Remi Bader, the influencer known for her candid takes on body positivity and fashion, is getting real about her weight loss journey. The 30-year-old star, who has made a name for herself as a plus-size influencer on TikTok, recently opened up about her decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery after experimenting with various weight loss methods, including Ozempic and Mounjaro. Her journey has been filled with ups and downs, and she is sharing the highs and lows of her transformation in an exclusive conversation with SELF.
In an interview with SELF published on March 26, 2025, Bader discussed why she ultimately stopped using weight loss medications and chose surgery as a path to better health. She also addressed her emotional struggles, shedding light on the complexity of her relationship with her body and food.
Starting Her Weight Loss Journey: Struggles with Binge Eating and Medication
Bader’s weight loss journey wasn’t just about shedding pounds—it was about addressing long-standing issues with binge eating. She shared that in 2019, she was diagnosed with a binge eating disorder, a condition that had haunted her for years. “I would always do the diet and restrict cycle, which only made things worse over time,” Bader explained.
In a bid to tackle her weight and eating issues, Bader turned to several methods, including Ozempic, Vyvanse, and the antidepressant Wellbutrin, but none of these approaches provided the lasting results she hoped for. “I tried Ozempic before weight loss surgery, and honestly, it was a nightmare,” she said. The side effects, particularly constant vomiting, were unbearable. “I was throwing up every day from it,” Bader revealed. “It’s different for everyone, but for me, it was horrible.”
Despite her struggles, Bader didn’t give up on finding a solution. She continued working with doctors for over two years, trying different treatments and attending Overeaters Anonymous meetings. “It’s been a journey,” she reflected, acknowledging how much effort it took to gain control over her health. But ultimately, she felt that weight loss drugs weren’t the right solution for her.
Turning to Surgery: Finding the Right Solution for Her Health
After the struggles with medication, Bader made the decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery (SADI-S) in December 2023. She explained that while she had hoped the weight loss medications would work, she felt “done” with temporary fixes. “I just knew that I couldn’t keep going back and forth,” she said, adding that “the surgery was the right path for me.”
Bader’s decision wasn’t easy, and she was transparent about the emotional toll it took. “I had to confront a lot of my issues with food,” she admitted, noting how the binge eating had been a major part of her life for so long. But after the surgery, she felt a sense of relief and empowerment. “I’m happier in my body now. I feel like I finally have control,” she said, expressing a newfound appreciation for the stability the surgery provided.
Struggles with Body Image and Acceptance: Finding Peace with Herself
One of the most difficult aspects of Bader’s journey has been dealing with body image issues. Even after undergoing weight loss surgery, she continues to wrestle with her self-esteem. “I loved being curvy my whole life; I just did. It was who I was,” she said, reflecting on her identity and how it’s evolved throughout the years.
However, when her health started to decline, she knew things needed to change. “It was a battle with myself,” Bader admitted. While she still believes it’s possible to be happy and healthy at any size, she recognized that her own journey was taking a different turn. “I became really unhappy when my health issues worsened, and I couldn’t ignore that anymore,” she shared, explaining that the weight loss wasn’t just about aesthetics but about improving her quality of life.
Ozempic and Mounjaro: A Struggle with Weight Loss Drugs
After experiencing negative side effects from Ozempic, Bader turned to Mounjaro, another GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to Ozempic. This time, she was using it secretly and felt “guilty” for doing so. “This is the worst thing I could be doing,” she recalled feeling. Bader was aware that using medication to aid in weight loss didn’t address the root causes of her binge eating and health issues.
Eventually, Bader realized that using medication was not the right path for her. After trying Ozempic again in early 2023 and still suffering from the side effects, she decided to stop completely. “I just couldn’t do it anymore. It wasn’t worth the vomiting and the discomfort,” she shared, adding that her choice to stop the drugs was driven by her desire for a healthier, more sustainable approach to weight loss.
Looking Forward: A New Chapter of Health and Self-Discovery
Now, with surgery behind her and a healthier mindset in place, Bader is embracing a more holistic approach to health. “I’m focusing on getting healthy, not just losing weight,” she said. Her new routine includes regular workouts, healthier eating habits, and a much more balanced approach to life.
“I still have a lot of work to do, but I’m finally at peace with the process,” she added. Bader is learning to focus on her mental health as much as her physical health, acknowledging that both are equally important in her overall well-being.
Empowering Others to Find Their Path
Remi Bader’s weight loss journey has been anything but straightforward, but it’s a journey filled with valuable lessons. For those who struggle with similar issues—whether it’s weight loss, body image, or food addiction—Bader’s advice is simple: “Don’t be afraid to seek help and find what works for you. It’s okay to take your time. Your health and happiness are what matter most.”
Her openness about the challenges she’s faced is inspiring, showing others that it’s okay to not have all the answers, but with the right support and self-compassion, change is possible. For Remi, this is just the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one that is focused on health, self-acceptance, and happiness.
