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# Colleen Cook - Speaker, Author

An Enduring Inspiration Since 1995

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://colleencook.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Even The Crazy Ones](https://colleencook.com/even-the-crazy-ones/) - So, I did it. And yet I can’t explain why. All I know is that I have wanted to skydive since I was in high school. I am turning 65 this month and feel the clock ticking in so many ways. Perhaps it’s about wanting and needing to check this off my bucket list. Life’s
- [Learning from Long Term Losers](https://colleencook.com/1071-2/) - Successful long term weight management for bariatric patients takes an extraordinary amount of commitment and discipline. I am 27 years post op this year and I must say - It’s awesome out here – meaning life beyond surgery, recovery, and initial weight loss. It has been my great privilege to know and work with several
- [Scatter Sunshine!](https://colleencook.com/scatter-sunshine/) - Never could there have been a more perfect surprise than I had this morning. On this cold, dreary, snowy April day, when we are beyond ready for the Spring that just doesn’t seem to come – this happened! In our world of chaos, heartache, trials and tribulations where the winter
- [Our Why...](https://colleencook.com/434-2/) - Our decision to leave the city and build a log home in the mountains of Star Valley, Wyoming was brave, drastic and life-changing. As we have shared our plans, many of our friends and family members ask “Why?” “How can you leave your grandkids?” And my personal favorite, “Really? At your age?” This decision was
- [The Road Ahead..](https://colleencook.com/the-road-ahead/) - Oh my, what chaos we have created in our family. Roger and I decided last fall to move forward with our plans to get out of the city, move back to Wyoming and build a log home. We purchased 3-1/2 acres of mountain property in Star Valley, Wyoming and as soon as it thaws and
- [Small & Simple Things](https://colleencook.com/small-simple-things/) - The following is a talk that I gave in church in February 2016 In contrast to the world in which we live. This crazy busy big, loud, complex and complicated life.. is the sweet peace living the gospel brings. The simple truths, the consistent, gentle commands. The quiet promptings of the Spirit, and the tender
- [I Am A Mormon](https://colleencook.com/i-am-a-mormon/) - Thanks for your interest. Visit my Profile on Mormon.org
- [My Story](https://colleencook.com/my-story/) - An enduring inspiration, for over 22 years Colleen Cook has educated and motivated audiences all over the world. She is a successful weight loss surgery patient from 1995 and President of Bariatric Support Centers International. Named “Bariatric Professional of the Year” in 2009, and honored by the International Federation of the Surgery for Obesity for her research. Colleen
- [Got Water?](https://colleencook.com/got-water/) - I am a water drinker; I always have been. I have never been a fan of carbonated beverages, I don’t drink alcohol or coffee, don’t care for milk and am very careful with juices. So that pretty much leaves water. Through the years ( I am a 20 year WLS Patient) I have gone through phases
- [What Luck!](https://colleencook.com/what-luck/) - During my graduating year in High School (1977) I got the biggest kick out of the TV commercial featuring the winners of the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. The two mild mannered, plainly dressed, farm folk declared (with more drawl and twang than Gomer Pile) “What luck! We Mays are in luck. We have just won a
- [Sugar Free Me](https://colleencook.com/sugar-free-me/) - Well, on a good day I am sugar free! And the more I have experimented, the more I have learned for myself the many reasons why I should be sugar free always! I suspect that most of you can relate to the downward (and I don’t mean weight) spiral that comes on that slippery, surgery
- [Belly Flops](https://colleencook.com/belly-flops/) - A few weeks ago, I took two of my grandchildren to a dollar store to buy a little toy for their cousin Axel who is turning 2. With two kids a trip down the candy isle was inevitable. There at eye level was a display of specially priced Jelly Beans – Belly Flops. At first,
- [The Road Less Traveled](https://colleencook.com/road-less-traveled/) - It’s a beautiful morning and I am enjoying a nice walk with our 2 dogs down a road less traveled. Obviously, the guy in this picture gave up way too soon. As unfortunately, many people seem to do. I think this is a good parable today for Roger and I. We recently made a very
- [3 of 5 Ways You Know Your WLS Honeymoon is Over](https://colleencook.com/3-5-ways-know-wls-honeymoon/) - Even at 20 years post op, I still clearly remember that fateful day when I reached the “End of Invincible” That fateful moment when the honeymoon phase ended and the real work began. I am anxious to share with you what I have learned about the top 5 ways to recognize that your personal WLS honeymoon is
- [Feel Like  Slug?](https://colleencook.com/feel-like-slug/) - Last week on my morning walk, I encountered a little slug on my road. And I wondered, do they ever get where they are going? Do they even know where they’re going? And most importantly do they even care? Some days I feel like a slug. I act like a slug. And I am afraid
