Baripause – the bariatric menopause dilemma

September 19, 2025/in Uncategorized/by Lauren Peat

Bari what??

As a bariatric nurse who has supported hundreds of women through their weight loss surgery journey, I’m increasingly seeing how menopause creates unique challenges for my clients. Let me share what I’ve learned about this complex intersection and why it deserves specialized attention.

Introduction: When Two Life Changes Collide

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re experiencing something that feels overwhelming, confusing, and maybe even a little scary. You’ve had bariatric surgery – perhaps months or even years ago – and now you’re facing menopause. Or maybe you’re in menopause and considering weight loss surgery. Either way, you’re dealing with two significant life changes that can feel like they’re working against each other.

I’m Lauren, a registered bariatric nurse and mental health professional who has personally undergone weight loss surgery and lost 54kg. Through my practice, I’ve supported hundreds of women through their bariatric journey, and increasingly, I’m seeing how menopause adds another layer of complexity to this experience.

While I haven’t personally experienced menopause yet, I’ve walked alongside countless clients who have, and I’ve seen firsthand how this transition can feel like it’s undoing all their hard work. The stories I hear are heartbreaking – women who feel like they’re “failing” at surgery when really, they’re just facing a new challenge that requires specialized understanding.

That’s exactly why I’m developing my Baripause program – because this intersection deserves attention from someone who truly understands both sides of the equation.

Understanding the Connection: How Bariatric Surgery and Menopause Intersect

The Perfect Storm

Here’s what most people don’t realize: bariatric surgery and menopause create what I call “the perfect hormonal storm.” You’re not just dealing with one major body change – you’re dealing with two simultaneous shifts that can amplify each other’s effects.

The bariatric surgery impact:

Rapid weight loss affects estrogen production (fat cells produce estrogen)
Changes in gut hormones like GLP-1 and ghrelin
Altered absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Potential changes in medication absorption, including hormone replacement therapy

The menopause factor:

Declining estrogen and progesterone levels
Slower metabolism
Changes in body composition
Increased insulin resistance

When these happen together? The results can feel devastating – but they’re also completely manageable when you understand what’s happening and have the right strategies.

Why Timing Matters

Through my work with clients, I’ve identified three distinct scenarios, each with its own challenges:

Pre-surgery menopause: Different challenges, different solutions
Post-surgery menopause: Often the most confusing scenario
Perimenopause during recovery: The most complex situation I see

Each timeline requires a completely different approach – something most healthcare providers don’t recognize.

The Challenges No One Talks About

Let me be honest about what I see in my practice. The intersection of bariatric surgery and menopause creates challenges that most women aren’t prepared for:

The Return of Food Noise

Remember that blessed quiet in your head about food after surgery? Many of my menopausal clients describe how it comes roaring back with a vengeance. The constant mental chatter, the intense cravings, the feeling like you’re “fighting” your brain again.

This isn’t a personal failure – it’s biology. But knowing that doesn’t make it less distressing when you’re living it.

Weight Changes That Don’t Make Sense

This is probably what I hear about most: the scale creeping up despite following all the “rules,” clothes fitting differently, feeling like your surgical tool has stopped working.

Here’s the truth: your tool is still working, but the game has changed. And most women don’t know how to adapt their approach.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

The combination of body changes, hormonal shifts, and feeling like you’re “failing” creates a perfect storm for anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. As a mental health professional, I see how this impacts every area of my clients’ lives.

Physical Symptoms with a Twist

Hot flashes, sleep disruption, energy crashes – all the “normal” menopause symptoms can feel more intense after bariatric surgery. There are reasons for this, and there are solutions, but you need to understand the unique interplay.

Why Standard Advice Doesn’t Work

Here’s where I get frustrated with the healthcare system. Most providers treat bariatric surgery recovery and menopause as completely separate issues. They’ll give you standard menopause advice or standard post-surgery guidelines, but no one is looking at how these two major life changes interact.

The result? You get advice that might work for someone who hasn’t had surgery, or strategies that worked great in your first year post-op but don’t account for your changing hormonal landscape.

