Gastric Bypass at 18

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Gastric Bypass at 18"

Podcast Information:

• Title: We're All Insane
• Host: Devorah Roloff
• Guest: Jazlyn Summers
• Episode Title: Gastric Bypass at 18
• Release Date: December 30, 2024

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Introduction

In the poignant episode titled "Gastric Bypass at 18," host Devorah Roloff welcomes Jazlyn Summers, a young woman who underwent bariatric weight loss surgery at the tender age of 18. Jazlyn shares her deeply personal journey navigating life with obesity, the challenges she faced, and the transformative impact of her surgery.

Early Awareness and Childhood Struggles

Jazlyn begins by recounting her earliest memories related to her weight. At just five years old, she recalls feeling different from her peers:

Jazlyn Summers [00:00]: "The first core memory I have about being conscious of my weight was when I was five... I do look different. I am heavier."

This early awareness led to feelings of isolation and bullying throughout her elementary years. She describes harsh experiences, such as being mocked for wearing a bra in second grade and being called "fatty" multiple times by peers.

Jazlyn Summers [03:27]: "There was this girl in second grade who accused me of stuffing my bra... it was just so weird."

Family Dynamics and Enforced Exercise

Jazlyn discusses the complicated relationship with her family, particularly her father, who was also overweight. Her father enforced rigorous exercise routines on her and her brother from a young age, believing it would help them avoid the struggles he faced.

Jazlyn Summers [06:15]: "My dad would make me start sprinting up the stairs at age 10... I thought it was normal at the time."

Development of Binge Eating and Mental Health Struggles

Around sixth grade, Jazlyn developed a binge eating disorder, which she attributes to the persistent bullying and lack of effective coping mechanisms. High school intensified her struggles, leading to depression, self-harm, and eventually a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at 18.

Jazlyn Summers [08:55]: "When I turned 18, I got diagnosed with bipolar disorder... I had just given up on losing weight altogether."

Decision for Bariatric Surgery

Inspired by her father's successful weight loss surgery, Jazlyn made the courageous decision to undergo a duodenal switch procedure. She details the rigorous pre-surgery requirements, including six months of attempted weight loss to qualify for insurance coverage.

Jazlyn Summers [14:52]: "My dad lost a lot of weight with the surgery, and I saw that as the only solution for me."

Surgery Experience and Immediate Aftermath

Jazlyn vividly describes her surgery day, the immediate recovery, and the emotional turmoil she felt upon waking up post-operation.

Jazlyn Summers [20:37]: "The week-long liquid diet before surgery was the hardest... I broke down and bought Jello because I needed solid food."

Post-Surgery Transformation and Challenges

Post-surgery, Jazlyn experienced rapid weight loss and improved physical health. She discusses the significant positive changes, such as increased mobility and newfound enjoyment in exercise. However, she also addresses the challenges, including dealing with loose skin and altered body image.

Jazlyn Summers [24:40]: "I lost 150 pounds and now I'm about 150. I'm happy with how I look, but dealing with loose skin has been tough."

Mental Health and Social Dynamics Post-Surgery

While the surgery alleviated many of Jazlyn's physical and some mental health issues, she faced new challenges. Her parents and relatives began making unsolicited comments about her appearance, which conflicted with her previous experiences of bullying. Additionally, Jazlyn reflects on societal perceptions of weight loss surgery and emphasizes that it is not an "easy way out."

Jazlyn Summers [37:21]: "I have so much empathy for people who are overweight... The body positivity movement is great, but real life still has a long way to go."

Advocacy and Reflections

Jazlyn passionately advocates for understanding and support for individuals considering weight loss surgery. She highlights the importance of mental readiness and the profound life changes that accompany such a decision.

Jazlyn Summers [39:01]: "If you're considering surgery, do it only if you're ready. It's a major life change, and I wouldn't take it back."

She also addresses body dysmorphia and the ongoing adjustments required to maintain her weight loss, stressing the need for continuous mental health support.

Jazlyn Summers [47:32]: "You have to change things completely... It's a full 180 that you're doing."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jazlyn expressing gratitude for sharing her story and encouraging others to seek the help they need without judgment.

Jazlyn Summers [48:31]: "I want people to feel comfortable if they're able to get the surgery, if they're ready for it. I wouldn't change a thing."

Host Devorah Roloff commends Jazlyn for her bravery and the insightful discussion, highlighting the profound impact of Jazlyn's story on listeners who may be grappling with similar struggles.

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Notable Quotes

• Jazlyn Summers [00:00]: "The first core memory I have about being conscious of my weight was when I was five... I do look different. I am heavier."

• Jazlyn Summers [08:55]: "When I turned 18, I got diagnosed with bipolar disorder... I had just given up on losing weight altogether."

• Jazlyn Summers [39:01]: "If you're considering surgery, do it only if you're ready. It's a major life change, and I wouldn't take it back."

• Jazlyn Summers [37:21]: "I have so much empathy for people who are overweight... The body positivity movement is great, but real life still has a long way to go."

