When Food Is More Than Food: Grief, Chocolate & Life After Bariatric Surgery

When Food Is More Than Food: Grief, Chocolate & Life After Bariatric Surgery

In this deeply personal episode of Bariatric Support Australia’s The Bari Chronicles, Damien and Tash open up about the emotional relationship many people have with food after bariatric surgery. From childhood memories tied to Easter chocolate, to food noise, grief, shame, addiction, and learning what moderation really means — this is an honest conversation about the realities of life years after surgery. They discuss how surgery changes the body, but not always the emotional connections we have with food, and why psychological support, self-awareness, and self-compassion are so important on the long-term journey. This episode is raw, reflective, and filled with lived experience that many in the bariatric community will deeply relate to.

We're Back — Surgery, Life & Easter on The Bari Chronicles

After a bit of a hiatus (life has a way of doing that), Tash and Damo are finally back together for a long-overdue catch-up. In this episode, they get real about what's been going on behind the scenes — Damo's recent surgery and a pretty scary complication with a partially collapsed lung, Tash navigating nine weeks post-op life, and all the big life stuff in between, including their dad returning home after four months in Fiji following the loss of their mum. They also dig into what Easter looks like when you're on a bariatric journey — the moderation debate, food plans, emotional eating, and why having a plan matters. It's honest, it's heartfelt, and it's so good to be back.

Loose Skin Isn’t Cosmetic: The Hidden Reality After Massive Weight Loss

For many people, the journey doesn’t end after weight loss surgery… it evolves. In this episode, we sit down with Dr Qiuye Cheng to unpack one of the most overlooked parts of the bariatric journey — excess skin and the reality of skin removal surgery. We go beyond the surface conversation and get real about what this actually looks like in day-to-day life. This is not about aesthetics. This is about function, comfort, and quality of life. We discuss: • Why excess skin can become a serious medical issue — not just cosmetic • The physical realities: tearing, rashes, infections, and limitations on movement • The psychological toll and stigma that still exists • Why so many people are unprepared for this stage of the journey • The true cost barriers and lack of access through the public system • What procedures like tummy tucks and 360 body lifts actually involve • When the right time is to consider skin removal (and why most people rush it) • The importance of realistic expectations and understanding your body We also share raw lived experiences — including complications, multiple surgeries, and the reality that outcomes don’t always match expectations. This is one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about life after massive weight loss. Because this part matters just as much as the surgery itself.

“Reflux, Regain, and Reality: What Actually Happens After Bariatric Surgery”

A raw and honest conversation filmed inside Austin Health with surgeon Dr Alex Craven about what really happens after bariatric surgery. This isn’t the polished version people usually see. We unpack long-term reflux, weight regain, and the emotional spiral that can come with it. The part where you think you’ve failed… even when you’ve actually achieved more than most. We also break down: * Why online advice will never replace proper medical assessment * How surgeons actually think during a consultation * The reality of weight loss outcomes vs expectations * The role of nutrition, iron deficiency, and energy levels * Why diabetes changes the entire conversation * The truth about GLP-1 medications and tolerance post-surgery * Telehealth vs face-to-face care and when each matters This is about bridging the gap between lived experience and clinical reality. Because what you feel… and what the data says… are often two very different things. If you’ve ever questioned your results, struggled with reflux, or felt like you’ve “blown it” after surgery, this conversation will hit home.

Reactive Hypoglycemia After Bariatric Surgery: What You Need to Know

In this episode, we sit down with leading bariatric dietitian Daniella Di Benedetto to unpack one of the most misunderstood and often overlooked complications after gastric bypass surgery: reactive hypoglycemia. We dive into what it is, why it happens, how it differs from dumping syndrome, and why so many patients are being misdiagnosed or dismissed. If you have ever experienced dizziness, sweats, confusion, or unexplained crashes after eating, this conversation could be the missing piece you have been searching for. This is a must-listen for anyone pre or post-op, as well as healthcare professionals wanting to better understand the long-term realities of bariatric surgery.