Standard advice that often fails:

“Just eat less and move more” (ignores hormonal changes)
“Follow your post-surgery plan exactly” (doesn’t account for menopause)
“This is normal for menopause” (ignores your surgical anatomy)
“You’re just getting older” (dismisses real, solvable problems)

Start with the “3-Day Reset” approach:

When my clients feel like their tool has stopped working, I have them focus on three simple things for just three days:

eat 25g of protein within one hour of waking (this kickstarts your metabolism and helps regulate hunger hormones that go haywire during menopause),

drink 16oz/ 500ml of water before each meal (your body’s thirst signals change after surgery and during menopause, often masquerading as hunger), and stop eating 3 hours before bed (menopause disrupts your natural cortisol rhythm, and late eating compounds this). Most clients notice the food noise quieting and energy stabilizing within these three days. It’s not a permanent solution, but it proves to your brain that your tool still works – you just need to adjust how you use it for this new phase of life.

The Solution: Specialized Support

This is exactly why I developed my expertise in this area and why I’m creating the Baripause program. Women navigating this intersection need:

✓ Someone who understands both bariatric surgery AND menopause

✓ Strategies specifically designed for this unique situation

✓ Mental health support from someone who gets it

✓ A community of women facing similar challenges

✓ Practical tools that actually work for your changed anatomy and hormones

What’s Possible When You Get the Right Support

I don’t want to paint a picture that this is easy – it’s not. But I also don’t want you to think it’s hopeless, because it absolutely isn’t.

When my clients get the right support and strategies, here’s what I see:

The food noise quiets down again (yes, really!)
Weight stabilizes or even decreases
Energy returns
Confidence comes back
They feel like themselves again

But it requires a different approach than what worked before, and it requires understanding the unique challenges you’re facing.

When to Seek Professional Help

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here are signs it’s time to reach out for specialized support:

Red flags that need immediate attention:

Severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm
Significant weight regain (more than 20% of lost weight)
Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve
New or worsening digestive issues
Feeling like you’re “losing your mind”

Signs you’d benefit from specialized coaching:

Feeling confused about what to eat or how to exercise
The strategies that used to work aren’t working anymore
You’re gaining weight despite “following the rules”
You feel isolated and like no one understands
You want to get ahead of potential problems

Your Next Steps

If you’re reading this and thinking “This is exactly what I’m going through,” you’re not alone. More importantly, you’re not stuck.

The first step is understanding that what you’re experiencing is normal for this unique situation – but that doesn’t mean you have to just accept it and suffer through.

Immediate actions you can take:

Stop blaming yourself for changes that are largely hormonal
Start tracking patterns (I’ll share my tracking method in my upcoming ebook)
Connect with others who understand (my Facebook group is a great place to start)
Consider working with someone who specializes in this intersection

What’s Coming Next

I’m currently developing several resources specifically for women navigating bariatric surgery and menopause:

My comprehensive ebook will dive deep into the strategies that work, complete meal planning approaches, exercise modifications, and the mental health tools that make the biggest difference.

The Baripause program will provide ongoing support, community, and personalized guidance for women ready to take control of this transition.

Free resources including my Facebook group where you can connect with other women facing similar challenges.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this: you’re not broken, you haven’t failed, and your surgery wasn’t a mistake. You’re dealing with a complex intersection of two major life changes, and it makes complete sense that you’d need specialized support.

The women I work with who thrive during this transition have one thing in common: they stopped trying to figure it out alone and got the right support for their unique situation.

Your journey doesn’t end with surgery – it evolves. And this evolution, while challenging, can also be empowering when you have the right tools and support.

You’ve already proven you can transform your life. Now let’s make sure you have everything you need to thrive through this next chapter.

Ready to stop struggling alone? Join my free Facebook group where women supporting women through the intersection of bariatric surgery and menopause. Send me a message to learn more about my upcoming Baripause program and comprehensive ebook designed specifically for this unique journey.

Baked Cauliflower mac n cheese

October 18, 2024/in News/by Lauren Peat

Baked cauliflower mac and cheese

Ingredients

Vegetable cooking spray

1 medium head cauliflower, cut and broken up into small ‘elbow macaroni size’ florets

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon flour

1 1/4 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard or 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar, or favorite cheesy blend

Sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Spray a medium baking dish and a cookie sheet with non-stick vegetable spray. Preheat oven to 190 degrees C. Spread out the florets on the cookie sheet and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until fork tender. Remove from oven and set aside.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan.

