98. I Regret My Bariatric Surgery

In this episode of The Body GrieversⓇ Club, Bri shares why she regrets having bariatric surgery, reflecting on undergoing lap band surgery at 19 in 2010 after years of failed weight-loss attempts and undiagnosed Hashimoto's, PCOS, and thyroid issues. She describes how the promised relief and confidence never arrived, how complications mimicked eating-disorder behaviors, and how shame and fear of regain intensified alongside body dysmorphia. Bri discusses how long-term outcomes and the later obsolescence of lap band surgery shape her skepticism about newer weight-loss "solutions," and emphasizes that autonomy over body change remains personal. She explains how true relief came through mindset work: letting go of the thin ideal, rebuilding self-esteem, healing relationships with food and movement, seeking weight-neutral medical care, and finding meaning, joy, and community while living fully in the body she has.

03:23 Why I Chose Surgery

07:19 Dysmorphia After Weight Loss

10:43 Complications And Shame

12:55 Looking Back From 2026

14:13 GLP1 And Long Term Doubts

14:58 What I Was Never Told

17:09 My Healing Without Weight Loss

22:14 Ten Steps To Acceptance

28:24 Living Fully Now

31:03 Finding Joy In This Body

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