Bariatric Banter Podcast

Bariatric Banter Podcast

by Hannah Cameron

Health & Fitness Society & Culture

Season 1

Episode 30: The Dreaded Bathing Suit Dilemma: Finding Confidence After Weight Loss Surgery

Episode 30 is HERE and we're getting SPICY about swimsuit season! 🔥 Hannah's craving a beach day but first needs to survive the emotional battlefield that is bathing suit shopping. Steph's old suit has a three-inch gap and she's one aqua fit class away from a nip slip with the local seniors. Welcome to post-surgery swimwear hell, where "testicle legs" are a thing and armpit flab has its own personality. From Hannah's mom mistaking her bathing suit for a cute dress to Steph's first pair of shorts at age 40 (!), this episode is a masterclass in embracing your post-surgery body while keeping it 100% real. We're talking Amazon shopping strategies, the great arms-vs-legs coverage debate, and why wearing jeans in 38-degree weather makes you look like a walking fashion disaster. Plot twist: The body you're criticizing right now? It's literally the one you dreamed of having before surgery. So grab that cute swimsuit, ditch the t-shirt-in-the-pool energy, and let's normalize having actual human bodies that jiggle, wiggle, and sometimes look like deflated armpits (we see you, Hannah). Ready to buy the damn bathing suit and reclaim your summer? We're about to change your whole mindset! 🌊 Warning: Contains explicit discussions of loose skin, body dysmorphia, and the audacity to suggest you deserve to enjoy life in weather-appropriate clothing. #BariatricBanter #BuyTheDamnBathingSuit #Episode30 #SummerConfidence

Ep 29: Social Survival: Navigating Food Events After Bariatric Surgery

The cheese board is calling your name, but should you answer? 🧀 In this episode, Hannah and Steph tackle the social minefield that is eating around other people after bariatric surgery. From hosting parties where you automatically buy "all the meats and cheeses" to feeling guilty when friends want to split appetizers, they break down the real struggles of social eating. You'll discover: ✨ Why you keep over-buying when hosting (spoiler: old habits die hard) ✨ How to speak up when people ask "what can I make for you?" ✨ The psychology behind friends pushing food on you ✨ Restaurant strategies that actually work ✨ Why "I'm only having a few bites" is a dangerous game The hard truth: That voice saying "just this once" or "it's only a small portion" is how 40% of people regain their weight within 2-5 years post-surgery. Hannah and Steph get real about everything from navigating family dinners to saying no when your neighbor wants to split fries. Plus their August challenge: bring only ONE bariatric-friendly item to every social event. Ready to stop using social situations as excuses for old eating habits? This episode is your roadmap to owning your new lifestyle in any crowd. #BariatricSurgery #SocialEating #WeightLossJourney #FoodPressure #HealthyHabits #PostSurgeryLife

Episode 28: TikTok vs. Reality: Separating Bariatric Facts from Fiction

The bariatric journey doesn't end with surgery—and social media isn't telling you the whole story. In this eye-opening episode, Hannah and Steph dive deep into the dangerous world of viral weight loss trends and their impact on the bariatric community. From TikTok misinformation to curated success stories that hide real struggles, they're exposing the gap between social media fantasy and post-surgery reality. What you'll discover: Why that viral "bariatric hack" could actually harm your progress The cultural eating differences that social media ignores How to spot dangerous misinformation in your feed Real strategies for long-term success beyond the honeymoon phase Why following medical advice trumps following influencers Whether you're pre-op, post-op, or supporting someone on their bariatric journey, this episode will change how you consume health content online. Hannah and Steph remind us that "this is a marathon, not a sprint"—and your health deserves better than viral trends. Warning: Some misinformation discussed could be life-threatening. Always consult your medical team before making any changes to your post-surgery routine. Join the conversation and share your own experiences with responsible, fact-based bariatric content.

Episode 27: The Most Useful Things We Bought After Bariatric Surgery (That Aren’t Food)

Let’s be real: After bariatric surgery, food gets all the attention. But the real game-changers? The plates, cups, gadgets, and weird little Amazon finds that keep you sane, on track, and actually living your life. In this episode, we’re spilling our ultimate non-food essentials — the things we bought, use daily, and would never go without. From portion-control secrets (yes, toddler plates) to the Ninja Creami obsession and why we break the straw rule — this is your no-fluff survival guide to post-op life. Whether you’re freshly sleeved or years out, you’ll leave with a cart full of practical, proven tools. No diet talk. No gatekeeping. Just two bariatric besties sharing what works. Hit play. Your future self will thank you.