- [For The Beauty of The Earth](https://colleencook.com/for-the-beauty-of-the-earth/) - “For the beauty of the earth. For the beauty of the skies. For the land which from our birth, over and around us lies.Lord of all the we raise. This our hymn of grateful praise.” Christian hymn by Folliott S. Pierpoint (1835-1917) I’m especially grateful and feel so blessed this morning to be able to
- [1 of 5 Ways You Know Your WLS Honeymoon is Over](https://colleencook.com/1-5-ways-know-wls-honeymoon/) - Even at 20 years post op, I still clearly remember that fateful day when I reached the “End of Invincible” That fateful moment when the honeymoon phase ended and the real work began. I am anxious to share with you what I have learned about the top 5 ways to recognize that your personal WLS honeymoon is
- [Embracing Moments That Matter](https://colleencook.com/embracing-moments-matter/) - Excited to share this great new book. Honored to have had the privilege to collaborate with such extraordinary people! In this Anthology, you will find uplifting, inspiring and engaging stories from me and a select group of my fellow professional speakers. You may laugh a little, cry a little, find yourself deep in thought, or just simply relax
- [2 of 5 Ways to Know Your WLS Honeymoon is Over](https://colleencook.com/2-5-ways-know-wls-honeymoon/) - Even at 20 years post op, I still clearly remember that fateful day when I reached the “End of Invincible” That fateful moment when the honeymoon phase ended and the real work began. I am anxious to share with you what I have learned about the top 5 ways to recognize that your personal WLS honeymoon is
- [4 of 5 Ways you Know your WLS Honeymoon is Over!](https://colleencook.com/4-5-ways-know-wls-honeymoon/) - Even at 20 years post op, I still clearly remember that fateful day when I reached the “End of Invincible” That fateful moment when the honeymoon phase ended and the real work began. I am anxious to share with you what I have learned about the top 5 ways to recognize that your personal WLS honeymoon is over
- [5 Ways You Know your WLS Honeymoon is Over!](https://colleencook.com/5-ways-know-wls-honeymoon/) - Even at 20 years post op, I still clearly remember that fateful day when I reached the “End of Invincible” That fateful moment when the honeymoon phase ended and the real work began. I am anxious to share with you what I have learned about the top 5 ways to recognize that your personal WLS honeymoon is over
- [Lessons Learned?](https://colleencook.com/lessons-learned/) - Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Dug, our adventurous, 10-month pup met his first porcupine. Not only did they meet, but they scrambled, tangled and ran in and out of the bushes over and over again. Not sure why, but he did not seem to grasp the simple principle that all actions have
- [Whatever It Takes! (or going out on a limb)](https://colleencook.com/whatever-takes-going-limb/) - One of my favorite walking routes is to follow a dirt road next to a canal. The canal flows between residential backyards and farmland and I always enjoy seeing the animals and watching the farmers as they tend to their early morning chores. One Saturday, I stopped along the way to admire a beautiful tree
- [Activate Your "Auto-correct"](https://colleencook.com/activate-auto-correct/) - I have been thinking about typewriters. Both of my grandmothers had typewriters. I remember my Grandma Gwen, typing out letters and invoices for my grandpa’s construction business. I also remember how cool it was that my Grandma Pearl had an electric typewriter. When I was a young teen I was able to use it to
- [All Creatures Great & Small](https://colleencook.com/creatures-great-small/) - Knowing in our hearts that it would be impossible for our little dog Zoey to survive the -21 degree temperatures, our hope was that someone picked her up and decided to keep her. After 3 subzero nights, that was the only scenario we could live with. On Friday, January 16th, 2016, amidst one of the
- [Tips For Stress Free Support Groups](https://colleencook.com/tips-stress-free-support-groups/) - My how time flies when things are crazy busy! At BSCI, are busier than ever doing all we can to support you, the bariatric professional, as you work to provide quality support and educational programs for your patients. We know that those who work in the bariatric community are some of the most talented, dedicated, genuine people
- [Give Back by Paying It Forward](https://colleencook.com/give-back-paying-forward/) - 22 years later, I still find myself so very grateful for the doctors, who dedicated their lives to provide a surgical intervention option for those who struggle with the disease of obesity. Like many of you, I took that leap and had weight loss surgery in 1995 and my life has been changed for the
- [Are "Cliques" Forming In Your Support Group](https://colleencook.com/cliques-forming-support-group/) - It is exciting to see support group participants reach out to one another, cultivate new relationships, and truly connect with others in their group. Surely, there are many great benefits from attending – new friends, new fans, new supporters. However, if you are paying attention, you may find that smaller cliques are starting to form.
