Bariatric Banter Podcast

33 Episodes
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By: Hannah Cameron

Canada’s TOP bariatric podcast — because no one should have to figure this out alone.Looking for real talk about life after bariatric surgery? You’ve found it. Bariatric Banter is the no-BS podcast hosted by Steph and Hannah — two women from Ontario, Canada, who got tired of feeling like they had to figure it all out alone. We’re here to change that. Every episode brings you raw, honest conversations about weight loss surgery: the wins, the struggles, the mental battles, the science, the slip-ups, and how to build a life that actually works post-op. Whether you’re in Canada or an...

Episode 30: The Dreaded Bathing Suit Dilemma: Finding Confidence After Weight Loss Surgery
#31
Today at 1:00 PM

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 pos...


Ep 29: Social Survival: Navigating Food Events After Bariatric Surgery
#30
08/11/2025

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...


Episode 28: TikTok vs. Reality: Separating Bariatric Facts from Fiction
#29
08/04/2025

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 progressThe cultural eating differences that social media ignoresHow to spot dangerous misinformation in your feedReal strategies for long-term success be...


Episode 27: The Most Useful Things We Bought After Bariatric Surgery (That Aren’t Food)
#28
07/28/2025

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...


Episode 26: The Real Talk on Counting Calories (Our non-negotiable after Bariatric Surgery)
#27
07/21/2025

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 everythingWhy carbs aren't the devil (sorry, keto lovers!)How to fuel for exercise without eating back every calorie you burnedReal MyFitnessPal screenshots from our a...


Ep 25: What Actually Qualifies You for Weight Loss Surgery?
#26
07/14/2025

🎉 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 th...


Episode 24: Our favorite recipes, snacks, and meal prepping tricks!
#25
07/07/2025

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 re...


Breaking the Rules: The Hard Truth About Bariatric Discipline
#24
06/30/2025

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).

...


Ep 22: Road Snacks & Real Talk: Traveling After Bariatric Surgery
#23
06/23/2025

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 ju...


Matinee Monday: Comfort Food w Hannah
06/09/2025

🎬 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...


Ep 21: They Treated Me Better After I Lost Weight—And That Hurt
#22
06/02/2025

In this raw and real episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph unpack the often-unspoken side of weight loss: what actually changes after the weight is gone. From the thrill (and terror) of shopping in new sizes, to the awkward stares, to the confusing guilt that bubbles up when you’re finally able to celebrate—this is the episode that says the quiet parts out loud.

We dive into:

How others suddenly treat you differentlyThe emotional rollercoaster of body image and self-perceptionWhy self-acceptance is harder than expectedThe bittersweet reality of being “visible” again

Spoiler: weight loss doe...


Swipe Right & Farmer Fantasies: Dating After Bariatric Surgery
#21
05/26/2025

Dating after bariatric surgery? It’s not for the weak.

This week, Hannah spills every cringe, chaotic, and occasionally cute detail of what it’s really like trying to find love (or a decent Hinge match) when your stomach is tiny but your emotional baggage? Carry-on AND checked.

We’re talking food anxiety on first dates, situationships with men who “don’t believe in therapy,” and why she’s seriously considering retiring to a farm with a man named Doug who owns goats. 🐐 Meanwhile, Steph reminds us why self-worth doesn’t come from swipe-right validation—and why choosing your...


Ep 19: We didn't get fat eating salads. Obesity, Accountability & the Hard Truths of Recovery
#20
05/19/2025

In this brutally honest episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph dive deep into the messy middle of obesity, weight loss, and what it really takes to heal your relationship with food. From calling out the excuses we all make (“I was a boredom eater for sure”) to exploring how genetics, trauma, and instant gratification hijack our habits, this episode is part therapy, part tough love.

They also get candid about the behind-the-scenes struggles of monetizing a podcast, building a community post-surgery, and holding themselves accountable—publicly and privately. If you’ve ever justified poor food choices, felt the...


10 Things We Really Wish We Knew Before Bariatric Surgery
#19
05/12/2025

Thinking about weight loss surgery? Hit play before you book that consultation. In this episode, Hannah and Steph reveal the 10 things they really wish they knew before going under the knife—from the myth of food funerals to the mental weight of the post-op journey.

