Bariatric Rewrite UK

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In this episode of the Bariatric Rewrite Podcast, Helen and Evie break down the hype and reality of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and even oral options like Rybelsus. These drugs are often called “miracle weight loss injections,” but are they really?

We cover:

• How GLP-1s work on hunger, fullness, and blood sugar.
• The similarities and differences between GLP-1s and bariatric surgery.
• Side effects, costs, and NHS guidelines in the UK.
• What happens when you stop taking them – and why food noise often comes back.
• Why mindset and lifestyle changes are still non-negotiable for long-term success.

Whether you’re considering GLP-1s before surgery, after surgery, or as a standalone tool, this episode will give you the clarity, reassurance, and practical advice you need to make informed decisions about your health.

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Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

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In this episode of The Bariatric Rewrite Podcast, Helen and Evie dive into the confusing world of supplements after bariatric surgery. From supermarket multivitamins to bariatric-specific formulas, magnesium TikTok trends, ketone esters, mushroom blends, and superfruits like baobab — they cut through the noise to share what’s truly essential, what’s a nice-to-have, and what’s mostly hype.

They discuss:

• Why multivitamins are a non-negotiable after sleeve or bypass surgery.
• How iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B12 deficiencies show up — and how to supplement smartly.
• The real deal on magnesium types, creatine for muscle and brain health, and L-theanine for calm focus.
• Their own experiences with trendy powders, electrolytes, and supplements marketed as “GLP-1 mimics.”
• Why whole foods and blood work always matter more than a cupboard full of pills.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by supplement ads or confused about what your post-op body actually needs, this episode will give you clarity, reassurance, and practical takeaways.

Studies & Resources 

Guidelines & core deficiencies

• ASMBS Integrated Health Nutritional Guidelines – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28040492/
• BOMSS post-op supplement guidance – https://www.bomss.org.uk/bomss-post-bariatric-surgery-nutritional-guidance-for-gps/
• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (NHS): Vitamin & Mineral Supplements after Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-leaflets/bariatric-dietetics/vitamin-and-mineral-supplements-after-gastric-bypass-or-sleeve-gastrectomy

Iron & calcium: timing and interactions

• Calcium inhibits non-heme iron absorption (Hallberg et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1991) – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1994986/
• Vitamin C enhances iron absorption (Am J Clin Nutr, 1989) – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2916445/

Calcium forms

• Why calcium citrate is preferred post-op (ASMBS/BOMSS) –
   ASMBS: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28040492/
   BOMSS: https://www.bomss.org.uk/bomss-post-bariatric-surgery-nutritional-guidance-for-gps/

Magnesium: forms & effects

• Bioavailability: citrate > oxide (Lindberg et al., 1990; review) – https://openheart.bmj.com/content/8/1/e001725
• NIH fact sheet on magnesium – https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/

Creatine (muscle, brain; safety)

• ISSN Position Stand: efficacy & safety – https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z

Ketone esters (what they do & limits)

• Cox et al., Cell Metabolism (2016): ketone drinks improve endurance in some athletes – https://pubmed.ncbi.nl

Support the show

Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

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In this episode of The Bariatric Rewrite Podcast, Helen and Evie dive into the powerful world of trigger foods — the ones that spark cravings, hijack your brain’s reward system, and can even cause painful side effects after bariatric surgery.

They explore:

• Why certain foods feel impossible to resist (hint: it’s not about willpower).
• The difference between physical triggers (like dumping syndrome) and psychological triggers (like food noise or binge patterns).
• How ultra-processed foods are engineered to light up the brain like addictive drugs.
• The unique risks for bariatric patients and those on GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
• Strategies to identify your own trigger foods and practical tools to break free.

If you’ve ever wondered why some foods make you feel completely out of control — and what you can do about it — this episode is for you.

