TikTok star remi Bader, known for her relatable “realistic” clothing hauls as a plus-size influencer, has recently opened up about her journey with weight loss, revealing she underwent bariatric surgery. In a candid interview with SELF magazine, Bader detailed the procedure, a single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy, describing it as “brutal” with a “horrible” recovery.

Bader said she was “not f–king okay” from her surgery, adding it “was truly the scariest time of my life” — while also revealing her negative experience with weight loss drugs and feeling “uncomfortable” with her new size.

The Path to Surgery

Bader’s decision to undergo surgery stemmed from a long-standing battle with binge eating disorder, coupled with the increasing impact of her weight on her overall health. She also revealed struggling with depression. The influencer, who rose to fame celebrating her curves, emphasized the internal conflict she faced as her health declined.

“I loved being curvy my whole life; I just did. It was who I was,” Bader, 30, said, adding that when her health issues worsened, it felt like “it was a battle.”

She further clarified her stance on body positivity, stating:

“So [I] will always believe that you could be a bigger size and be healthy and happy. I was for a while, that wasn’t a lie,” Bader said. “But there was a point when it shifted, and I became really unhappy.”

Exploring Weight loss Medications

Before opting for surgery, Bader explored various weight loss treatments, some of which she openly shared with her audience. These included:

• Rybelus: An oral semaglutide medication.
• Ozempic: An injectable medication that Bader revealed made her sick. She has since quit using Ozempic.

“Its different for everyone, [but] I was throwing up every day from it,” she told SELF about her experience with Ozempic.

Other medications she trialed included:

• Contrave: An oral weight loss medication.
• Wellbutrin: An NDRI antidepressant sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management.
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): An antidiabetic drug, similar to Ozempic, often used for its weight loss effects.

Bader admitted to starting Mounjaro “very secretly” in September 2022, shortly after completing a six-week outpatient eating disorder treatment program the previous May. She acknowledged that she began binge eating again “almost promptly” after treatment.

She told SELF that she remembered thinking at the time that trying Mounjaro was the “worst thing I could be doing.”

The Reality of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, while perhaps life-changing, is a significant medical procedure with inherent risks and a demanding recovery process. According to the American Society for metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), common types of bariatric surgery include:

The specific procedure Bader underwent,a single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S),is a variation of the duodenal switch that simplifies the intestinal connection. It is indeed known for significant weight loss but also carries a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Expert Perspectives on Weight Loss Surgery and Medications

Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight management. She notes that while medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro can be effective, they are not a “magic bullet” and should be used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise.

The use of weight loss medications like Ozempic has become a topic of considerable discussion in the U.S., particularly in hollywood. Concerns have been raised about the potential for misuse and the long-term effects of these drugs. Some celebrities have openly discussed their experiences, both positive and negative, contributing to a broader public conversation about weight, health, and body image.

Registered Dietitian, Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition, LLC, adds, Weight loss drugs work by improving satiety or fullness. Some may also cause you to burn slightly more calories. It’s important to modify your eating and exercise habits while taking these medications to sustain weight loss long term.

Navigating Body Image and Societal Pressures

Bader’s story highlights the complex interplay between personal health struggles,societal pressures,and body image. As an influencer who initially embraced her plus-size figure, her decision to pursue weight loss surgery reflects the challenges many individuals face when their health is compromised by their weight.

It is essential to approach discussions about weight and health with sensitivity and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or promoting unrealistic beauty standards. A focus on overall well-being,including mental and emotional health,is crucial for fostering a positive and inclusive environment.