Episode 26: The Real Talk on Counting Calories (Our non-negotiable after Bariatric Surgery)

Ready for some spicy takes on calorie counting after bariatric surgery? 🌶️ Hannah and Steph are diving DEEP into the topic everyone's asking about but nobody wants to talk about - how the heck do you actually count calories post-surgery without spiraling into diet culture madness? In this episode, we're spilling: Why your bariatric team won't give you macro numbers (and why it drives us absolutely NUTS) The protein-to-calorie hack that changed everything Why carbs aren't the devil (sorry, keto lovers!) How to fuel for exercise without eating back every calorie you burned Real MyFitnessPal screenshots from our actual days Why 1,500 calories is NOT "a lot" - spoiler: you're still under-eating! Plus: Hannah's Garmin literally tried to kill her (not clickbait), we're still desperately searching for those Mission carb tortillas, and Steph had her first dumping experience with fancy cheese. Whether you're pre-surgery and panicking about the numbers, or post-surgery and struggling to hit your goals, this episode is your permission slip to stop fearing food and start fueling your body properly. Drop a 📊 in the comments if you're ready to ditch the calorie fear and start tracking like a boss! P.S. - Still looking for our American listeners to smuggle us some Target tortillas. We'll literally name the podcast after you. 😂

Ep 25: What Actually Qualifies You for Weight Loss Surgery?

🎉 Celebrating 25 Episodes! 🎉 Join Hannah and Steph as they mark a major milestone and tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in bariatric surgery: what you actually need to qualify. Think you know the requirements? Think again! In this eye-opening episode, we debunk common misconceptions about bariatric surgery eligibility and reveal the surprisingly straightforward process of getting started. From the crucial role your family doctor plays to the real talk about alcohol and substance use, we're breaking down every barrier and myth that might be holding you back. What You'll Learn: Why the process is more accessible than you think The real eligibility criteria (spoiler: it's simpler than you imagine) How to have honest conversations with your doctor The truth about substance use and surgery success Why being "ready" matters more than meeting arbitrary milestones Whether you're considering surgery for yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode provides the clarity and encouragement you need to take that first step toward a healthier future. Ready to start your journey? Your family doctor is your gateway - and we'll show you exactly how to begin that conversation.

Episode 24: Our favorite recipes, snacks, and meal prepping tricks!

In the latest episode of the Bariatric Banter Podcast, Steph and Hannah are sharing their GO-TO recipes, meals, and prepping tricks for successful post-surgery eating. They dive into the phases of eating after surgery, why meal planning isn’t optional, and how freezer meals can save you time, money, and sanity. You’ll get their favourite high-protein recipes (think: quesadillas, Buffalo chicken dip, sweet treats like protein jello), snack hacks that stop you from grabbing whatever’s closest, and ideas to keep meal prep from becoming the most boring part of your week. They also get real about balancing calories and protein, experimenting with flavours to make healthy food less “blah,” and how sharing recipes builds a community that actually gets it. Plus: a few laughs, a few surprises, and a commitment to bringing you even more practical tips in future episodes. If you’re ready to feel more confident about your meal prep, get new ideas for staying on track, and finally stop dreading what’s for dinner, this one’s for you.

Breaking the Rules: The Hard Truth About Bariatric Discipline

In this no-holds-barred episode of Bariatric Banter, Steph and Hannah open up about their bariatric surgery journeys and the real challenges of sticking to the rules. From bending dietary guidelines to facing the fallout of rule-breaking, they explore how discipline, nutrition, exercise, and mental health all play a role in long-term weight loss success. Expect candid personal experiences, hard-won lessons, and some tough love about what it really takes to thrive after bariatric surgery. Whether you’re fresh out of surgery or years into the journey, this episode delivers insight, support, and maybe a reality check (or two). 👉 Topics: bariatric surgery, weight loss, nutrition, mental health, exercise, personal experiences, discipline, dietary rules

Ep 22: Road Snacks & Real Talk: Traveling After Bariatric Surgery

Vacation as a bariatric patient hits different—and not just because you packed more snacks than shoes. In this episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph unpack their recent getaways, diving into the unfiltered reality of traveling post-surgery: from food choices and weight fluctuations to unexpected mindset wins and body image breakthroughs. They explore how to balance indulgence with intention, what it means to give yourself grace on the go, and why “just eat the damn brunch” might be the healthiest choice of all. Whether you're road-tripping, beach-sitting, or backyard-barbecuing, this episode is a reminder that joy and judgment don’t belong on the same plate. Takeaways: – Pack with purpose (and protein) – Indulge without spiraling – Travel is freedom… if you let it be – Family support matters – Mindset is everything (especially in a hotel breakfast buffet)

Matinee Monday: Comfort Food w Hannah

🎬 Matinee Monday: Comfort Food Confessionals [Mini-Episode | 15 min] Grab your fuzzy socks and settle in—Hannah’s getting real about comfort food. In this short and soulful Matinee Monday episode, she opens up about the complicated love story between bariatric patients and emotional eating. From using food as a reward pre-op to grieving the loss of old rituals post-op, this is a raw, honest reflection on how comfort food changes when your whole life (and stomach) does. Expect truth bombs, gentle encouragement, and a few food-flashback feels as Hannah shares her journey of redefining comfort—and finding joy in new, nourishing ways. This one's for anyone who's ever stared at a pint of ice cream and called it therapy.

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