What is goin’ on Busy Bariatrics… it’s Rob DiMedio, and in this episode I’m taking you inside the chaos, cravings, and curveballs of those first 90 days after bariatric surgery. Yeah, the stretch where your stomach’s tiny, your emotions are loud, and hydration feels like a full-time job.

I’m breaking down everything I wish someone had told me when I was fresh out of surgery — from how to actually get your water in without feeling like a camel, to why cooking isn’t optional, it’s survival. We’re diving into the emotional mess that hits once the “honeymoon phase” fades, the infamous six-week stall, and how to stop treating your progress like a pass/fail test.

You’ll hear my real-life screwups, the systems that saved me, and what I learned from my recent trip to the Bariatric Retreat in New Orleans — including why the humidity should count as cardio and how community can change everything about your journey.

If you’re in that “WTF did I just do to my body” phase after surgery, this one’s for you. No fluff, no filter, just the truth with a side of sarcasm.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Surgery Journey

02:56 Navigating the First Days Post-Surgery

05:33 Hydration and Nutrition Essentials

08:40 Mindset and Emotional Adjustments

11:20 Coping Mechanisms and Identity Shifts

14:19 Understanding Physical Changes and Challenges

16:58 The Importance of Cooking and Meal Preparation

19:34 Dealing with Stalls and Progress Tracking

26:26 Hydration and Nutrition Essentials

34:02 Movement and Strength Training Post-Surgery

42:12 Tracking Progress and Building a Routine

52:10 Reflections on the Retreat Experience

Keywords

bariatric surgery, post-op, hydration, nutrition, emotional changes, cooking, meal prep, weight loss, identity transformation, support