The Bari Chronicles

Everyone tells you how to prepare for bariatric surgery. Follow the pre-op diet. Pack your hospital bag. Drink your protein shakes. But what if that's only preparing you for the 45-minute operation—not the life that follows? In the first episode of our four-part Nobody Told Me series, Damo and Tash look back on what they thought weight loss surgery would be like... and how wrong they were. Tog...

In this powerful episode of The Bari Chronicles, Damo and Tash tackle the ongoing issue of weight stigma in healthcare and why so many people living in larger bodies avoid seeking medical treatment altogether. Recorded at the Digital Health Festival in Melbourne, this honest conversation explores the emotional impact of being judged, shamed, or dismissed in medical settings. From public weigh-ins...

In this deeply personal episode of Bariatric Support Australia’s The Bari Chronicles , Damien and Tash open up about the emotional relationship many people have with food after bariatric surgery. From childhood memories tied to Easter chocolate, to food noise, grief, shame, addiction, and learning what moderation really means — this is an honest conversation about the realities of life years after...

After a bit of a hiatus (life has a way of doing that), Tash and Damo are finally back together for a long-overdue catch-up. In this episode, they get real about what's been going on behind the scenes — Damo's recent surgery and a pretty scary complication with a partially collapsed lung, Tash navigating nine weeks post-op life, and all the big life stuff in between, including their dad returning...

For many people, the journey doesn’t end after weight loss surgery… it evolves. In this episode, we sit down with Dr Qiuye Cheng to unpack one of the most overlooked parts of the bariatric journey — excess skin and the reality of skin removal surgery. We go beyond the surface conversation and get real about what this actually looks like in day-to-day life. This is not about aesthetics. This is abo...

A raw and honest conversation filmed inside Austin Health with surgeon Dr Alex Craven about what really happens after bariatric surgery. This isn’t the polished version people usually see. We unpack long-term reflux, weight regain, and the emotional spiral that can come with it. The part where you think you’ve failed… even when you’ve actually achieved more than most. We also break down: Why onlin...

In this episode, we sit down with leading bariatric dietitian Daniella Di Benedetto to unpack one of the most misunderstood and often overlooked complications after gastric bypass surgery: reactive hypoglycemia. We dive into what it is, why it happens, how it differs from dumping syndrome, and why so many patients are being misdiagnosed or dismissed. If you have ever experienced dizziness, sweats,...

In this insightful interview, Dr. Alex Craven discusses the realities of sleeve gastrectomy, including expectations, complications, hormonal effects, and long-term outcomes. Gain expert insights into what patients can realistically expect from the procedure and how to approach weight management with informed perspectives.

In this episode of The Bari Chronicles, Damo talks about something he never thought he would be doing again getting ready for bariatric surgery a second time. Twelve years after his original sleeve, ongoing reflux, anatomical issues and worsening health have made revision surgery unavoidable. Joined by Tash, Kim and Stephen, the conversation is honest, practical and real. No sugar coating and no b...

Lipoedema is one of the most misunderstood and under-diagnosed conditions affecting women today — and for many, it takes decades to be recognised. In this episode, Sally Baker , a nurse who works closely with patients living with lipoedema, joins us for a grounded, evidence-informed conversation about lipoedema as a chronic connective-tissue disorder , not a failure of diet, willpower, or exercise...

Lipoedema is still widely misunderstood, under-recognised, and too often dismissed as “just weight.” In this episode of The Bari Chronicles , we’re joined by Nadia Walton , physiotherapist and lymphoedema practitioner from Laneways Physiotherapy & Lymphoedema, to unpack what lipoedema actually is — and what it isn’t. We explore why lipoedema is an inflammatory connective tissue condition, why...

In this episode of The Bari Chronicles , Damo and Tash unpack a confronting and deeply unsettling healthcare experience that many people living in larger bodies know all too well. What should have been a simple GP appointment to update a referral for revision surgery became a stark example of how personal bias can override evidence-based care. Tash shares what it was like to sit in front of a medi...

