Despite what is known about risk factors, preventive treatment, and increased prevalence of fragility fractures in post-bariatric surgical patients, little is known about how patient views of osteoporosis inform their commitment to bone health. The purpose of this research was to examine the lived experience of osteoporosis risk in people who have had bariatric surgery. The specific aims were to understand: 1. What it means to live with the risk of osteoporosis after bariatric surgery 2. The perceptions of osteoporosis risks postoperatively. This study used interpretive phenomenology to explore osteoporosis from the perspective of bariatric surgery patients. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit individuals at risk for osteoporosis and a history of bariatric surgery. Eligibility criteria required participants to be female, over the age of 18 and understand and speak English. The study consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 14 participants. Using open-ended questions, the interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Study aims were addressed using strategies outlined by Diekelmann, Allen, & Tanner (1989). Findings are described under the relational theme of Looking out for Self, and supported by three subthemes Understanding, Protecting, and Preventing. This research provided an understanding of the risk of osteoporosis from the constructed realities and experiences of those who had bariatric surgery. Osteoporosis risk after bariatric surgery was not well known by participants. Furthermore, participants did not understand that vitamin deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. Participants perceived little to no risk of osteoporosis. Patients need to be aware of the risks of bariatric surgery; without this understanding of awareness about osteoporosis and risk of fracture, uncertainty will remain as to how to enhance osteoporosis prevention efforts in this population.