Social media personality and influencer Remi Bader recently shared her emotional struggles following weight loss surgery, shedding light on the often-overlooked mental health impacts of such procedures. While the surgery was intended to improve her physical health, Bader candidly revealed the immense emotional and psychological turmoil she faced during her recovery.
A Difficult Decision
During a conversation on Khloé Kardashian’s Khloé in Wonder Land podcast, Bader, 30, discussed her weight loss journey and the challenges she encountered. She initially explored the option of weight loss surgery after attempting pharmaceutical treatments like Ozempic, which did not yield the desired results. Despite initial hesitation, Bader ultimately decided to undergo a single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S), a newer and more complex bariatric procedure tailored to her needs.
Bader admitted that she was apprehensive about undergoing surgery while being in the public eye. She initially planned to delay the procedure but, after consulting a recommended specialist, she was convinced that taking immediate action was the best course for her long-term health.
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The Harsh Reality of Recovery
Following the surgery, Bader faced an excruciatingly difficult recovery period, which she described as "hell." Though she had been briefed about potential post-operative challenges, her experience was far worse than she had anticipated. The initial discomfort she felt in the hospital was just the beginning, and for the following six weeks, she endured relentless sickness and pain.
"I was so sick ... I [was] like, 'Something’s wrong. I should’ve never done this. I literally ruined my body, like ruined everything,'" Bader revealed. She expressed deep regret over her decision, questioning whether she had made a mistake in opting for surgery.
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Struggles with Mental Health
Beyond the physical pain, Bader faced an overwhelming mental and emotional battle. She withdrew from social media during the darkest periods of her recovery, spanning from December 2023 to mid-February 2024. In an interview with Self, she confessed, “I’d gotten into a very, very deep depression, and it was truly the scariest time of my life. I couldn’t tell people. I really—I wanted to die.”
As someone who had built a brand on honesty and relatability, Bader felt conflicted about how her transformation might be perceived. She had always been open about her struggles with body image and confidence but was now grappling with the fear that she might be viewed as disingenuous for undergoing surgery.
Navigating Self-Perception and Public Image
Addressing these internal conflicts on Khloé in Wonder Land, Bader emphasized that she had never labeled herself as a "body positivity" advocate but rather as someone who championed self-acceptance.
"I always said if I was uncomfortable in my body or struggling, I would be honest about it," she said. "I still do believe that you can be happy and healthy at any size, but my journey was different. I was in pain, I was struggling with my health, and this is what I felt I needed to do."
Bottomline
Despite the hardships she faced, Bader has gradually found stability and is focusing on her mental and physical well-being. By sharing her story, she hopes to raise awareness about the emotional realities of weight loss surgery and the importance of seeking help when dealing with depression and self-doubt.
Her journey serves as a reminder that personal health decisions are complex, and recovery is not just about physical changes but also mental resilience. Bader's openness about her struggles is a testament to the strength it takes to acknowledge vulnerability and seek support in times of need.