Studies & References Mentioned

Here are links to the key research discussed:

Food addiction and brain reward circuitry post-bariatric surgery
• Ochner CN, Kwok Y, Conceição E, Pantazatos SP, Puma LM, Carnell S, Teixeira J, Hirsch J, Geliebter A. Selective reduction in neural responses to high calorie foods following gastric bypass surgery. Ann Surg. 2011;253(3):502–507.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21239974/

Ultra-processed foods engineered for hyperpalatability
• Moss M. Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us. Random House, 2013.
• Fazzino TL, Rohde K, Sullivan DK. Hyper-Palatable Foods: Development of a Quantitative Definition and Application to the US Food System Database. Obesity. 2019;27(11):1761–1768.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6820505/

Food addiction prevalence in bariatric patients
• Gerhard U, et al. Food addiction and bariatric surgery outcomes. Obes Surg. 2009;19:1381–1382.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19562428/

Slider foods linked to poorer weight loss outcomes
• Ochner CN, Teixeira J, Geary N, Asarian L, et al. Greater consumption of energy-dense “slider” foods after bariatric surgery is associated with less weight loss. Obes Rev. 2013;14(8):625–631.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23617878/

Out of sight, out of mind: visibility and intake
• Wansink B, Painter JE, Lee YK. The office candy dish: proximity’s influence on estimated and actual consumption. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2006;30(5):871–875.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16418755/

Highly processed foods activate brain reward pathways like addictive substances
• Volkow ND, Wise RA, Baler R. The dopamine motive system: implications for drug and food addiction. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2017;18

Support the show

Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

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Life after bariatric surgery or starting GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro often means one big question: what do I do now that food is no longer my main hobby? In this heartfelt episode of The Bariatric Rewrite UK, Helen and Evie explore how to rediscover joy, connection, and purpose through hobbies and new experiences.

They share personal stories of filling the “food-shaped gap” with everything from creative crafts and choirs to wild swimming and walking groups — as well as the mental health benefits that come with finding something that lights you up.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, struggling with boredom and food noise, or just want to hear honest talk about life beyond the plate, this episode will help you see that your journey is about so much more than food.

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Cody and Jennifer's Stories: https://www.chihealth.com/services/weight-management/success-stories

Melody's Story: https://healthcare.ascension.org/blog/2024/08/kswic-bariatric-surgery-gastric-sleeve-via-christi-238-pound-weight-loss

Support the show

Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Send a text

In this powerful episode of The Bariatric Rewrite UK, we sit down with Danaye — one of our amazing coaches, who has lived every step of the journey herself. From life at her heaviest weight, to starting GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro, to ultimately choosing bariatric surgery in Mexico, Danaye shares the raw highs and lows of transformation.

She opens up about the moment she knew change had to happen, the reality of surgery recovery, running her first marathon within a year post-op, and the mindset shifts that mattered more than either medication or surgery. This is an honest look at what’s truly possible after bariatric surgery and GLP-1s — and a reminder that surgery isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning.

If you’ve ever wondered what life can look like beyond the scale — from food addiction to freedom, and even marathons — Danaye story will leave you inspired.

Support the show

Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Send a text

Willpower has been oversold as the magic fix for weight loss — but the science says otherwise. In this episode, Helen and Evie dive into the latest research showing how biology, genetics, sleep, environment, and even the type of food processing can influence your weight far more than sheer determination. 

We break down why bariatric surgery is a powerful tool but not a cure, explore cutting-edge studies like the 2025 trial revealing that minimally processed foods can double fat loss compared to ultra-processed meals, and share practical, science-backed strategies that help you work with your body, not against it. 

Whether you’ve had surgery or are simply tired of the “try harder” narrative, this episode will help you see weight management in a whole new light — and give you the tools to finally outsmart willpower!

Links to the latest research:

PNAS, 2025 – Constrained energy expenditure model showing diet has more impact than exercise on weight loss. http://www.verywellhealth.com/slug-placeholder-11782834

Nature Medicine, 2025 – Swapping ultra-processed for minimally processed foods doubles fat loss with matched calories. http://nypost.com/2025/08/08/health/double-your-weight-loss-by-ditching-this-cancer-causing-food

JAMA, 2024 – Long-term outcomes after bariatric surgery (~30% weight loss at 1 year, sustained ~25% at 10 years). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bariatric_surgery#Long-term_effects

SELECT trial, NEJM 2024 – 17,604 adults; semaglutide led to 10% weight loss over 4 years, 20% fewer cardiovascular events. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2304721