- [No Tomorrow?](https://colleencook.com/hello-world/) - Well, the world did not end this week either! I am glad about that, how about you? It seems that whenever a year ends, or natural disasters abound and cosmic events like this year’s eclipse, or the spooky cools super moons show up, people start to talk about the end of the world. Of course,
- [I Love You - have a cookie!](https://colleencook.com/i-love-you-have-a-cookie/) - As my husband lay in a hospital bed, recovering from a total hip replacement, I searched diligently for a way to show my love and support. Then, I found the perfect answer, “licorice and Oreo cookies!” After 50 years in the workforce, my mother is retiring. Though she is not happy about it, I want
- [Ready for Spring? Well, maybe not.](https://colleencook.com/530-2/) - I want it to be spring! I really do, but I don't feel like I am quite ready. Roger and I spent all winter working inside our warm and cozy log home. We have been able to finish up many of our projects and we are so pleased with our work. But as for me?
- [The Dangers and Benefits of Using Bariatric Patients in your Program](https://colleencook.com/dangers-benefits-using-bariatric-patients-program/) - Through the years, I have been a strong advocate for involving patients in bariatric aftercare programs. Most agree that successful patients bring more patients, but there is also an important role they can play in both support groups and aftercare educational programs. Successful patients bring personal experience, knowledge and lifestyle habits, that when given the
- [“Is Weight Loss Surgery the Answer? Well, It’s Good for a Start!”](https://colleencook.com/weight-loss-surgery-answer-well-good-start/) - That was the headline of BSCI’s first brochure, way back in the late 1990’s. You see, as a weight loss surgery patient from 1995, I quickly recognized, that while the surgical care, multi-disciplinary clinical team and support groups were important, there was something more that was needed. Like most of you, I suspect, I knew
- [The Ever Elusive Huckleberry](https://colleencook.com/ever-elusive-huckleberry/) - This is our third summer here in Star Valley, Wyoming and again, I am still on the hunt for wild huckleberries. They are an awesome little fruit, good for you, rare and hard to find. But now, finally, thanks to a friend, know what I am looking for and where to find them! Yahoo! Last
- [Palisades - Where Three Rivers Converge](https://colleencook.com/palisades-three-rivers-converge/) - Enjoy this great article I wrote for Mountain Weekly in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Click here, like and share! https://mtnweekly.com/mountain-lifestyle/palisades-dam-lake-idaho/
- [Holiday Choices](https://colleencook.com/holiday-choices/) - My awesome husband knows I love chocolate covered cherries. He buys them for me during the holidays and honestly, throughout the year, especially when they are going for $1.00 a box! Last weekend, we did our grocery shopping and as expected, Roger put a box of those delectable delights in our cart. “They’re fruit, right?”
- [Lost to Followup? 3 Tips to Re-engage Your Patients](https://colleencook.com/lost-to-followup-3-tips-to-re-engage-your-patients/) - Lost to follow up happens, to be sure, but don’t we all wonder where they went? Why they are no longer coming to support groups and activities? And how you might recapture their attention and participation? Since 2000, BSCI has specialized in providing bariatric professionals with research, insight and resources to really connect with
- [Bootstrap Your Way Out of the Winter Blues](https://colleencook.com/bootstrap-your-way-out-of-the-winter-blues/) - We are in the midst of a rocky mountain winter! We live in the Wyoming woods, and I mean really in the woods. We love all seasons, and winter is no exception. The snow is beautiful, our views are spectacular, and winter sports are fun, but this year, it just seems to keep on falling.
