Trigger Warning: Self-Harm, Drug, and Alcohol Use

Many bariatric patients can trace their obesity to a trauma that was experienced in their past. Our brains are wired to keep us safe, out of harm, and in a place of comfort. When we experience any kind of event that our brains perceive as traumatic, it will immediately triage and do find the quickest path away from that trauma. For many of us, food is that pathway because it is something that humans are almost always around.

But for others, our brains will turn to physical self-harm, drugs, or alcohol. Sarah Smith, Jason's wife, shared with us her story of self-harm and how some experiences in her adolescence triggered a trauma response in her own life. Her powerful story allows us to understand the impact these events can have on our lives and offers us all hope that we can face these past events with open eyes and a determination to live our life differently. This amazing episode will leave you inspired and open to reflecting on your own past traumas in a new, encouraging light.

We thank Sarah for so bravely and openly sharing her story with us. Because of her willingness to share, we create a safe place to help one another. Follow Sarah on Instagram @bari.grateful and find her in the BariNation community as one of our experts!

You’ve got this and we’ve got you!

Follow the BariNation crew on Instagram @bari.nation and like and subscribe to our YouTube channel, where you can watch every episode of the podcast and other meaningful supports online! And continue this conversation online in our membership community! Visit www.barination.com to learn how you can connect, learn, and grow from experts and fellow patients in our safe, online, digital support community!