Decades of Experience. One Empowering Program!

The Bariatric Life Empowerment (BLE) Program was created by Dawn O’Meally, LCSW-C, a licensed clinical social worker, founder and clinical director of The Counseling Center for Change, and Nancy Lum, RDN, a registered dietitian and founder and clinical director of The GI and Bariatric Nutrition Center with extensive expertise in bariatric nutrition and long-term weight-loss success. For 21 years, Dawn and Nancy have worked side-by-side supporting bariatric patients before and after surgery—combining the psychological, emotional, behavioral, and nutritional pieces that are essential for real, lasting change.

Through their collaboration, they saw a consistent pattern: patients were highly motivated, but often underprepared for the mental, emotional, and lifestyle demands of surgery and life after. Together, they began developing integrated programs, educational tools, and group experiences that addressed not just what to eat, but how to think, cope, plan, and adapt through every stage of the bariatric journey.

The 16-week Bariatric Life Empowerment Program is the culmination of everything they have learned through decades of combined clinical experience. It brings together evidence-based nutrition education, mindset training, behavioral skills, emotional support, and practical strategies into one comprehensive, structured program. BLE is designed to prepare patients not just for surgery—but for a sustainable, empowered life afterward—helping them build the habits, confidence, and resilience needed to achieve and maintain long-term success.

Transform your habits, heal your relationship with food, and reclaim the life you deserve.

– Dawn & Nancy