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, bariatric surgeon Dr Alex Craven joins The Bari Chronicles to dismantle the myths that continue to shape how obesity is treated — and mistreated — in Australia. From the false belief that people can simply “eat less and move more,” to the idea that metabolic surgery is dangerous, extreme, or a last resort, Dr Craven explains why these narratives are...

In this powerful episode, Damo sits down with Steve — a lived-experience legend who’s bravely opening up about something many bariatric patients never see coming. After having gastric bypass surgery, Steve thought he understood his limits with alcohol. But one ordinary dinner out with friends ended with an RBT, a shocking reading, and the devastating moment his licence was taken on the spot. What...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion about grief, loss, and the death of a loved one. If this topic is distressing or triggering for you, please take care while listening. You can choose to skip this episode or reach out for professional support if you need it. 🎧 Episode Description: In this deeply personal episode, Tash and Damo open up about navigating grief after their mum’s pa...

Reflux can be uncomfortable, frustrating — and for many bariatric patients, life-changing. In this episode of The Bari Chronicles, Damo speaks with leading upper GI surgeon Dr Craig Taylor to unpack why reflux happens after weight loss surgery, why medication isn’t always enough, and what treatment options and tests can actually make a difference. From understanding structural causes like hiatal h...

In this episode of The Barry Chronicles, Dr. Terry Lin discusses the critical role of supplementation after bariatric surgery, focusing on the importance of individualized approaches to multivitamins. The conversation highlights the risks associated with excessive vitamin B6 intake, the necessity of regular blood tests, and the regulatory challenges surrounding dietary supplements. Dr. Lin emphasi...

What if your weight isn’t telling the whole story? In this episode, Damo visits Jennifer, a Dietitian at Melbourne Weight Loss Solutions, to explore the power of body composition scanning and what those deeper measurements reveal about your health after bariatric surgery. From understanding the balance between fat mass and muscle mass to learning how hydration, medication, and lifestyle all play a...

In this conversation, Damo and Tash from Bariatric Support Australia engage with Dr. Rachel Gold, a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and body image. They discuss the importance of mindset in relation to body image, the impact of weight stigma, and the challenges faced by individuals post-bariatric surgery, including body dysmorphia and disordered eating. The conversation emph...

This conversation delves into the complexities of bariatric surgery, exploring the psychological and physiological aspects of comfort eating, the transformative potential of surgical interventions, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to weight management. The discussion highlights the evolution of surgical techniques, the significance of pre- and post-operative care, and the need to...

In this episode of The Bari Chronicles , we sit down with Dr Craig Taylor — one of Australia’s most experienced bariatric surgeons — to unpack the realities of weight loss surgery, aftercare, and the myths that hold people back. From why losing just the first third of your excess weight can transform your health, to the difference between fat loss and muscle loss, Dr Taylor shares decades of exper...

Join us for an engaging Zoom session with Dr. George Balalis as he answers pressing questions from the community about weight loss surgeries. In this episode, we spotlight the comparison between gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, exploring their weight loss outcomes, benefits, and potential challenges. Dr. George provides expert insights and addresses real-time queries, helping you navigate th...

In this episode of the Bari Chronicles podcast, hosts Tash and Damo share personal updates, discuss the challenges of navigating health issues, and emphasize the importance of lived experiences in the bariatric community. They explore the unique anxieties faced by those who have undergone bariatric surgery, the significance of finding the right support, and reflect on personal growth and kindness...

In this episode of the Bari Chronicles, hosts Tash and Damo dive into the personal journeys and health challenges faced post-bariatric surgery. From unexpected health scares to the ongoing importance of medical check-ups, they share candid insights into life after weight loss surgery. Tune in to hear how these experiences have shaped their perspectives and the gratitude they feel for the choices m...

In this episode of The Bari Chronicles , Damo and Tash sit down with bariatric dietitian Jane Stoltze to unpack the emotional and practical realities of post-op nutrition. From navigating the puree phase to embracing lifelong habit changes, Jane shares her personal journey into bariatric dietetics and offers invaluable advice for patients learning to listen to their bodies. Together, they explore...