- [12 Ways Intermittent Fasting is Helping Me Maintain My Weight Loss.](https://colleencook.com/12-ways-intermittent-fasting-is-helping-me-maintain-my-weight-loss/) - For those of you who may not know, I am a weight loss surgery patient from 1995! I lost 125 pounds that first year and what a ride it was! Through the years, I have done fairly well to maintain a good healthy weight, but not without constant and consistent effort. I have a commitment
- [White-Out!](https://colleencook.com/white-out/) - The snow is beautiful here in our winter wonderland, but during a snowstorm, travel can be a little treacherous. Sometimes we experience a ‘white-out.’ It’s like a black out, but it’s the blowing snow makes it impossible to see but a few feet in front of you. I have been in a “white-out” a time or two, but it recently occurred to me that the term “white-out” has another, more significant, year round meaning..
- [Are your patients listening? Are you?](https://colleencook.com/are-your-patients-listening-are-you/) - Anxious to do everything right, and to finally find their answer to a lifetime of weight loss struggles, pre-op patients will do all that is asked of them. They attended required classes and support groups, complete psych evals & medical screenings, fill out all the forms, jump through all the hoops, and check off all
- [Gotta Risk It To Get The Biscuit!](https://colleencook.com/gotta-risk-it-to-get-the-biscuit/) - Yesterday, I helped a few Hispanic 4th graders at our elementary school. They were learning how to identify a central theme, message or meaning in a story. The story we were assigned taught about how sometimes; you have to be brave and take chances to make important things happen. The students were to read the
- [Re-frame](https://colleencook.com/re-frame/) - It’s cold here! And there has been so much snow that our road is like a luge run and almost claustrophobic. Somehow, I have gotten into the habit of checking the temperature and weather forecast first thing each morning. And twenty below is what I woke up to today. Checking the temps during the winter
- [25 Years of WLS Success!](https://colleencook.com/25-years-of-wls-success/) - As I look back and review my 60-year thrill ride through life, I see remarkable successes, near devastating failures, joyful memories and painful losses, mistakes made and lessons learned. One exciting milestone is that this year is my 25th year as a weight loss surgery patient! Opting for a surgical intervention was
- [The Time You’ve Been Given - 15 Positive Ways to Spend 15 Days](https://colleencook.com/the-time-youve-been-given-15-positive-ways-to-spend-15-days/) - Time is our most precious resource. Let us first remember and be grateful for those whose time is not their own, especially now. Those brave and selfless healthcare workers and others who are working tirelessly, to manage and mitigate this pandemic. This will pass, we will recover, and hopefully emerge as a stronger, wiser, and
- [10 Ways You Can Keep Bariatric Patients Engaged at Home](https://colleencook.com/10-ways-you-can-keep-bariatric-patients-engaged-at-home/) - Though some restrictions have been lifted, we still live in a world of change, uncertainty and for some, fear. The extra stress of current circumstances may find your patients continuing to struggle to maintain their healthy habits and stay committed to their weight loss goals. As a bariatric coordinator, program director, support group leader, nurse,
- [How I Wish I Would Have...](https://colleencook.com/how-i-wish-i-would-have/) - In the midst of what is thought to be the peak of this horrible pandemic, I know that this too shall pass. Life will never be the same as it was pre COVED-19, but I suspect we are not too far from getting back to some normality in our work lives. As I look towards
- [Keeping Your Pre-Op Patients Excited While They Wait](https://colleencook.com/keeping-your-pre-op-patients-excited-while-they-wait/) - Even in the best of times the wait for bariatric surgery can be substantial. Most pre-op patients are given a long list of to do’s like informational sessions, lab work, evaluations, medical tests, visits with the dietician, and psychologist, etc. All important to be sure, but consider what else might be offered to keep them
- [The Last Loaf](https://colleencook.com/the-last-loaf/) - Among her many talents, my dear friend, Doreen was famous for her bread baking skills. Every week without fail, she would bake 6 beautiful loaves; sometimes from the wheat she ground herself. As they came out fresh from the oven, she would first, select the very best loaves to donate to our church for our
- [Resuming Surgeries?! Your Job Just Got Harder](https://colleencook.com/resuming-surgeries-your-job-just-got-harder/) - Finally! At least we hope that your bariatric surgeries are on the move again. We are pleased to hear reports of bariatric programs resuming surgery schedules and providing once again, access to this important intervention to those who have been waiting. With new protocols, added tasks and an anxious weight list, you may find that