We get real about: – Why the scale lies (and inches tell the truth) – The emotional chaos of the “in-between” stage – Taste bud betrayal, constipation, and other curveballs – The mental health side no one talks about

This isn’t medical advice. It’s real talk from two people who’ve lived it—and are still fig...


Episode 17: Body Dysmorphia, Loose Skin & Life After Bariatric Surgery ft. @bypasskass
#18
05/05/2025

What happens after the weight comes off? In this candid, heartfelt episode, Canadian content creators Hannah and Steph sit down with @Bypasskass to unpack the emotional aftermath of bariatric surgery.

From loose skin and body dysmorphia to changing relationships, shifting identities, and the pressures of content creation in the health space, nothing is off limits.

Whether you're considering surgery or deep in your own journey, this episode is your reminder: healing isn’t just physical. It’s mental. It’s emotional. It’s ongoing. And you’re not alone.


Episode 16: The Bariatric Myth-Busting Episode: What No One Tells You
#17
04/28/2025

There’s a lot they don’t tell you about bariatric surgery — and even more they get completely wrong.

In this myth-busting episode, Hannah and Steph dive into the real truths about surgery, recovery, eating habits, pain management, body image, mental health, and post-op life.

Topics include: ✅ Why surgery isn’t the "easy way out" ✅ The truth about pain and recovery ✅ What eating actually looks like post-op ✅ Busting the "no carbs ever again" myth ✅ How food culture impacts healing ✅ Managing hair loss and body changes ✅ The role of personal responsibility in success

Plus, they share personal st...


Episode 15: When Nothing Worked: Our Bariatric Backstories
#16
04/21/2025

We didn’t wake up and decide to get surgery. We were out of options. We were out of hope.

In this raw, honest episode, Hannah and Steph share:

What led them to say yes to bariatric surgeryWhy diets were never the real solutionThe shame, silence, and rock-bottom momentsThe mindset shift that changed everything

If you're on the edge of this decision — or just want to understand it better — this one’s for you.

👇 Follow and listen: Spotify | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram

#BariatricSupport #WeightLossJourney #HealthTransformation #SurgeryStory #BariatricLife #SelfLoveFirst #ObesityAwareness #MindsetShift #BariatricPodcast


Episode 14: Can I Ride a Horse Yet? And Other Bariatric Bucket List Dreams
#15
04/14/2025

This episode? It’s your post-op pep talk, therapy session, and hype squad—all rolled into one.

If you thought weight loss surgery was just about the scale, think again. 🎯 In this unfiltered, wildly relatable episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph unveil their bariatric bucket lists—from horseback riding and designer fashion to flying without a seatbelt extender and saying hell yes to dating again.

This isn’t about hitting goal weight. It’s about living boldly, loving harder, and finally doing the stuff you once thought was off-limits.

💬 Real talk on:

Riding horses...


Episode 13: From Snack Attacks to Greek Yogurt Hacks: Our Bariatric Food Survival Guide!
#14
04/07/2025

🥳 Welcome back to Bariatric Banter with Hannah & Steph! Today, we’re serving up ALL the tea on how we’re tackling post-surgery food life like total bosses. 💪

Here’s what we’re dishing out: 🍦 Greek Yogurt Hacks – Spoiler alert: This stuff can do anything but your taxes. 🥤 Protein Powder Struggles – Why do they all taste like sadness? We found the GOOD ones. 🍽️ Pantry Staples That Save The Day – Because cravings don’t stand a chance against the right snacks. 🧁 Sugar Traps & Snack Alternatives – Saving you from the guilt spiral, one bite at a time. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Food Drama – When your healthy eating plans clash with pizza night. 💡 P...


Episode 12: Beyond the Scale: Celebrating NSV's (Non-Scale Victories)
#14
04/03/2025

F*ck the Scale! 🎉 In this episode of the Bariatric Banter Podcast, Hannah and Steph are throwing the scale out the window and shining a spotlight on Non-Scale Victories (NSVs). 💪 From fitting into clothes you never thought you could, to newfound confidence in front of the camera, we're diving deep into how success is measured beyond just numbers.

Hear hilarious, heartfelt stories from our listeners, discover game-changing recipe hacks, and learn why trusting yourself with food choices is a gradual, but oh-so-rewarding journey. This one's for everyone who's ever felt like progress isn't just a number—it's a feelin...


