FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Check out some common inquiries below.
Mental Health & Emotional Eating FAQs
Q: What is emotional eating and how can I manage it?
A: Emotional eating is when you eat primarily in response to feelings—like stress, sadness, happiness, or boredom—rather than physical hunger.
Emotional eating is a normal human behavior. It can cause problems when it becomes your primary way to avoid emotional distress. The amounts and/or types of food you choose when engaging in emotional eating may also cause you discomfort or create or exacerbate medical issues. Here are ways to manage it:
Identify your emotional triggers to eatPractice mindful eating
Try non-food coping strategies (e.g., journaling, walking, deep breathing)
Work with a licensed mental health professional
Q: Can therapy really help with weight or eating issues?
A: Yes, therapy can help you understand your relationship with food and develop healthier coping strategies. It can also help you to explore why you want to lose weight and help you consider whether there are additional or different steps to take to achieve those goals.
A licensed therapist helps you:
Address emotional triggersManage stress or anxiety
Build sustainable eating habits
Improve body image and self-esteem
Q: How do I know if I need mental health support before or after bariatric surgery?
A: You might need mental health support if you’re struggling with emotional eating, anxiety, depression, or motivation before or after surgery. It is strongly recommended to seek mental health support around bariatric surgery if you currently have or have had an eating disorder, severe depression or anxiety, or thoughts of suicide.
Mental health counseling helps you:
Prepare emotionally for surgeryManage post-op lifestyle changes
Cope with body image shifts
Stay consistent with new habits
Q: What happens during a session with a licensed mental health professional?
A: You’ll have a private, supportive conversation focused on your emotional well-being and relationship with food.
In a typical session:
You share thoughts and concernsYour therapist listens and helps explore feelings, problem-solve, and identify new ways of thinking that can benefit you
You set goals and learn coping tools
Sessions are judgment-free and confidential
Q: How do trauma or anxiety impact eating habits?
A: Trauma and anxiety can lead to emotional eating, appetite changes, or disordered eating patterns.
Common effects include:
Using food for comfort or distractionAvoiding food due to stress or fear
Trouble maintaining consistent eating routines
Heightened cravings or loss of appetite
A therapist can help address these root causes.
Nutrition & Dietitian Support FAQs
Q: What does a registered dietitian do at BCC?
A: A registered dietitian at BCC provides personalized nutrition support before and after bariatric surgery.
They help you:
Understand how food affects your body and mood
Create balanced meal plans with foods you enjoy
Set realistic nutrition goals
Adjust your diet over time based on your progress and needs
Q: Is your nutrition advice personalized?
A: Yes, all nutrition guidance at BCC is tailored to your body, lifestyle, medical history, and food preferences.
Your dietitian considers:
Your health conditions (like diabetes or PCOS)
Cultural or religious food practices
Your favorite foods and eating habits
Short- and long-term health goals
Q: Do I have to follow a strict diet plan?
A: No, we don’t use strict or one-size-fits-all diets.
Instead, we help you:
Build sustainable eating habits
Enjoy a flexible meal structure
Focus on progress, not perfection
Include foods you love in a healthy way
Q: What’s the difference between your approach and traditional weight loss programs?
A: Unlike traditional weight loss programs, BCC prioritizes the behavioral and psychological aspects of weight loss and habit change. We focus on mental health, nutrition, and medical support.
Our approach:
Focuses on your whole health, not just weight
Addresses emotional eating and behavior change
Supports your choice of medical interventions or desire not to undergo a medical intervention (surgery, weight loss medications, etc.)
Provides long-term, team-based care
Q: Can I still enjoy my favorite foods while working with a dietitian?
A: Yes, your favorite foods will still be part of your plan.
Your dietitian helps you:
Enjoy foods mindfully and in portions that help you to feel energized and comfortable
Reduce guilt or stress around eating
Create a balanced plan that includes treats
Focus on progress, not restriction
Bariatric Surgery & Post-Op Care FAQs
Q: Do I need mental health counseling before bariatric surgery?
A: Yes, mental health counseling is an important part of preparing for bariatric surgery.