- [Patients Need More Education!?](https://colleencook.com/patients-need-more-education/) - What does 'patient education' mean in your bariatric program? For many, patient education is comprised of a pre-op informational session, required support group attendance, and a variety of consultations and visits with bariatric staff professionals. With any luck, your patients listen, learn and retain all of that important information but chances are... 20
- [Revisiting Plan A](https://colleencook.com/revisiting-plan-a/) - Just before the ‘crazy’ my husband Roger and I enjoyed a cruise to the Caribbean. My are there some incredible yachts! Some with helicopters, private islands and full-time staff. It’s fun to see them and we especially like to read the names. Some are funny, some creative, some obviously very personal. One particularly beautiful yacht
- [Finding Your Peace](https://colleencook.com/finding-your-peace/) - Perhaps like me, you wake up each morning wondering if there was an earthquake, or an explosion? If the government is still fighting? If COVID cases are going up or down? Our world is filled with crazy, chaos and confusion. And that’s exhausting. So many things are simply out of our control, and that leaves
- [“She meant well.”](https://colleencook.com/she-meant-well/) - Today is my birthday. I am sixty-one. Over half-way home and if my genealogy is any indication, I may live another 30 - 40 years. My mom always says, we are made of stout stuff, and are pioneer tough. I love genealogy and learning about my ancestors. I am Daughter of the Utah Pioneers with
- [#givethanks](https://colleencook.com/givethanks/) - What wonderful counsel we were give this week by President Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. So much chaos and confusion in our world today. People are fearful, unsettled, worried, stressed, anxious, uneasy, sorrowful, and ever other burdensome emotion we can endure. I like millions of others are grateful for
- [No Contest](https://colleencook.com/no-contest/) - With a number to choose from, we could not decide which 4th of July firework display would be the best. So, we drove up to an overlook on the mountains above the Salt Lake Valley to watch them all! It was exciting as we watched fireworks light up the sky from north to south. We’d
- [The Weaving](https://colleencook.com/the-weaving/) - For so many reasons and in so many ways, the experience of weaving a rug on a 100 year old loom was very special to me. For months I have been collecting strips of fabric from shirts, skirts, old sheets and tablecloths from various family members. My friend, Karen, a 4th generation Star Valley, Wyoming
- [Surely We Can Do Better!?](https://colleencook.com/surely-we-can-do-better/) - Seriously?! They say a picture is worth a thousand words but this one… oh my. I really think that we can be better neighbors; don't you? Our world and so many lives are in such chaos these days. There are so many who are suffering and living day to day in fear and uncertainty. The
- [Own it!](https://colleencook.com/own-it/) - It’s been 25 years since my weight loss surgery, and I am quite proud that I still wear a size 10 jeans. However, yesterday when I put on a pair of my pants fresh from the dryer, I found myself holding my breath, sucking in, doing a few kicks, dancing around and zipping them up
- [Effort, PA](https://colleencook.com/effort-pa/) - Last week, as we were preparing orders for shipping, I noticed that one of my books was going to a town called Effort, Pennsylvania. What a great place, I thought! I wondered does it take extraordinary effort to get there? Live there? Or are the people of Effort were “extra milers”? Thinking about Effort called
- [What I did to lose 15 pounds of 'Corona' weight and repair my metabolism](https://colleencook.com/what-i-did-to-lose-15-pounds-of-corona-weight-and-repair-my-metabolism/) - And I don’t’ mean Corona the city or the beer! So many, I believe will be able relate to having gained a few pounds through our crazy COVID year. New research shows that over 35% of Americans gained weight during the pandemic! And I was no exception. Uncertainty, stress, new environment, several deaths, mom moving in
- [Top 5 Reasons Bariatric Patients Attend Support Group](https://colleencook.com/top-5-reasons-bariatric-patients-attend-support-group/) - From the “Do I have to go?” to the “I can’t wait until next month” attitude, feelings about bariatric support groups are as diverse as the groups themselves. While there are many groups these days being held online and telephonically, the purpose remains the same. Whether in person or electronically, at any one of the
- [Bariatric Regain GONE!](https://colleencook.com/bariatric-regain-gone/) - 26 years as a weight loss surgery patient and this year I have learned some fascinating things, adopted a few new habits and have lost 28 pounds! And I feel fantastic! I can’t wait to share some insights and details.