Episode 12: Beyond the Scale: Celebrating Non-Scale Victories 🎉✨
#13
03/31/2025

In this episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph dive deep into the world of Non-Scale Victories (NSVs)—those magical, confidence-boosting moments that have nothing to do with the number on the scale. From crossing your legs comfortably to fitting into airplane seats without a second thought, we’re sharing our own NSVs and reading some of your incredible wins, too! Whether you’re early in your bariatric journey or years down the road, these moments are worth celebrating. Tune in for laughs, relatable stories, and a reminder that your progress is so much more than just a number. 🎙️💪 #BariatricBante...


Episode 11: Planes, Trains, and Tiny Portions: The Bariatric Travel Episode
#12
03/24/2025

Pack your protein and prep your pill organizers—Hannah and Steph are spilling their top travel tips for life after bariatric surgery. Whether you’re jet-setting for work, cruising for pleasure, or just figuring out how to snack smart on the go, this episode is your new boarding pass to stress-free, surgery-friendly travel.

We cover: ✈️ What NOT to pack (we’re looking at you, Costco-sized protein bars) 🛳️ Why cruises might be your new best vacation option 🥤 Hydration helpers that don’t taste like sadness 🥗 How to enjoy the food without making it the main event 💼 Planning for work travel without sabota...


Episode 10: Our Post Bariatric Surgery Recovery & The Realities of Rapid Weight Loss🎉
#11
03/17/2025

🚨 We hit double digits! 🚨

Welcome to Episode 10 of Bariatric Banter!

🎉 We’re celebrating a HUGE milestone—500 subscribers (thank you!!) and listeners tuning in from Boston to Australia. 🌎💙

In this episode, we get real about:

✅ How our bariatric surgery recoveries were completely different

✅ The struggle of finding post-op foods that actually work 🍽️

✅ Why emotional eating hits different after surgery 😅

✅ The importance of non-scale victories (because the scale isn’t the boss of you!)

💬 Join the conversation! Comment below—what’s been the hardest part of your bariatric journey?

🔥 Listen o...


Episode 9: Navigating Exercise & Body Image After Weight Loss Surgery
#10
03/10/2025

💪 Bariatric Banter is BACK, and this episode is a MUST-LISTEN! 💪

We’re getting real, raw, and ridiculously relatable about post-bariatric life, tackling exercise, self-esteem, and the absolute chaos of figuring out clothing sizes after major weight loss.

🎢 Hannah and Steph dive into:

✔️ The struggle (and triumph!) of building a sustainable fitness routine 🏋️‍♀️🏃‍♀️

✔️ Why running is humbling as all hell (Hannah’s words, not ours… but we agree) 😅

✔️ The emotional rollercoaster of seeing yourself in a new body 🎭

✔️ The fraud complex in the gym—yes, it’s a thing, and yes, we’ve ALL felt it 🤯

✔️ How communi...


Episode 8: The Weight Loss Truth No One Wants to Hear: You NEED to Track Calories!
#9
03/03/2025

In this episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph get real about why calorie tracking isn’t just another dieting trend—it’s the key to long-term success, especially after bariatric surgery.

Most people think they’re eating the right amount, but spoiler alert: they’re usually way off. 😬 We’re diving into:

✅ Why tracking isn’t about restriction—it’s about awareness ✅ The biggest mistakes people make when logging food ✅ How tracking helps you break through frustrating weight loss stalls ✅ What to track beyond calories (hint: protein & fiber matter too!) ✅ The secret to making tracking easy & sustainable

...


Episode 7: Our Bariatric Surgery Full Experience. Part 1: Post-Op
#8
02/25/2025

🚨 Surgery Talk: The Good, The Bad & The IV Anxiety 🚨

Alright friends, let’s get real about bariatric surgery. In this episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah & Steph spill all the tea on what it's actually like to go from "maybe I should get surgery" to waking up post-op wondering, "Did they actually do it?!" (Spoiler: Yes, they did.)

We’re talking honest, no-BS surgery prep—the awkward health assessments, the diet changes that nobody wants to talk about, and why your support system matters way more than you think. Plus, we’re diving into:

💉 IV Anxiety & Walk...


