Remi Bader has recently opened up about her experience with weight-loss surgery, shedding light on the trials she faced post-surgery following a prolonged silence on the subject. In an interview with Self Magazine, published on March 26, 2023, Bader candidly discussed undergoing a procedure in December 2022 and the extensive recovery process that ensued.
The 30-year-old social media sensation chose to undergo a single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) after grappling with various health issues, including excessive sweating, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and severe back pain. Concerns about heart problems, fatty liver disease, and potential infertility further influenced her decision.
Her post-operative journey was not as smooth as she had anticipated; Bader experienced persistent vomiting coupled with deep-seated depression that colored her recovery period.
In her interview, she elaborated on the SADI-S procedure, revealing that it entailed the removal of 80% of her stomach. Although she was discharged after three days, weeks of severe vomiting ensued, causing both physical distress and emotional turmoil.
“I need to say that it was the most brutal thing. I get the surgery. I was in recovery for hours, hours, hours, hours, throwing up. It was not normal. I was supposed to leave [the hospital] in one day.”
Bader, who has built a following on TikTok for her body positivity and fashion insights, shared that she often found it difficult to eat or drink, frequently needing to excuse herself at social events due to her nausea. Additionally, hair loss was a further challenge she faced during her recovery.
Confronting Mental Health Challenges and Embracing Change
Reflecting on the emotional aftermath of her surgery, Bader admitted that the experience had plunged her into a profound state of depression.
“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.”
Fortunately, Bader found solace in antidepressants, which she describes as a valuable long-term solution for managing her mental health. As she continues to work on improving her eating habits, she notes that the reduced size of her stomach limits her capacity for binge eating.
Discussing her transformation, Bader conveyed the struggle of adjusting her self-image alongside her physical changes.
“It’s really confusing to be … in a different body but have the exact same brain,”she explained.
Amid her desire for better health, she acknowledges that she “never wanted to be this size”and has always celebrated her curvy figure. Additionally, Bader addressed the online criticism surrounding her weight fluctuations, clarifying her reasons for initially withholding information about her journey.
“My health journey will now be my business,”she stated.
Prior to surgery, Bader explored various weight-loss medications, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, only to experience severe side effects that complicated her progress. She characterized her encounters with weight-loss drugs as temporary fixes, ultimately leading her to surgery as a more permanent solution.
More than a year after her surgery, Bader has successfully shed over 140 pounds, despite acknowledging the emotional complexities tied to such a rapid transformation. On the “Khloe in Wonder Land” podcast aired on March 26, 2025, she expressed:
“I never thought it would be this quick.”
As she navigates her new existence, Bader remains committed to presenting her authentic self to her audience, pledging to share her ongoing journey with transparency and honesty.