Ep 29: Social Survival: Navigating Food Events After Bariatric Surgery
Release Date: 08/11/2025
Episode 33: Do you really need a personal trainer after Bariatric surgery?
Bariatric Banter Podcast
This week on Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph dive into one of the most hotly debated questions in the bariatric community: Are personal trainers worth it? They open up about their own experiences — from splurging on memberships and training sessions to realizing that sometimes the best (and cheapest) tool is simply a pair of walking shoes. Hannah shares how burnout and pneumonia reshaped her views, while Steph talks about how the right trainer gave her accountability and confidence. Along the way, they remind us that there’s no one-size-fits-all journey: movement looks different for...
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Episode 32: Our Deep Dive into GLP-1s (Part One)
Bariatric Banter Podcast
This week, Hannah and Steph are diving into a hot topic in the bariatric community — GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. 👀 We’ve been seeing more and more people talking about (and using) these meds, but there’s also a lot of confusion, a lot of comparisons to surgery, and honestly… a lot of questions. In part one of this two-part series, we’re sharing our own thoughts, concerns, and a few things that make us go “hmmm.” We’ll cover everything from health risks to influencers not being upfront, and why support systems and nutrition are non-negotiable. And next week —...
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Episode 31: When Your Hair Has Other Plans: Surviving Post-Op Hair Loss Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Ponytail)
Bariatric Banter Podcast
Hair today, gone tomorrow… literally. In this week’s raw and unfiltered episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph dive into the ugly truth about post-op hair loss — the tears in the shower, the clumps on your shirt, and the desperate Amazon searches for miracle shampoos that never work. From grieving the hair you loved, to finding humor in “baby hairs that have a mind of their own,” we share our honest struggles, hacks that actually help, and the blunt reality: your hair will come back, but your confidence doesn’t have to wait. Whether you’re pre-op, mid-shed, or finally...
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Episode 30: The Dreaded Bathing Suit Dilemma: Finding Confidence After Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric Banter Podcast
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...
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Ep 29: Social Survival: Navigating Food Events After Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Banter Podcast
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...
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Episode 28: TikTok vs. Reality: Separating Bariatric Facts from Fiction
Bariatric Banter Podcast
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...
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Episode 27: The Most Useful Things We Bought After Bariatric Surgery (That Aren’t Food)
Bariatric Banter Podcast
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...
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Episode 26: The Real Talk on Counting Calories (Our non-negotiable after Bariatric Surgery)
Bariatric Banter Podcast
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...
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Ep 25: What Actually Qualifies You for Weight Loss Surgery?
Bariatric Banter Podcast
🎉 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: ...
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Episode 24: Our favorite recipes, snacks, and meal prepping tricks!
Bariatric Banter Podcast
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...
info_outlineThe 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