Have you ever thought extensively about the implications of weight loss surgery? Our cohost Laura Gordon, a therapist with extensive lived experience, sheds light on this often misunderstood journey. As someone who's been through it all, Laura opens up about her personal journey and the impact it has had on her life, body image, and relationship with food. We navigate through the world of diet culture, its financial aspects, and its potential consequences on an individual's physical and mental health.Weight-loss surgery is no easy decision. The risks involved, the physical and emotional toll it can take on a person's life, and the potential for new iterations of eating disorders are all explored in this episode. Laura discusses the complex relationship between body image, fat phobia, and the medical industry. We also dive into the reality of maintaining weight loss, often through eating disorder behaviors that are normalized by our culture.Beyond the surgery, the aftermath can pose its own set of challenges and complications. We discuss the potential side effects such as alcohol dependence, increased eating disorder symptoms, and the difficulty of sustaining weight loss. We also navigate through the impact of "lifestyle changes" and the grief that comes when the desired results aren't achieved. This episode is a deep dive into the realities of weight loss surgery, aiming to shed light and offer support to those considering this path, those who are struggling with disordered eating, those who have regained weight following weight loss surgery, or those struggling with body image issues.Check out Laura's blog series here:Part 1: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/one-womans-journey-through-weight-loss-surgeryPart 2: Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast! Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

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