- [The #1 Thing I Learned to Lose 28 Pounds](https://colleencook.com/the-1-thing-i-learned-to-lose-28-pounds/) - https://youtu.be/pUlGvr9pkrk If you are ready to fix your broken metabolism, teach your body to burn fat, increase your energy and lose those stubborn pounds read on! Here I will share with you the #1 lesson I have learned about controlling the way my body burns energy. Old thinking about how to treat the disease of
- [Bari-Keto?](https://colleencook.com/bari-keto/) - I had had it! You know the feeling. Pants too tight to breathe, refusing to go up a size, feeling awful, discouraged, and disappointed. But what to do about it. Last spring, I found myself at 168 pounds – knowing I had to do something, but what? My life’s work has been spent researching the
- [Why and How I Intermittent Fast](https://colleencook.com/why-and-how-i-intermittent-fast/) - I love food! You? And there are some things I am not willing to sacrifice. Baking and eating cookies with my grandkids, my husband’s homemade bread topped with my daughters peach jam, and my grandmother’s clam chowder on Halloween. We love, we mourn, we celebrate with, and we live with food. There are some memories
- [Fat Adaptation & Metabolic Switching](https://colleencook.com/fat-adaptation-metabolic-switching/) - I didn’t know when I started but apparently, I did things just right. I began with 3 months of very strict Keto eating. Started with 50 grams of carbs per day – then moved to 30 grams per day. I began tracking my macro-nutrients, blood glucose and ketone levels. I lost weight quickly (mostly water
- [Hope, Resilience and 2022](https://colleencook.com/hope-resilience-and-2022/) - Recently I learned about an interesting experiment that teaches a powerful life lesson. In the early 1950’s a scientist by the name of Dr. Curt Richter, placed rats in a cylinder filled with water to see how long they would tread water. Most paddled for about 15 minutes, then began to fail. As they saw
- [Essentials for Lasting WLS Success](https://colleencook.com/25-wls-years-25-lbs-regain-25-lessons-learned/) - Yes, it’s been 27 years since I took control of my weight, improved my health and changed the direction of my life by choosing weight loss surgery. In 1995, many looked down on a surgical option as an intervention for the disease of obesity and making the decision to go under the knife was not
- [Everyday weight management tricks used by successful WLS Veterans](https://colleencook.com/everyday-weight-management-tricks-used-by-successful-wls-veterans/) - Successful long term weight management for bariatric patients takes an extraordinary amount of commitment and discipline. I am 27 years post op this year and I must say - It’s awesome out here – meaning life beyond surgery, recovery, and initial weight loss, It has been my great privilege to know and work with several
- [Clearing The Cobwebs](https://colleencook.com/clearing-the-cobwebs/) - As bizarre as it may sound, each spring we clean our home with a leaf blower! Yes, the garden tool. At first, I thought my husband Roger was crazy, but he was right. It’s messy, but effective. We live in a log home in the woods; its dusty and the logs are hard to clean.
- [Firm Foundations?](https://colleencook.com/firm-foundations/) - Build it: Excited about our new adventure of building our log home. we watched as skilled workmen with heavy equipment carved up the mountainside and excavated our foundation. Then one day, everything, and I mean everything came to a halt! The last bucket of dirt from the southeast corner was a dreaded clay know as
- [Riptides](https://colleencook.com/riptides/) - For those of you who have had the opportunity to swim in the ocean, you likely can recall what it feels like be managed and controlled by the ocean’s powerful, relentless forces. Standing near the shore, waves crash against you pushing you backwards, then at the same time, the undercurrent buries your feet and pulls
- [Let Go!](https://colleencook.com/let-go/) - And they did! We all did. At a life changing, memorable bariatric conference, we all let go. Each one of us, having done some soul searching and personal reflection, selected one thing that was holding us back, dragging us down, weighing on our minds, and burdening our hearts. One thing, taking up space that we
- [Lessons From Trees](https://colleencook.com/lessons-from-trees/) - We live in the woods. Each spring, as our snow melts, we assess the winter wear on our trees. Some have fallen, others, snap in half, some die, new trees sprout, but most stand strong and true, strengthened by the depth of their roots and the harshness and strain of winter. A few big ole’
