Remi Bader, the beloved plus-size influencer known for her viral “realistic hauls” and body-positive messaging, has recently opened up about her dramatic weight loss—and the difficult truth behind it.
After years of struggling with chronic health issues and an eating disorder, Bader underwent weight loss surgery (SADI-S) in 2023, a decision she initially kept private due to fear of backlash.
Now, she’s sharing her full story—from the severe health complications that led to her surgery to the brutal recovery process and the emotional toll of living in a changing body. In this post, we’ll break down:
- The health struggles that pushed her toward surgery
- What SADI-S is and why she chose it
- The harsh realities of her recovery
- The controversy around her transparency (or lack thereof)
- The bigger conversation about weight loss, influencer responsibility, and body image
Section 1: The Health Struggles That Led to Surgery
Before her weight loss, Remi Bader was dealing with serious medical issues that went far beyond aesthetics:
- Chronic back pain that made daily life unbearable
- Fatty liver disease and high cholesterol, putting her at risk for long-term complications
- Hormonal imbalances that nearly led to infertility
- Binge-eating disorder (BED), which she says worsened due to years of yo-yo dieting
She tried multiple treatments before surgery, including:
✔ Ozempic & Mounjaro → Caused daily vomiting and didn’t address her binge-eating disorder
✔ Vyvanse (for BED) → Led to severe side effects
✔ Inpatient eating disorder programs → Helped temporarily but didn’t resolve her physical health issues
“I was in so much pain every day,” she shared. “I knew I needed a real solution.”
Section 2: The SADI-S Surgery and Brutal Recovery
What is SADI-S?
SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy) is a hybrid weight loss surgery that combines:
- A sleeve gastrectomy (removing part of the stomach to reduce capacity)
- An intestinal bypass (limiting calorie absorption)
It’s considered more extreme than a standard gastric sleeve but less invasive than a full gastric bypass.
Remi’s Recovery: “I Wanted to Die”
Bader has been brutally honest about her post-op experience:
- Weeks of vomiting and inability to keep food down
- Severe hair loss due to nutrient deficiencies
- Deep depression – “I was in hell. I regretted it at first.”
- Lifelong dietary restrictions (e.g., no drinking 30 minutes before/after meals)
“People think weight loss surgery is the easy way out,” she said. “It’s not. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Section 3: The Controversy & Bader’s Response
Why She Initially Stayed Silent
When fans noticed her weight loss, Bader avoided confirming surgery, attributing changes to “diet and exercise.” This led to backlash, with critics accusing her of being dishonest.
Her response?
“I was in survival mode. I needed to protect my mental health first.”
Her Complicated Feelings About Her New Body
Despite physical improvements, Bader admits:
- “I still see myself as the same person.”
- “It’s confusing—people treat me differently now.”
- “I’ll always advocate for body positivity, no matter my size.”
Section 4: The Bigger Conversation
Weight Loss ≠ Happiness
Bader’s story highlights that surgery isn’t a magic fix—it’s a medical tool with serious trade-offs.
Should Influencers Disclose Their Weight Loss Methods?
This sparks debate:
✅ Pro-Transparency: Followers deserve honesty, especially from body-positive advocates.
❌ Pro-Privacy: Health decisions are personal, and no one owes public explanations.
Resources for Readers
If you’re considering weight loss surgery or struggling with an eating disorder:
Conclusion
Remi Bader’s journey is a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of weight loss surgery—far from the “quick fix” many assume it to be. Her story reminds us that health is deeply personal, and no one should be shamed for their choices.
What do you think? Should influencers disclose weight loss surgeries? Share your thoughts in the comments!
