The Bari Chronicles

⚠️ 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 passing — and how life after bariatric surgery changes the way we experience emotional pain, comfort, and healing.

They talk about food noise returning under stress, setting healthy emotional boundaries, and learning to find comfort in memories rather than meals.

This conversation reminds us that healing isn’t linear — it’s messy, human, and full of grace.

💬 “Even when the storm is raging, I can now stop. I never had an off button before surgery.”

If you need support in Australia:

• 💛 Lifeline: 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention

• 💙 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — 24/7 mental health support

• 💚 Griefline: 1300 845 745 — 8am–8pm, 7 days a week (grief counselling and resources)

• 💜 Butterfly Foundation: 1800 33 4673 — support for eating and body image concerns

• 🧡 Head to Health: headtohealth.gov.au — connect with free mental health services

Remember: you’re not alone, and help is always available.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Sponsored by: CostPriceSupplements.com.au
Use code GASTRIC175 for up to 17% OFF trusted bariatric supplements and protein.

Affiliate disclaimer: Bariatric Support Australia may receive a small commission from purchases made using this code, which helps us continue providing free resources and community support.

This week, Dr Cheng returns to The Bari Chronicles to unpack the hype around GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Are they miracle fixes or long-term tools? We dive into what makes these medications effective, why short-term use is “just a party trick,” and how combining surgery with medication can lead to the best outcomes.
Tash and Damo share personal stories about sustainable weight loss, muscle preservation, and the mindset shifts that make all the difference.

Sponsored by: Cost Price Supplements — use code GASTRIC175 for up to 17% off your order.

Release Date: Monday, 3 November 2025

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 hernias to knowing when revision surgery might help, this conversation empowers patients with knowledge to better advocate for their health. Whether you’ve had a sleeve, bypass, or are just considering surgery, this is an essential listen.

🎙️ Sponsored by Cost Price Supplements — use code gastric175 at checkout.

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 emphasizes the need for informed decision-making and the role of dietitians in managing supplementation for optimal health outcomes.

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 role, this conversation challenges the idea that progress is defined by the number on the scale.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or years post-op, this episode will shift how you see your body and remind you that strength, recovery, and resilience can’t always be measured in kilograms.

🎙 Hosted by Damo Verner
Presented by Bariatric Support Australia
Powered by Cost Price Supplements – use GASTRIC175 for up to 17.5% off and double reward points.

#TheBariChronicles #BariatricSupportAustralia #BariatricJourney #WeightLossSurgery #BodyComposition #BariatricHealth #LifeAfterSurgery #MindsetMatters #ChangingLives #WLSCommunity #MelbourneWeightLossSolutions

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 emphasizes the need for self-compassion, understanding neurodivergence, and creating supportive environments for those undergoing weight loss journeys. Dr. Gold also shares resources aimed at helping individuals navigate their relationships with food and their bodies.

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 address biases in medical treatment. The speakers emphasize the importance of patient-centered care and the various options available for individuals struggling with obesity.

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 expertise with honesty and compassion.

We dive deep into:

• Why more men are seeking bariatric surgery than ever before

• The risks of focusing only on the number on the scales

• Why aftercare and multidisciplinary support are just as important as surgery

• The truth about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy

• The role of psychology and peer support in long-term success

Whether you’re considering surgery, already on your journey, or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with insight, reassurance, and practical wisdom.

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 the complexities of these surgical options. Whether you're considering surgery or seeking knowledge, this interactive session offers valuable perspectives to guide your weight loss journey.

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 throughout their journeys. The conversation invites listeners to share their own experiences and insights, fostering a sense of community and understanding.