- [Kora’s Burden](https://colleencook.com/koras-burden/) - Yesterday, I helped out in a pre-school class. It was exhausting but exhilarating at the same time. The teachers were well prepared, the room was colorful and inviting and it filled up quickly with kid craziness. In no time, the room was bursting at the seams with 5-year-old energy. Throughout the day, the children were
- [Storage Bins](https://colleencook.com/storage-bins/) - Winter clothes out – summer clothes in. Thanksgiving decorations out – Halloween decorations in. As seasons come and go, I pack and unpack my storage bins. After each holiday I trade out my holiday stuff. I re-sort, organize, and thin out my years of collected decor. Some items hold fond memories of family fun, other
- [Embracing Family Traditions](https://colleencook.com/embracing-family-traditions/) - In our world full of chaos, confusion and change, few things are as comforting to us as adults and to our children than the consistency of treasured family traditions. When holiday gatherings are filled with children’s comments like, “Oh, I remember when, “please pass Aunt Melody’s green bean casserole” and, “can we play that one
- [A Bit of Oil in My Lamp](https://colleencook.com/a-bit-of-oil-in-my-lamp/) - Feeling overwhelmed? I can surely relate. Whenever I find myself burdened with too much to do, I ask myself, “Am I overwhelmed or am I under serving? I pause to question if all of my energy is being spent on things that really matter. I know, this is a common theme for me – It
- [Embracing Moments That Matter](https://colleencook.com/embracing-moments-that-matter/) - The pink and purple balloons attached with duct tape were a dead give-away that the young father had made the poster himself. “Welcome to summer vacation with Daddy, baby girl!” As I and hundreds of others got off a long flight and made our way down the busy corridor of Salt Lake City International Airport,

## Pages

- [Home](https://colleencook.com/) - Read Blog Videos Shop Presentations Testimonials Colleen's Story
- [Books](https://colleencook.com/books/) - Learn what successful weight loss surgery patients know! Colleen Cook’s bariatric best seller is research based and surgeon recommended. You’ll will find structure, clarity and simplicity to help you not only reach but maintain a healthy weight. Over 25,000 copies sold! In this Anthology, you will find uplifting, inspiring and engaging stories
- [Videos](https://colleencook.com/videos/) - Colleen Cook Weight Loss Journey – 1993 https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WLS-From-1995.mp4 Bariatric Regain GONE! Intro https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bariatric-Regain-GONE-1.mp4 The #1 Thing I Learned to Lose 28 Pounds https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-1-Thing-I-Learned-to-Lose-28-Pounds-1.mp4 Bariatric Regain Loss – Details Part 1 https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bariatric-Regain-Gone-Details-Part-1.mp4 Fat Adaptation and Metabolic Switching https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fat-Adaptation-Metabolic-Switching.mp4 How and Why I Intermittent Fast https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/How-and-Why-I-Intermittent-Fast.mp4
- [Meet Colleen](https://colleencook.com/meet-colleen/) - An enduring inspiration, for over 20 years Colleen Cook has educated and motivated audiences all over the world. She is a successful weight loss surgery patient from 1995 and President of Bariatric Support Centers International.
- [Newsletter](https://colleencook.com/newsletter/) - Email
- [Positive Impact Podcast](https://colleencook.com/positive-impact-podcast/) - Click here to listen, subscribe
- [Contact & Connect](https://colleencook.com/contact-calendar/) - Colleen M. Cook West Jordan, Utah 84088 Toll Free: 800-339-9129 Phone: 801-601-8448 Fax: 801-676-9605 eMail: cmcook59@gmail.com
- [Colleen's Blog](https://colleencook.com/blog-2/) - October 25, 2024October 25, 2024 So, I did it. And yet I can’t explain why. All I know is that I have wanted to skydive since I was in high school. I am turning 65… Read More September 20, 2023October 25, 2024 Successful long term weight management for bariatric patients takes an extraordinary amount of
- [Programs & Presentations](https://colleencook.com/programs-presentations/) - This session features and open and honest discussion about the need for and value of identifying and addressing weight bias in a hospital setting. Includes insights about the disease of obesity and treatment options as well as ways to increase understanding of and improve sensitivity towards those struggling with the effects of the disease.