It helps you:
Understand your eating habits and triggers for eating
Set realistic expectations for habit change and weight loss
Build emotional coping strategies
Improve long-term outcomes after surgery
Q: How do I prepare emotionally for bariatric surgery?
A: Emotional preparation includes working with a mental health professional to manage fears and build resilience.
Steps to prepare:
Attend counseling sessions
Identify emotional eating patterns
Learn new stress-management tools
Set personal goals for life after surgery
Q: What should I eat after bariatric surgery?
A: After surgery, you’ll follow a staged diet that supports healing and prevents complications. Your surgeon’s office will provide you with a specific plan. Below is only an example of a possible transition plan after surgery:
Typical stages:
Clear liquids (broth, water, sugar-free drinks)
Full liquids (protein shakes, smooth soups)
Soft foods (tender fish, mashed veggies)
Regular foods (small portions, high protein)
Your registered dietitian will support you through each step.
Q: What if I regain weight after surgery—can you help?
A: Yes, weight regain after bariatric surgery is common and treatable.
At BCC, we offer:
Nutrition support to review eating habits
Mental health counseling to address emotional triggers
Customized plans to get back on track
Ongoing support without judgment
Q: Do you offer long-term support after surgery?
A: Yes, BCC provides long-term care to support your journey after bariatric surgery. Clients typically spend about three months in our program. After completing our program, we offer monthly alumni support groups and an alumni-only facebook group to stay connected.
Our services include:
Regular check-ins with dietitians and therapists
Guidance on eating, movement, and mindset
Help managing plateaus or weight regain
Support for mental and emotional wellness
Our Team & Services FAQs
Q: Who will I be working with at BCC?
A: At BCC, you’ll work with a multidisciplinary team focused on your physical and emotional well-being.
Your team will include:
Licensed Mental Health Professionals (Psychologists and Licensed Professional Counselors)
Registered Dietitians
Registered Nurse
Professional Chef
Graduate Dietetics and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Students
Administrative Support Staff
Q: Do I need a referral to start care?
A: Yes, presurgical evaluations and our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are covered by insurance. We accept most major plans, including:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Tricare
Coverage depends on your specific plan. We’re happy to help verify your benefits before you start.
Q: Do you offer virtual or telehealth appointments?
A: Yes, we offer telehealth sessions for the IOP and phone sessions for psychological evaluations for bariatric surgery. Virtual care is available to clients across Texas.
Q: What can I expect at my first appointment?
A: Prior to your appointment you will fill out paperwork on our portal, including forms about your mental health and your eating habits. Then you will meet with a mental health professional for 60-90 minutes to complete your intake. After your intake, you will join the Intensive Outpatient Program and participate in a cooking lesson, a mindful eating session, a group therapy session and either a movement session, a dietary education session, or a medical education session.
You can expect to:
Share your mental health history
Discuss your current and past eating habits and your goals
Ask questions about treatment options
Receive a customized care plan
Community & Client Concerns FAQs
Q: Is this program right for me if I’ve tried everything else?
A: Yes, BCC is designed for people who have tried diets, medications, programs, and/or surgery before and need further support.
We focus on:
Emotional and behavioral health
Long-term nutrition guidance
Realistic, sustainable changes
Judgment-free, team-based care
Q: What if I’m not ready to make big changes yet?
A: That’s okay. You don’t have to be “ready” to start.
At BCC, we meet you where you are by:
Focusing on small, manageable steps
Building trust and support first
Helping you explore goals at your own pace
Introducing you to others who are making the changes you may be interested in making one day
Q: I’m not sure if I have an eating disorder—can I still get help?
A: Yes, you do not need a pre-existing diagnosis to receive care at BCC.
We support people who are:
Struggling with emotional eating or stress
Dealing with food-related anxiety or guilt
Unsure about their relationship with food
Looking for help, even without a label
Q: Do you offer support for families or caregivers?
A: Yes, BCC includes families or caregivers in the support process when helpful.
Support can include:
Education sessions
Family counseling (with client consent)
Guidance on how to help a loved one
Resources for understanding the recovery journey
Q: Is BCC a judgment-free space?
A: Yes, BCC is a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment.
We welcome all identities, backgrounds, and experiences.
