In this episode of The BarBari Chronicles, hosts Tash and DamDamo engage with dietitian Julia Bazan to explore the multifaceted role of a bariatric dietitian. Julia shares her journey into dietetics, the complexities of working with bariatric patients, and the importance of addressing both nutritional and emotional aspects of dietary changes. The conversation delves into the challenges clients face, including diet culture, the significance of first appointments, and strategies for managing food preferences and hydration post-surgery. Julia emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in the dietary journey, particularly around the holidays, and offers practical advice for navigating these challenges. In this conversation, Julia Bazan and Damo discuss the complexities of navigating food choices after bariatric surgery, the impact of diet culture on body image, and the ongoing issues of weight stigma in media representation. They emphasize the importance of flexibility in food choices, the need to break free from toxic diet mentalities, and the significance of embracing one's authentic self and worth regardless of societal pressures.