- [Audio](https://colleencook.com/audio/)
- [Paying It Forward](https://colleencook.com/paying-it-forward/) - Read Paying_it_Forward Feature Article
- [Calendar](https://colleencook.com/calendar/)
- [Products & Resources](https://colleencook.com/products-resources/) - This engaging and inspiring presentation invites participants to identify and evaluate their own beliefs and behaviors towards those who struggle with the effects of the disease of obesity. New research data is shared and case studies are featured, providing much needed insight resulting in greater understanding and compassion.
- [Clients & Testimonials](https://colleencook.com/clients-testimonials/) - "Colleen's sharing of her personal insight into the disease of morbid obesity and it's recovery through surgery was inspirational to our group." J K Champion, M.D., F.A.C.S. Atlanta, GA

## Audios

- [The Dangers of Grazing](https://colleencook.com/audio/the-dangers-of-grazing/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Dangers-of-Grazing.mp3
- [The Dangers of Dehydration](https://colleencook.com/audio/the-dangers-of-dehydration/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Dangers-of-Dehydration.mp3
- [The Dangers of Carbonation](https://colleencook.com/audio/the-dangers-of-carbonation/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Dangers-of-Carbonation.mp3
- [Stomach Size Changes Cottage Cheese Test](https://colleencook.com/audio/stomach-size-changes-cottage-cheese-test/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Stomach-Size-Changes-Cottage-Cheese-Test.mp3
- [Setting Weight Loss Goals](https://colleencook.com/audio/setting-weight-loss-goals/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Setting-Weight-Loss-Goals.mp3
- [Relationship Changes](https://colleencook.com/audio/relationship-changes/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Relationship-Changes.mp3
- [Portion Distortion](https://colleencook.com/audio/portion-distortion/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Portion-Distortion.mp3
- [Metabolism & Exercise](https://colleencook.com/audio/metabolism-exercise/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Metabolism-Exercise.mp3
- [Measuring Your Progress](https://colleencook.com/audio/measuring-your-progress/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Measuring-Your-Progress.mp3
- [Liquid Candy](https://colleencook.com/audio/liquid-candy/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Liquid-Candy.mp3
- [Hunger & Satiety](https://colleencook.com/audio/hunger-satiety/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hunger-Satiety.mp3
- [Hog Tight Surgical Tool](https://colleencook.com/audio/hog-tight-surgical-tool/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hog-Tight-Surgical-Tool.mp3
- [Exercise - Just Do It!](https://colleencook.com/audio/exercise-just-do-it/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Exercise-Just-Do-It.mp3
- [Carbs - You Choose](https://colleencook.com/audio/carbs-you-choose/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Carbs-You-Choose.mp3
- [Annual Bloodwork](https://colleencook.com/audio/annual-bloodwork/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Annual-Bloodwork.mp3
- [Aerobic Strength](https://colleencook.com/audio/aerobic-strength/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Aerobic-Strength.mp3
- [The Skinny on Fat](https://colleencook.com/audio/the-skinny-on-fat/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Skinny-on-Fat.mp3
- [The Power of Protein](https://colleencook.com/audio/the-power-of-protein/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Power-of-Protein.mp3
- [The Importance of Calcium](https://colleencook.com/audio/the-importance-of-calcium/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Importance-of-Calcium.mp3
- [The Importance of B-12](https://colleencook.com/audio/the-importance-of-b-12/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Importance-of-B-12.mp3
- [The Value of Veggies](https://colleencook.com/audio/the-value-of-veggies/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Value-of-Veggies.mp3
- [Your Target Heart Rate](https://colleencook.com/audio/your-target-heart-rate/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Your-Target-Heart-Rate.mp3
- [The Harmful Effects of Caffeine](https://colleencook.com/audio/the-harmful-effects-of-caffeine/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/The-Harmful-Effects-of-Caffeine.mp3
- [Cook 25 Years](https://colleencook.com/audio/cook-25-years/) - https://colleencook.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Cook-25-Years.mp4

## Templates

- [Default](https://colleencook.com/feed-templates/default/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://colleencook.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [My Faith](https://colleencook.com/category/my-faith/)
- [The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients](https://colleencook.com/category/success-habits-of-weight-loss-surgery-patients/)
- [My Family](https://colleencook.com/category/my-family/)
- [For Bariatric Educators](https://colleencook.com/category/bariatric-educators/)
- [Mountain Weekly](https://colleencook.com/category/mountain-weekly/)

## Slideshows

- [Homw](https://colleencook.com/slideshow/homw/)