Our team focuses on respect, empathy, and whole-person care.
General FAQs
Q: What’s the best way to stop emotional eating at night?
A: To stop emotional eating at night, start by identifying what triggers it— for example: boredom, stress, insomnia, or loneliness.
Helpful tips:
Avoid skipping meals during the day to reduce risk of feeling very hungry in the evenings
Eat balanced meals
Create a relaxing and consistent nighttime routine
Find non-food ways to cope with emotions (reading, stretching, journaling)
Practice good sleep hygiene
Talk to a mental health professional for support
Q: How can I tell if I’m emotionally eating?
A: When we are doing it well, it is hard to tell when we are emotionally eating. Emotional eating can help us to not feel uncomfortable emotions we may otherwise be feeling if we weren’t eating. It can help to:
Check in with your mood each time you are about to eat or about to go seek out food
Identify if you are hungry or if you just want to eat
Reflect on how any events that just happened or that you have coming up soon may have impacted your mood
Q: What should I eat after bariatric surgery to avoid complications?
A: After bariatric surgery, eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and follow your surgeon’s recommended post-op dietary stages plan to reduce risk of issues like nausea or dumping syndrome.
It is generally recommended to focus on:
Eating protein-rich foods (eggs, soft meats, Greek yogurt)
Staying hydrated (sip fluids between meals)
Avoiding added sugars and greasy foods
Following your dietitian’s recommendations
Q: When should I talk to a therapist about my eating habits?
A: Talk to a therapist if eating is tied to emotions, feels out of control, or causes stress, guilt, or shame.
Other signs you may benefit from therapy:
Frequent binge eating or emotional eating
Using food to cope with anxiety, sadness, or boredom
Struggling to maintain healthy habits despite knowing what to do
Q: How long does recovery take after bariatric surgery (mentally and physically)?
A: Physical recovery typically takes 2–6 weeks, but emotional recovery can take several months.
You may experience:
Body image changes
Mood shifts or hormonal changes
Stress related to food choices or routine changes
Support from your care team helps ease the transition and promotes long-term success.
Q: Why do I crave food when I’m stressed?
A: Stress can trigger cravings because your brain releases cortisol, a hormone that increases appetite—especially for sugary or high-fat foods.
Craving food under stress is a way your body tries to self-soothe. Counseling can help you find healthier ways to manage stress and reduce those cravings.
Q: How can I stop binge eating at night?
A: Binge eating at night often stems from skipped meals, emotional triggers, or unstructured routines.
Tips to reduce night-time binges:
Eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day to reduce night time hunger
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
Keep trigger foods out of view
Use calming activities like stretching or journaling to manage stress
Work with a therapist to explore deeper causes and how to manage risk factors for binge eating
Q: What’s the difference between binge eating disorder and emotional eating?
A: Emotional eating happens when food is used to cope with feelings like stress, sadness, or boredom. While this is a common experience, it becomes a concern when it’s frequent or interferes with well-being.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a clinically recognized eating disorder. It involves regularly eating large amounts of food in a short period, often feeling out of control while doing so, and experiencing shame or distress afterward. If you’re unsure which one you’re dealing with, our licensed therapists can help you understand your relationship with food and offer compassionate, evidence-based support.
Q: What does a bariatric diet look like before surgery?
A: Before surgery, patients often follow a high-protein, low-carb diet to reduce liver size to improve surgical safety.
Your plan may include:
Lean protein (chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt)
Non-starchy vegetables
Low-sugar fluids
Portion control and timed meals
Your dietitian will guide you based on your surgery date and health needs.
Q: How much protein should I eat after bariatric surgery?
A: Most patients need 60–80 grams of protein per day after surgery to support healing and prevent muscle loss.
Great protein sources include:
Eggs
Low-fat dairy
Lean meats
Protein shakes
Your dietitian will personalize to your needs and preferences.
Q: Can I take vitamins instead of eating certain foods?
A: No, vitamins are meant to supplement your diet—not replace food.
After bariatric surgery, you may need specific supplements (like B12, iron, calcium), but real food remains essential for energy, fiber, and digestion.
Q: What are the emotional side effects of bariatric surgery?
