In the third episode of Sessions - a NEW series on the Food Freedom/Body Love podcast where you get to listen in on 1:1 conversations between Jill and those struggling with food, body image, weight, and health - Jill talks with a woman who's undergone gastric sleeve surgery after years of trying to get off the diet/weight gain roller coster on her own. While she did lose weight after the surgery - new issues have emerged and the struggle with food and body continue.
In this episode, we discuss:

How the medical view of weight and BMI encourages the diet cycle, resulting in ongoing weight gain
PCOS, restriction, and weight
Why losing weight won't fix your relationship with food or your body image
Why a fear of weight gain emerges and how to manage it
Why "fitting in" to cultural ideals doesn't result in happiness, even if it does reduce stigma
Why making peace with food and body and your own appetite is so important, regardless of weight


Note: At the beginning of this podcast, as I introduce the session, I say that I'm sure there are people who've undergone weight loss surgery with "beautiful" results. I'd just like to note that the word "beautiful" feels wrong to me. I don't pretend to know what every person's experience with surgery has been, but based on what I do know I'd choose more subtle language if I were to re-record. Thanks for sticking with me as I "write in pencil" and facilitate these off the cuff conversations that aren't always perfect!
TW: All of these sessions are recorded live and only moderately edited - numbers (weight, calories, etc) may come up as well as the "O" words (overweight, obese) and the mention of specific diet plans or food philosophies. It's the nature of working 1:1 in this way. Please listen only if these topics aren't triggering for you. Also - these sessions are designed to educate and entertain. They are not prescriptive. If you are struggling with food and body image issues, you should reach out to your primary care provider for individual advice before self-diagnosing or treating.