In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini and registered dietitian Vincci Tsui take a deep dive into the often-overlooked consequences of bariatric surgery. They discuss the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts that extend far beyond the operating room, challenging the common perception of this weight-loss procedure.

Vincci Tsui (she/her) is a registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor with over 15 years of experience based in Mohkíntsis/Guts’its’i/Wîchîspa, or what is colonially known as Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Vincci is the founder of Weight-Inclusive Dietitians in Canada (WIDIC) and author of The Mindful Eating Workbook: Simple Practices for Nurturing a Positive Relationship with Food. Vincci takes a collaborative, compassionate, and inclusive approach to nutrition care that is person-centred, and informed by anti-oppression, social justice, Health at Every Size®, intuitive eating, mindful eating, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care concepts. Through her work, she hopes to contribute to a world where everyone has equitable access to the resources necessary to honour their physical, mental, emotional, social, and cultural needs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Surgery Types & Medical Details

  • Sleeve gastrectomy: What happens when 70% of the stomach is removed
  • How Roux-en-Y gastric bypass works and its long-term effects
  • Understanding dumping syndrome (early and late types)
  • The hidden complications of bariatric surgery and how they’re reported
  • Comparisons between bariatric surgery and emerging GLP-1 medications

Nutritional Impacts

  • The strict diet progression after surgery (liquid to soft foods)
  • Why malnutrition can still occur despite a high-protein focus
  • Challenges in maintaining adequate nutrition with restricted intake
  • How food tolerance varies among patients
  • Misconceptions about fat storage and nutritional needs

Psychological & Social Effects

  • The "honeymoon phase" of reduced hunger and its aftermath
  • Increased risk of alcohol dependency after surgery
  • Long-term mental health struggles post-surgery
  • Social challenges related to eating and food-focused events
  • How surgery affects personal relationships
  • The stigma and shame often associated with bariatric procedures

Healthcare System Issues

  • Why post-surgery follow-up care is often limited to one year or less
  • Lack of long-term tracking for complications and patient outcomes
  • The varying levels of post-surgical support available to patients
  • How weight stigma influences medical decision-making
  • The overlooked connection between bariatric surgery and eating disorders

Current Trends & Future Implications

  • How bariatric surgery compares to GLP-1 weight loss medications
  • Typical weight loss patterns and the reality of weight regain
  • The growing trend of combining surgery with weight-loss medications
  • How bariatric surgery trends are shifting in response to new treatments
  • The impact of weight-loss interventions on fat activism and weight-inclusive spaces

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:58 The Realities of Bariatric Surgery
  • 01:37 Introducing Vincci Tsui
  • 03:13 Vinci's Journey in Dietetics
  • 09:50 Understanding Bariatric Surgery
  • 12:10 Post-Surgery Challenges
  • 15:37 Nutritional Complications and Misconceptions
  • 36:47 Mental Health and Bariatric Surgery
  • 50:01 Conclusion and Resources

HOW TO CONNECT WITH VINCCI TO LEARN MORE:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

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Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.