Add the flour and cook 30 seconds until absorbed and smooth.

Whisk in the milk and the mustard, bringing almost to a boil over medium high heat and cooking until slightly thickened and smooth.

Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the cheese (save a little for the top!), 1 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.

Fold in the roasted cauliflower to combine.

Turn into prepared baking dish.

Top with the remaining cheese and bake 15 to 20 minutes until browned and bubbly hot.

How to Improve Sleep After Weight Loss Surgery: Expert Tips from a Bariatric Nurse Specialist

September 17, 2024/in News/by Lauren Peat

Improve Your Sleep After Weight Loss Surgery: A Guide from a Bariatric Nurse Specialist

Hello, it’s Lauren Peat, your Bariatric Nurse Specialist. One of the most important aspects of your recovery and overall well-being after weight loss surgery is sleep. Good sleep is essential for healing, maintaining energy levels, and supporting the changes your body is going through. However, many patients find that sleep can be challenging post-surgery. Whether it’s discomfort, adjusting to a new body, or changes in routine, sleep can sometimes be elusive. Here are my tips and tricks to help improve your sleep quality and ensure you get the rest your body needs.

Why Sleep After Weight Loss Surgery is Crucial

Getting quality sleep after weight loss surgery is just as important as your nutrition and hydration. Sleep plays a critical role in recovery, as it helps your body heal and adjust to changes in diet and activity levels. It also regulates hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, which control hunger and fullness. Poor sleep can interfere with these hormones, leading to increased hunger and cravings. Additionally, lack of sleep can increase stress levels and negatively impact your mood. So, how can you improve your sleep after surgery?

Tips and Tricks for Better Sleep After Weight Loss Surgery

1. Establish a Sleep Routine
Creating a consistent bedtime routine is essential for improving sleep quality. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. This will help regulate your body’s internal clock and make falling asleep easier. Wind down before bed by avoiding screens, bright lights, and stimulating activities. Instead, opt for a relaxing routine, such as reading, light stretching, or listening to calming music.

2. Manage Discomfort
After weight loss surgery, discomfort can make it difficult to sleep. Ensure that your mattress and pillows provide proper support, especially for your back and abdomen. If you find it challenging to sleep on your back, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees to reduce pressure on your lower body. Speak with your surgeon if you are experiencing persistent discomfort, as they may be able to recommend sleeping positions or supportive aids.

3. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
A comfortable and quiet sleeping environment can make a big difference. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and free from noise. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary. Keep your bed for sleep only—avoid using it for work or other activities that could interfere with your ability to relax.

4. Include Kiwifruit in Your Diet
Kiwifruit is a surprising but effective sleep aid that you can easily incorporate into your routine. Studies have shown that eating kiwifruit before bed can improve sleep onset and quality. This fruit is rich in serotonin, which helps regulate sleep, and it’s a light, easy option for a pre-bedtime snack, especially post-surgery.

5. Try Magnesium to Promote Relaxation
Magnesium is a mineral that plays an essential role in relaxation and sleep. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds into your diet, or taking a magnesium supplement (with your healthcare provider’s approval), can help calm the mind and relax the body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

6. Avoid Eating Right Before Bed
Eating too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep, especially after weight loss surgery. Avoid large meals or snacks within two hours of going to bed to prevent discomfort and indigestion. If you’re hungry before bed, opt for a light snack, such as a small piece of fruit (such as kiwifruit) or a handful of nuts, and try to avoid caffeine in the afternoon or evening.

7. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Stress and anxiety can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. After surgery, your body is going through significant changes, and it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation, can help calm your mind and prepare your body for rest.

8. Stay Active During the Day
Gentle exercise during the day can improve sleep quality. After surgery, light activities such as walking can promote better sleep by reducing stress and helping to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Be sure to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime, as this can have the opposite effect and make it harder to fall asleep.

9. Limit Naps
While it may be tempting to nap during the day, especially in the early days post-surgery, try to limit naps to 20-30 minutes. Long or late naps can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night, making it more challenging to establish a healthy sleep routine.

