The Psychology of Bariatric Surge...

The Psychology of Bariatric Surgery: What Happens After Surgery? With Dr Lynne Johnston (Part 2)

Inside Bariatrics by Aoife McMahon
S1 · E5
Jun 23, 2026
39:48

Episode notes

In Part 2 of this conversation with Dr Lynne Johnston, we move into the realities of life around and after bariatric surgery - including long-term support, family systems, preparation for surgery, and the wider psychological and social factors that influence outcomes.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What happens when food has been a primary coping strategy
  • Transfer of coping behaviours after surgery
  • Family dynamics, support systems, and relationship changes
  • Preparing psychologically for bariatric surgery
  • Self-monitoring vs food diaries
  • Movement, physical activity, and rebuilding trust with the body
  • Sleep, sleep apnoea, and CPAP adherence
  • Health tourism and accessing surgery abroad
  • Why wraparound care matters before and after surgery

Guest: Dr Lynne Johnston is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS and in private practice, specialising in health psychology, bariatric care, obesity, and supporting people before and after life-changing surgery. If you have any enquiries or wish to contact Lynne, please don’t hesitate to reach out using the links below -

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Keywords

bariatric surgery
weight loss surgery
bariatric outcomes
gastric sleeve
gastric bypass
bariatric support
bariatric complications
dietitian bariatric
bariatric psychologist
life after bariatric surgery