How I Got Out of My Comfort Zone After Weight Loss Surgery

Note from a fellow bariatric patient…

When I had weight loss surgery, I thought the hardest part was behind me. I imagined the pounds would melt away, and I’d step into a brand-new life. And yes, I lost a lot of weight: 150 pounds in the first year. But what I realized was that the physical change was the beginning. The bigger challenge came afterward: pushing myself to try new things, even when they scared me.

For a long time, I wanted and needed change. Deep down, I knew I couldn’t keep living the same way, but stepping outside my usual routines felt overwhelming. Comfort meant sticking to what was familiar, even when it wasn’t helping me grow. Comfort meant telling myself “not today” and waiting for the right time that never came.

The Turning Point: Saying Yes to Something New

Everything shifted when I decided to try a new fitness class. The real turning point came when someone in that class invited me to a strength and flexibility class. My gut reaction? Absolutely not. I hated strength training, I wasn’t flexible, and the thought of doing stomach crunches in public made me want to run the other way.

But something inside me whispered that if I stayed in my comfort zone, nothing would ever change. I went.

And here’s what happened: Nobody stared, nobody laughed, and the world didn’t end. I got through the class, and I felt a rush of pride I hadn’t felt in years. That day I realized leaving my comfort zone wasn’t about being fearless; it was about being willing. Now, that very class has become one of my favorites, and it’s helped me build real core strength.

Practicing Discomfort on Purpose

From there, I started practicing discomfort on purpose. Small things first: ordering something different at a restaurant, signing up for activities I would normally avoid, trying things without knowing if I’d succeed. Every time I did something that made me nervous, I grew stronger.

The truth is, surgery gave me a second chance, but stepping out of my comfort zone gave me a life. I travel more now. I hikes with friends. I take pictures instead of hiding from the camera. I let myself be seen, and that has changed everything.

How to Start Expanding Your Comfort Zone

You can do this, too. Getting uncomfortable doesn’t have to mean skydiving or running a marathon tomorrow. It starts small.

Try this:

• Say yes to something you’d usually say no to
• Try a new class at the gym
• Talk to someone new at support group
• Wear the outfit you’ve been saving for “someday”

Each time you stretch your limits, your comfort zone expands. Before long, the things that once felt impossible start to feel normal, and then you’re ready for the next step.

Courage Is Moving Forward With Fear

So, if you’re thinking, “That sounds nice, but I could never…” let me challenge you: Pick one thing this week that pushes you just a little past your routine. Not a giant leap, just a small step. That’s how change begins.

If I can do it, you can, too. I’m not braver or stronger than anyone else. I just decided to try, even when I was scared. That’s the real secret: Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward with fear, one step at a time.

Here’s to living bigger than our comfort zones.

Sincerely,

—Your bariatric friend