A: After surgery, it’s common to experience mood swings, anxiety, or changes in self-image.
You might also feel grief over giving up certain eating habits or worry about how others react.
Therapy can help you process these changes and build confidence.
Q: Can I do bariatric counseling from home?
A: Yes, BCC offers virtual sessions for intensive outpatient program (IOP). All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer—no travel needed. Virtual care is flexible, and available across Texas.
Q: Do you offer Spanish-language support or bilingual counselors?
A: At this time, we do not offer Spanish-language services.
Q: How much does bariatric counseling cost?
A: Counseling costs vary depending on your insurance coverage. We will provide an estimate before you start.
Q: Can I join support groups during and after surgery?
A: Yes, our Intensive Outpatient Program is available before, immediately after or years after bariatric surgery, as well as to those who have not had surgery.
Q: How do appeals and denials for insurance work?
A: If your insurance denies a service, BCC will file an appeal and perform a peer review, at no cost to you, where our clinical psychologist will work directly with your insurance company to get your services covered.
Q: Can I do this program if I have diabetes, allergies, or other dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, our chef and dietitians will work together to help you identify meals that meet your needs. Not all allergies or restrictions can be accommodated at each meal we serve, but your dietitian will work with you to identify food you can bring with you and when it may be best to attend on Zoom, eating your meal at home.
Q: What can I do if I don’t lose enough weight after surgery?
A: Weight loss after surgery can vary, and it’s common to hit plateaus.
If progress slows, BCC can help by:
Reviewing your eating habits and activity
Addressing emotional or mental health barriers
Adjusting your nutrition plan with a registered dietitian
Providing therapy to manage stress or self-criticism
Encouraging you to speak to your medical providers and seek their support rather than avoiding them if you feel embarrassed or ashamed about your rate of weight loss
It’s never too late to ask for support.
Q: Do I have to lose weight before surgery?
A: In some cases your insurance or surgeon may require pre-surgery weight loss to reduce risks and improve outcomes.
We’ll help you:
Follow a safe pre-op meal plan that doesn’t leave you feeling deprived
Understand why pre-surgery weight loss matters
Stay motivated and supported throughout the process
Q: Will therapy make me stop emotional eating completely?
A: Therapy helps you understand and manage emotional eating, but it doesn’t make any promises.
At BCC you’ll learn to:
Identify emotional triggers
Practice mindful eating
Build healthier coping habits
Emotional eating may still happen—but with therapy, it becomes easier to navigate and recover from.
Q: Is food addiction a real diagnosis—and do you treat it?
A: While food addiction isn’t formally classified in the DSM-5, many people experience symptoms that feel similar to other forms of addiction—like intense cravings, loss of control, or eating despite negative consequences.
At BCC, we take these struggles seriously. Our therapists and dietitians understand the biology, psychology, and emotional aspects of food-related issues. Whether you identify with the term “food addiction” or not, our team is here to help you break the cycle and build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food.
Q: How do I know if I have binge eating disorder?
A: You may be dealing with binge eating disorder if you regularly eat large amounts of food in a short time, feel out of control during these episodes, and experience guilt, shame, or distress afterward.
Other signs include:
Eating when not physically hungry
Eating alone to hide how much you’re eating
Feeling disgusted or depressed after eating
Our licensed professionals can help with a proper assessment and provide treatment options tailored to your needs.
Q: What if I don’t meet criteria for binge eating disorder but still feel out of control with food?
A: You don’t need a formal diagnosis to get support. Many people experience patterns like compulsive overeating, emotional eating, or food-related anxiety without meeting the clinical definition of binge eating disorder.
At BCC, we focus on the behavior and the feelings behind it—not labels. If food feels like a source of stress, shame, or struggle, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you build confidence, find balance, and feel supported.
Q: Can I recover from food addiction without strict diets?
A: Yes. Restrictive diets often make food addiction and binge eating patterns worse by creating a cycle of deprivation and overcompensation.
Our team takes a different approach. We focus on building sustainable habits, reducing guilt around food, and helping you feel in control—without cutting out foods you love. Recovery isn’t about willpower; it’s about understanding your needs and getting the right kind of support.
