Remi Bader Opens Up About Weight Loss Surgery and Her Recovery Journey

 

​Remi Bader, a 30-year-old influencer renowned for her "realistic hauls" and candid discussions about body image, has recently shared her transformative journey involving significant weight loss due to bariatric surgery. In an interview with Self magazine published on March 26, 2025, Bader disclosed that she underwent a single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) in December 2023. This decision came after other weight loss methods, including medications like Ozempic, proved ineffective for her. ​

A Lifetime of Struggles with Weight and Health

Bader's challenges with weight began early in her life. Diagnosed with binge eating disorder in 2019, she had experimented with various treatments such as therapy, medications like Rybelsus, Contrave, Wellbutrin, and Vyvanse, participation in Overeaters Anonymous, and outpatient eating disorder programs. Despite these efforts, her binge eating tendencies persisted. Additionally, she faced physical health issues, including debilitating back pain, sleep apnoea, high cholesterol, heart concerns, and fatty liver disease, and was informed by her doctor that she was becoming infertile—a particularly alarming revelation for her.

The Decision to Undergo Bariatric Surgery

Initially contemplating bariatric surgery as a future option, Bader's perspective shifted after consulting a referred doctor who recommended the SADI-S procedure—a newer surgical method tailored to her specific health situation. This procedure combines a sleeve gastrectomy with an intestinal bypass, reducing the stomach's size and limiting calorie absorption. Dr Christine J. Ren-Fielding, a bariatric surgeon at NYU Langone Health, notes that patients typically consider such surgeries after exhausting other weight loss methods. ​

A Grueling Recovery Process

The aftermath of the surgery was particularly challenging for Bader. She endured severe and prolonged vomiting for six weeks, an uncommon complication, leading to intense regret and feelings that she had "ruined" her body. These physical struggles profoundly impacted her mental health, plunging her into a deep depression with suicidal ideation between December 2023 and mid-February 2024. During this period, she found it difficult to share her experiences publicly. ​

Ongoing Challenges and Adjustments

Even after the initial recovery phase, Bader continues to face challenges. She must be cautious about eating and drinking simultaneously; she experiences nausea and sensations of food being "stuck," and she has dealt with hair loss. The rapid and significant weight loss has been a shock, leading to the disorienting experience of inhabiting a different body while maintaining the same "stuckness."  She finds remarks about her smaller size triggering and continues to grapple with her identity as her body size changes. ​

Reflections on Body Image and Advocacy

Bader has always been a proponent of body confidence at any size, maintaining an honest relationship with her followers about her struggles. However, her health issues necessitated a change. She emphasizes that her decision to undergo surgery was for her own health and well-being. Despite the difficulties, she does not regret the surgery, highlighting improvements in her health, increased energy, and resolution of issues like knee pain and irregular periods. Nonetheless, she cautions that bariatric surgery is not a universal solution and underscores the importance of support, particularly therapy, before, during, and after such a procedure. ​

Public Disclosure and Media Attention

Following her interview with Self, Bader appeared on Khloé Kardashian's podcast, Khloé in Wonder Land, where she further discussed her weight loss journey and the decision to undergo the SADI-S procedure. This public disclosure has sparked widespread media attention and discussions about body image, health, and the complexities of weight loss. 

Conclusion

Remi Bader's journey underscores the multifaceted nature of weight loss and the profound impact it can have on an individual's physical and mental health. Her openness about the challenges she faced before and after surgery provides valuable insights into the complexities of body image, health struggles, and the pursuit of well-being. As she continues to navigate her evolving identity and role as an advocate for size inclusivity, Bader remains committed to sharing her authentic self with her audience, highlighting the importance of personal choice and health above societal expectations.