About the Program

Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating for Bariatric Surgery logo

Would you like a different relationship with food?

The next Am I Hungry? ® Mindful Eating for Bariatric Surgery program starts in early May 2024, for Australian participants.

Programs are run by Mari Harrison, Licensed Am I Hungry?® Facilitator.

it's not always about the food Learn a different way of eating

Discover a mindful eating approach that helps to address some of the commonly described concerns after bariatric surgery, including: 

  • Grazing
  • Eating “slider” foods
  • Emotional eating
  • Not consuming enough protein or nutrient-rich foods
  • Struggling to establish consistent, joyful movement
  • Eating mindlessly while distracted
  • Eating too quickly, taking large bites, or not chewing thoroughly
  • Eating too much, leading to discomfort, vomiting and/or distention of the stomach pouch

AN Introduction

“The Am I Hungry? ® Mindful Eating for Bariatric Surgery program is an award-winning program, which has been tailored for the unique needs of individuals who have had (or are considering) bariatric surgery (band, gastric bypass, or sleeve).

The program was developed by Dr Michelle May, MD, and in collaboration with Margaret Furtado, RD, to prevent, identify, and resolve the maladaptive eating habits and emotional eating issues that commonly lead to problems after bariatric surgery.

Am I Hungry?® Mindful Eating Workshops have helped tens of thousands of people end mindless, emotional eating and futile yoyo dieting over the past 25 years. These people have discovered conscious decision-making, balance, and a vibrant whole life free of guilt and obsession.”

You can read more about Dr Michelle May and her programs here or view the short video below.

Upcoming programs (Australia)


May - June

Starting Tues 7th May 2024
Autumn 2024
  • DATES & SESSION TIMES
  • 7 May - 25 June 2024
  • Every Tuesday, 7 - 8.30pm (AEST)
$400


July - Sept

Commencing late July 2024
Winter 2024
  • SESSION DAYS & TIMES
  • Not available at this stage

What's included...

Interactive Workshops

  • via Zoom
  • 8-week duration, with weekly workshop
  • Each workshop runs for approximately 90 minutes 

Supporting Resources

  • A workbook / journal & copy of “Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle” written by Dr Michelle May (approx AUD$100 incl P& H)
  • Daily inspirational emails
  • Workshop summaries

Meet your group facilitator

Hi, it's Mari here

I’ve worked as a dietitian in the area of Bariatric Nutrition since 2004, alongside having other clinical and teaching roles covering Diabetes and Mental Health.

I first came across the Am I Hungry? ® Mindful Eating resources nearly ten years ago, after two decades of experimenting and developing curiosity around my own eating with Type 1 Diabetes. The years took me down a path of learning to eat to nourish my body without feeling guilty. Dr Michelle May’s “Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes” helped to consolidate my approach, both professionally and personally.

Like many people I have met, I was told by doctors, 'the thinner, the better.' I was promised that my health would improve with eating and weighing less. Ultimately this advice harmed both my relationship with food and my body.

I’m now excited to offer Am I Hungry? ® Mindful Eating for Bariatric Surgery as an option for clients to help untangle eating patterns of concern, find new ways to think about food, and find some calm in their eating.  It can take time to develop these skills, so the program provides an opportunity to learn and reflect on experiences in a focussed, supportive and structured way.

Dietitian & Educator

Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician

Lived experience with diabetes

Is this program a good fit?

You're in the right place if...

  • You’re tired of spinning your wheels, following old or familiar dieting patterns that you know aren’t working for you.
  • Questioning everything you eat and the amounts you consume is exhausting you.
  • You desire a different relationship with food than the one you have now.
  • You identify some unhelpful eating patterns that are keeping you stuck. 
  •  You’re ready and open-minded to be curious about your eating and willing to experiment a little.
  • You can commit to weekly sessions for a duration of 8 weeks.
  • You are ready to invest in yourself and in your future.

It may not be for you if...

  • You’re interested in a quick fix, not a long-term solution.
  • You want a diet to follow, with a strict meal plan.
  • Weight loss is the most important goal for you.
  • You don’t have the time to engage with the content of the program.
  • You have (or suspect) a diagnosable eating disorder, for which you need professional support. If you are unsure, please contact me.

May Pricing

Autumn 2024

Full Payment

AUD$ 400 once
  • OR

Register with a family member or friend, and both of you receive 10% off ($360 total, per person). Email Mari for details.

4 x Fortnightly Payments

AUD$ 100 per fortnight
  • Includes books + P&H (AUD$100)

Undecided?

If you’re interested but not entirely sure if this program is a good fit for you, please feel free to connect with me via email.

Alternatively, you may wish to book a complimentary/free 15-minute chat to discuss further. Bookings can be made through the client portal (you’ll be asked to set up a profile).

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Examples of session content

Session 1
  • Why diets don’t work
  • Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Session 2
  • Hunger
  • Adjustments to eating after Bariatric Surgery
Session 3
  • Eating with choice
  • Fluid & hydration needs
Session 4
  • Coping with weight expectations
  • Carbohydrates


Session 5
  • Eating for our needs
  • Fats
Session 6
  • Eating patterns & styles
  • Protein
Session 7
  • How much to eat?
  • Micronutrients & multivitamin supplementation
Session 8
  • Self care
  • Staying flexible with your eating approach & movement

Am I Hungry?® Mindful Eating for Bariatric Surgery Program, Dr Michelle May MD & Margaret Furtado RD.

Diabetes Beyond Diets

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Think about food & eating with Diabetes in a non-judgemental way

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