surgery changes far more than your body. It can affect how you think about food, how others see you, and how you see yourself. You might have expected confidence and freedom — but instead find yourself feeling confused, anxious, or alone in the process.

Common Struggles I help With:

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Rooted Renewal offers compassionate therapy for individuals navigating life after bariatric surgery. This specialized support focuses on the emotional, mental, and relational changes that often follow weight-loss surgery—helping you feel grounded, confident, and at peace in your body again.

Through evidence-based, body-trusting therapy, we’ll explore your relationship with food, body image, and self-worth while addressing challenges like emotional eating, fear of weight regain, or loss of identity. Together, we’ll create space to process these shifts and develop sustainable ways to care for both your mind and body.

I combine evidence-based practices with a compassionate, trauma-informed lens. My work draws from:

  • Mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies
  • Nutrition-informed therapy and body trust principles
  • Cognitive and behavioral tools for emotional regulation
  • A non-diet, weight-neutral framework that honors your body’s story

This is a space where you’ll be seen, supported, and guided — without judgment or pressure to be perfect.

My Approach

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Our first virtual therapy session is a space to slow down, breathe, and begin making sense of what’s been heavy. Whether you’re here in Waco, Texas or anywhere in the state, I’ll listen closely to your story — where you’ve been, what’s working, and what feels stuck — so we can start building a plan that fits your pace and your needs.
It’s the foundation for our work together, and a chance to see if this feels like the right fit for you.

After the intake session we will decide together what your treatment plan looks like and the amount of follow up sessions needed.

The First Step: Intake Session

You Don't Have to Wait Until You're Ready for Surgery

If you’re feeling regret, anxiety, or confusion around bariatric surgery — you’re not alone. Whether you’re here in Waco, Texas, or anywhere in the state, a quick 15-minute consultation call can help you get clarity and direction.

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Does this sound familiar? 
  • How do I eat normally again after surgery
  • How do I mentally prepare for bariatric surgery
  • What if I regret it?
  • Thinking about surgery makes me anxious



Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery

What types of bariatric surgery are there? ＋
The most common procedures include the gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) and gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y). Both reduce stomach size and change how your body processes hunger and fullness cues. Therapy can help you prepare emotionally for whichever procedure is right for you.
How do I know if I qualify for bariatric surgery? ＋
Eligibility is typically determined by your surgeon based on BMI, health history, and other factors. But emotional readiness is equally important — therapy can help you explore your motivations and expectations before committing.
How long is recovery after bariatric surgery? ＋
Physical recovery takes a few weeks, but emotional and mental recovery can take longer. It’s common to feel tired, anxious, or unsure as your body adjusts. Therapy provides guidance for these changes.
What is the hardest part after bariatric surgery? ＋
Many people say the hardest part isn’t the diet—it’s the emotional adjustment. Food, identity, and body image all change quickly. Therapy helps you navigate those shifts and find a new sense of normal.
Can bariatric surgery affect my mood? ＋
Yes. Hormone changes and rapid transformation can temporarily impact mood. Some people experience irritability, sadness, or even depression. Post-surgery therapy can help regulate emotions and build emotional resilience.
What happens if I gain weight back after surgery? ＋
Weight regain can happen for many reasons — physical, emotional, or behavioral. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Therapy focuses on understanding triggers and rebuilding body trust without shame.
Will I still be able to enjoy food after surgery? ＋
Yes, but your relationship with food will change. The goal is to learn how to eat mindfully, with balance and enjoyment, rather than fear or guilt. Therapy can help you find that balance again.
How do I handle people’s comments about my body? ＋
It’s normal to feel uncomfortable when others comment on your appearance. Therapy can help you set boundaries, manage discomfort, and reconnect with how you feel about your body—not how others see it.
Can I start therapy before my surgery date? ＋
Absolutely. In fact, pre-surgery therapy can make recovery smoother and reduce anxiety. We can prepare emotionally, explore coping skills, and set realistic expectations before the procedure.
What kind of support do I need after bariatric surgery? ＋
A strong support system is essential—your medical team, nutrition professionals, and emotional support through therapy. Having someone to process the mental and physical adjustments with helps maintain long-term success.

The scale kept me a prisoner from enjoying life but not anymore. I realize that is only a number and I am worthy of more than that. Learning about how nutrition can fuel my body instead of starving myself is amazing. If you are in the same spot and what to be free contact her! Highly recommend it!


"Working with Hannah has shown me that I don’t have to shame myself by what the scale says."

Hannah is a compassionate eating disorder therapist offering counseling for recovery, body image, and binge eating. Hannah particularly understands the perinatal time and counsels with a supportive, inclusive approach.

"Highly recommend Hannah!"

Hannah is a knowledgeable therapist who works with adults struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns. She empowers clients to overcome these issues and feel more confident. I highly recommend her!

"She empowers clients to overcome"

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