Cambridge University, 2023 – Obesity linked to enlarged, inflamed hypothalamus affecting hunger regulation. http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/brain-changes-in-obesity

Sleep restriction meta-analysis, 2024 – Sleep loss increases daily intake by ~250 kcal. http://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/sleep-and-weight-loss

Genetic risk studies, 2025 – Up to 80% of weight predisposition inherited; ~12% of severe early-onset obesity due to single-gene mutations. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/intl-genetic-study-predicts-childhood-obesity-risk-using-indian-data/articleshow/122865432.cms

r/loseit online community analysis, 2024 – Supportive feedback linked to greater weight loss (~9 lbs more).http://arxiv.org/abs/2403.18911

Clinical trial meta-analysis, 2025 – Semaglutide and tirzepatide show 15–20% average weight loss. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2304721

Metabolic adaptation research, 2024 – Reduced metabolism and increased hunger hormones after weight loss. http://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aad4349

Dicken SJ, et al. Ultraprocessed or minimally processed diets following healthy dietary guidelines on weight and cardiometabolic health: a randomized, crossover trial. Nature Medicine. 2025 Aug 4. doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03842-0. http://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03842-0

ScienceDaily coverage: “This diet helped people lose twice as much weight, without eating less.” (Aug 5, 2025)  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releas

Support the show

Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

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Fibre isn’t just about keeping things moving — it’s a powerhouse for gut health, cravings, blood sugar balance, and long-term weight maintenance, especially after bariatric surgery or when taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. In this episode, Evie and Helen break down what fibre actually is, why it matters so much post-op, how to add it without bloating, and the surprising link between fibre and your gut microbiome. They share personal stories about what didn’t work for them early on, their favourite easy fibre swaps, and practical tips to help you hit your goals without discomfort.

Support the show

Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

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Travelling after bariatric surgery or while on GLP-1s like Ozempic or Wegovy can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Helen and Evie share their best tips for staying on track while away from home, without the all-or-nothing mindset.

We cover everything from what to pack, how to handle eating out, managing food noise on the go, and staying grounded without falling into binge or “holiday mode” spirals. Whether you’re heading off on a plane, a road trip, or a weekend away, this episode is full of practical advice and mindset tools to help you travel confidently, without guilt.

Support the show

Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Send a text

In this raw and honest episode, we dive into a topic that isn’t talked about enough: transfer addiction. What happens when food is no longer your escape — but something else starts to take its place?

Whether you’ve had a gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or are taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, many people find that once food is taken off the table, the emotional void doesn’t just disappear. It shifts. And suddenly, you might find yourself leaning on shopping, alcohol, scrolling, sex, relationships, caffeine, or work to fill the gap.

Helen and Evie unpack:

• What transfer addiction actually is — and why it’s so common post-op
• The science behind addiction switching
• Signs to watch for in your own behaviour
• Why willpower isn’t the problem — and self-compassion is key
• How to build new coping tools that actually meet your needs

A must-listen for anyone navigating life after bariatric surgery or GLP-1s.

Support the show

Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.

Send a text

In this episode, we explore what’s really driving your cravings — especially after bariatric surgery or while using GLP-1 medications — and what you can do instead of reaching for food. Whether you’ve had a gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or are navigating life after medication like Ozempic or Wegovy, we share practical tools to help you manage emotional eating, food noise, and boredom cravings. From five-minute resets to long-term hobbies, we’ll help you build a life that doesn’t revolve around food — one urge at a time. Plus, we chat about urge surfing, self-soothing tools, and how to start meeting your real needs, not just your cravings.

Free downloadable resources:

Craving rescue list:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nzaQgZ65598moLiodM4VIlRsLiRnt2MS/view?usp=sharing

Craving rescue worksheet:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iqvc_yhhAQoKvRCviaTYO0tO-cvXzEpI/view?usp=sharing

Urge surfing audio: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LfKUcRjIn2AwUMZCgRakn_RFUmMslopj/view?usp=sharing

Support the show

Find out more about us at rewritelifestyle.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options. The experiences shared are personal and may not reflect every individual’s journey. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.