Episode 6: What we REALLY eat after Bariatric Surgery (The truth about post-op hunger and nutrition)
#7
02/17/2025

🎙️ Bariatric Banter – Real Talk, No Fluff.

Hannah & Steph are diving DEEP into post-op eating, tracking macros, and navigating life after bariatric surgery. 🍽️💭

👀 In This Episode: ✔️ What we REALLY eat in a day (no sugar-coating) ✔️ Why high-protein ≠ always healthy ✔️ The mental shifts needed for long-term success ✔️ How to handle social situations & food choices ✔️ The fear of regain – and how to deal with it 💪

Hit play & join the conversation! 🎧

📢 Follow & subscribe for weekly episodes filled with insights, laughs, and the real talk you need.

#BariatricPodcast #WLS #WeightLossJourney #HealthyEating #MindfulEating #PostOpLife


Episode 5: Does Bariatric Surgery Cure PCOS?
#6
02/10/2025

💥 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 💥

In this episode of the Bariatric Banter Podcast, your fave hosts Hannah & Steph get REAL about living with PCOS and how it impacts weight loss and overall health. 🧠💪 They spill the tea on their personal experiences with PCOS and the struggles of managing comorbidities while navigating the world of weight loss. It's not easy, but it’s TOTALLY possible!

🙌 From the importance of exercise to starting small with lifestyle changes, this episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and real talk that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take...


Episode 4: Family, Friends, and Saying Goodbye to Haters
#5
02/03/2025

Telling your loved ones about bariatric surgery can be just as tough as the surgery itself. Will they support you? Will they question your choice? Will your relationships change? In this episode, Hannah and Steph get real about the reactions they faced—both the uplifting and the downright painful—and why building a strong support system is everything.

takeaways

It's important to have a support system during major life changes.Announcing your decision can help with accountability.Not everyone will understand or support your journey.Transparency about your journey can foster understanding.You may need to say...


Episode 3: Breaking Stigmas & Busting Myths
#4
02/03/2025

Buckle up, because in this episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph are diving headfirst into the wild world of bariatric surgery misconceptions. From tackling the age-old “it’s the easy way out” myth (spoiler: it’s not) to sharing the real, unfiltered struggles that come with the journey, they’re serving up honesty with a side of humor.

Expect candid convos about mental health, the weight of societal judgment (pun intended), and why having a solid support system is the real MVP. Whether you're pre-op, post-op, or just curious, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a few...


Episode #2: Bariatric Influencers, the good, the bad, the downright toxic
#3
02/03/2025

🎙️ Bariatric Banter: Influencers, Sweeteners, and Keeping It Real 🎙️

Let’s be honest—bariatric life is a journey, and social media isn't always the best travel guide.

In this episode of Bariatric Banter, Hannah and Steph get HEATED and take a deep dive into the world of influencers shaping the bariatric community—some who offer real, relatable advice, and others who, well… might just be serving up a side of nonsense. 🙃

We’re breaking down the rise of influencers promoting unrealistic eating habits (looking at you, endless liquid diets), why transparency is everything, and the need for actual nut...


Episode 1: Our Journey Begins (Part 2)
#2
02/03/2025

Part 2 of our inaugural episode.

In this episode, Hannah and Steph discuss their personal journeys with bariatric surgery, the challenges faced post-operation, and the importance of mental health and support in the weight loss journey.

They share insights on navigating life after surgery, the need for consistent guidance, and the impact of societal expectations on their experiences.

The conversation also touches on the significance of community and the desire to provide a platform for open discussions about obesity and weight loss.

Bariatric surgery requires personal accountability post-op.Many questions arise after surgery...


Episode 1: Our Journey Begins (Part 1)
#1
02/03/2025

Welcome to episode one of the Bariatric Banter Podcast (part 1)!

Full of spicy views and language, dive in with your Canadian BFFs as they share their journeys with obesity and bariatric surgery! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

In the inaugural episode of the Bariatric Banter Podcast, hosts Hannah and Steph share their personal journeys with bariatric surgery, specifically Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). They discuss their experiences leading up to the surgery, the process involved, and the importance of having a strong support system throughout their weight loss journeys.

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced post-surgery...