Building Healthy Sleep Habits Post-Surgery

Improving your sleep after weight loss surgery may take some time and adjustment, but with small changes and a consistent routine—including options like magnesium and kiwifruit—you’ll soon be on your way to better rest. Prioritising sleep is an essential part of your overall recovery, and ensuring you get the rest you need will support the success of your surgery in the long run.

If you have any concerns or questions about sleep after surgery, feel free to reach out. I’m here to support you on every step of your journey.

Sweet dreams!

Lauren

How to Increase Water Intake After Weight Loss Surgery: Tips from a Bariatric Nurse Specialist

September 17, 2024/in News/by Lauren Peat

Stay Hydrated After Weight Loss Surgery: Tips and Tricks from a Bariatric Nurse Specialist

Hi everyone, it’s Lauren Peat here, your Bariatric Nurse Specialist. Staying hydrated is one of the most important habits to maintain after weight loss surgery. It might seem simple, but getting in enough water every day is key to your overall health and recovery. If you’re like many people who have had bariatric surgery, you might find drinking water more challenging than before. I’ve got a few tips and tricks that can help you reach that goal of two litres a day without feeling like it’s a chore.

Why Water Intake After Weight Loss Surgery is Important

After weight loss surgery, your body needs water more than ever. It helps with digestion, flushes out toxins, and supports your kidneys and skin. Staying hydrated also prevents constipation, a common side effect after surgery. Plus, drinking water can help with those pesky hunger signals that might actually be thirst in disguise. Two litres of water a day is a good goal to aim for, but how can you make sure you’re getting there?

Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Water Intake After Weight Loss Surgery

1. Sip, Don’t Gulp
After surgery, your stomach can only hold a small amount at a time. If you try to drink large quantities quickly, you’ll likely feel uncomfortable or even nauseous. The trick is to sip regularly throughout the day. Keep a water bottle nearby and take small sips whenever you can. Over time, these little sips add up to your daily goal.

2. Set a Schedule
If you’re someone who forgets to drink, setting reminders can be a lifesaver. Schedule times during the day to take a few sips. You could set a reminder on your phone every hour, or pair your water-drinking habit with another daily task, like having a sip after brushing your teeth, or between meals.

3. Make It Tasty
Plain water can get boring, so why not jazz it up a bit? Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint to your water to give it a bit of flavour. You could even try herbal teas (just make sure they’re decaf!) to change things up. A little variety can make it easier to reach your two-litre goal.

4. Track Your Water Intake After Weight Loss Surgery
If you’re aiming for two litres a day, it can be motivating to track how much you’re actually drinking. You can use a water-tracking app, or simply write it down on a piece of paper or a note in your phone. Seeing your progress throughout the day can be really encouraging!

5. Use a Straw (If it Works for You)
Some people find it easier to drink through a straw after surgery, as it allows you to take smaller, more controlled sips. However, this can be a personal preference, so give it a try and see how you feel.

6. Drink Between Meals
After surgery, it’s recommended to avoid drinking too much with meals, as it can fill you up quickly and prevent you from getting in your necessary nutrients. Try to have most of your fluids between meals instead, leaving at least 30 minutes before and after eating to focus on your hydration.

7. Try Different Temperatures
If cold water doesn’t sit well with you, try room temperature or warm water instead. Many people find that a cup of warm herbal tea goes down more easily, especially in the colder months. Experiment with different temperatures to find what’s most comfortable for you.

8. Keep Water Visible
It’s easy to forget about drinking water when it’s out of sight. Keep a water bottle on your desk, in your bag, or in the car so you always have access. Making water visible and easy to reach is a small change that can make a big difference.

It’s All About Building the Habit

It might take time to get used to drinking two litres of water a day, but with small, consistent changes, it’ll soon become part of your routine. Your body will thank you for it—after all, hydration is one of the foundations of good health, especially post-surgery.

If you’re struggling with water intake or have any questions about hydration after bariatric surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help guide you through your journey.

Stay hydrated!

Protein after weightloss surgery

May 24, 2023/in News/by Lauren Peat

A recent report has revealed that Aucklanders consume the equivalent of 143.3 million Big Macs every year. Do we need tighter legislation?

takeaway legislation

June 28, 2022/in News/by Pip Newman