Influencer Remi Bader has finally spoken about her significant weight loss journey, revealing that she underwent weight loss surgery in December 2023. After months of avoiding questions about her changing body, Bader shared the details in an interview with Self magazine.
Bader explained that she had a newer type of bariatric surgery known as the single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass (SADI-S). This procedure is a combination of two popular weight loss surgeries, the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. According to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, SADI-S involves removing part of the stomach to create a “narrow sleeve” and connecting a portion of the upper small intestine to the lower part. The surgery triggers hormonal changes that reduce hunger and help the body absorb fewer calories.
Despite her initial expectations for an easy recovery, Bader described the process as grueling. “It was the most brutal thing,” she said. “I was in recovery for hours, throwing up non-stop. It was not normal.” Bader’s hospital stay was meant to be one day, but due to her condition, she couldn’t leave for three days. “I couldn’t drink water, and they won’t let you leave if you can’t drink water,” she explained. “I can’t explain how horrible it was.”
In the months that followed, Bader struggled significantly. She described a period when she was “not f—king OK,” as she continued to face constant vomiting and an inability to eat or drink. The emotional toll took a heavy toll as well, and she fell into a “deep depression,” calling it “the scariest time of my life.”
It wasn’t until Bader was prescribed medication for anxiety and depression that she started feeling better. She is now in a better mental and physical state, sharing that she has regained her confidence and started caring for herself in ways she never had before.
Before the surgery, Bader had dealt with binge eating, significant weight gain, chronic pain, and back issues. Despite trying various medications and treatments, nothing seemed to work. Now, Bader reports that her health has improved drastically. On Khloé Kardashian’s podcast, she revealed that she no longer has back problems and recently received normal bloodwork results for the first time in five years.
She is also seeing a therapist, working out regularly, and has fewer urges to binge eat. “I still struggle and have those thoughts, but I can’t physically binge as much because I don’t have the room for it,” Bader said.
However, life after surgery has come with its own set of challenges. Bader must follow strict guidelines regarding eating and drinking. “You cannot drink and eat within the same 30 minutes,” she explained, adding that failing to follow this rule makes her feel very sick. This has led to some awkward moments. “Sometimes, I’m out to dinner with friends, and I have to run to the bathroom,” she said. “I’m constantly getting sick at events and dinners.”
Another difficult aspect of her recovery has been the sensation of food “stuck” in her chest and stomach, which often causes nausea. “It’s like, OK, am I about to throw up or should I sit and deal with it and maybe walk around?” she said. Bader also revealed that she’s experienced significant hair loss since the surgery.
Perhaps the most emotional adjustment for Bader has been processing her new appearance. “It’s really confusing to be in a different body so quickly but still have the exact same brain,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Bader is focusing on her health and recovery, determined to maintain her progress and continue her journey of self-improvement.