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Key Takeaways

1. Early Awareness and Bullying: Jazlyn's lifelong struggle with weight began in early childhood, leading to significant bullying and emotional trauma.
2. Family Influence: Her father's own battle with weight and his methods of enforcing exercise contributed to her complex relationship with weight and self-image.
3. Mental Health: The intersection of obesity, binge eating disorder, and bipolar disorder underscores the intricate link between physical and mental health.
4. Bariatric Surgery as a Lifeline: For Jazlyn, bariatric surgery was a transformative decision that offered physical liberation but came with its own set of challenges.
5. Societal Perceptions: The episode highlights society's often superficial understanding of weight loss surgery and the lingering stigmas associated with weight.
6. Advocacy for Support and Understanding: Jazlyn emphasizes the need for empathy, proper mental health support, and informed decision-making for those considering weight loss surgery.

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Final Thoughts

"Gastric Bypass at 18" is a compelling narrative that sheds light on the multifaceted challenges of living with obesity and the profound impact of bariatric surgery. Jazlyn Summers' honesty and resilience offer invaluable insights for listeners, fostering a deeper understanding of the personal battles behind the scale.

Transcript

[Emma Chamberlain]

Hey, it's Emma Chamberlain. I designed these new glasses for Warby Parker, and I basically can't take them off. Like, I'm showering in them and sleeping in them. They're just that good. Go see them [e-mail] and you know what? Have a good day too. Okay? All right, bye. This episode is brought to you by Dutch Bros. Big smiles, rocking tunes, and epic drinks. Dutch Bros. Is all about you. Choose from a variety of customizable handcrafted beverages like our rebel energy drink drinks, coffees, teas, and more. Download the Dutch Bros app for a free medium drink. Plus, find your nearest shop, order ahead and start earning rewards offer valid for new app users only. Free medium drink reward upon registration. 14 day expiration terms apply. See DutchBros.com My name is Jazlyn Summers, and I had a bariatric weight loss surgery when I turned 18, and I'm 20 now. I'm turning 21 in October. And it's just. It's been, like, three years since the surgery. It's been a lot. It's been a journey. And honestly, my whole life has been a journey surrounding my weight. So I thought I'd just start from the beginning. I remember the very first memory I have of, like, being conscious about my weight was when I was five. I was in my backyard, and I just. I. I don't remember exactly what was said. Just, like, something about maybe me not being the same size as all of my, like, classmates or whatever. I just remember looking down at myself and being like, oh, I do look different. I am heavier. And I was like, that's just the first core memory I have, I guess, about being, like, conscious of my weight.

[Jazlyn Summers]

So sad. Because such a young age.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah, it's like, I shouldn't be five, worrying about.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Right.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Being chubby. But, yeah, that's. That's the very first thing I remember. I grew up feeling not normal, and I al. Like, I felt like I kind of missed out on having, like, a happy life because of my weight. I played a lot of sports. I played softball and basketball. I played, like, soccer for a year or whatever. But I was always comparing myself to the other athletes and being like, oh, I wish I could run faster, but I can't because I'm overweight. And, like, I tried to lose weight. I think the first time I started, like, actively trying to lose weight was in, like, the elementary school. And it's like, I don't know. I would always get just, like, reminded, I guess, that I needed to lose weight through elementary school, I got made fun of. Obviously, it was hard making friends. People kind of thought I was a weirdo. And I kind of just like, isolated myself the first couple years because I didn't know how to make friends. And I just. I felt like an outcast, I guess, in second grade. This is another, like, core memory. Some girl accused me of stuffing my bra when I was in second grade. And I was like, no, I don't do that. That's weird. I was also just made fun of for having to wear bras at such a young age. Because, like, I don't know, like, kids in first and second grade were like, what? You wear a bra? That's weird.

[Jazlyn Summers]

I was gonna say in general. I feel like people say it all the time. You hear it all the time. Not all kids, but a lot of kids can be evil. But I think, too, like, when you're young like that. Right. It's like anything out of just what everybody else is doing, it has to be pointed out, because kids don't have a filter.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Right.

[Jazlyn Summers]

And they don't realize that people have feelings yet, I don't think.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah.

[Jazlyn Summers]

And things stick with you.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. It was just. I don't know. I just remember being like, why would you ask me that?

[Jazlyn Summers]

Yeah.

[Emma Chamberlain]

But, yeah, I got bullied. There was this one situation where I liked this guy, and one of his, like, friends knew, and I was on the bus, and he came up to me and he was like, hey, so and so likes you. And I was like, what? Like, why do you say that? And then he made me wait until the end of the day. And then he told me on the bus, like, right before I went home, he was like, he likes you because you're fat. And I was like, what? And so obviously it was just some, like, big joke to make fun of me. And that just, like, really stuck with me. I think that was the first time I'd ever been called fat. First many. And, yeah, it's just like, these things are like, why? Why? But it's just like, I kind of got used to that kind of feeling. In third or fourth grade, I just remember getting off my bus. My bus stop was, like, right in front of my house. And so I would get off and walk into my house, and some girl, like, in the back of the bus, she rolled down the window and would yell fatty at me as I walked into my house. And I was just like, what is going on? This happened. Yeah, this happened like, three or four times. And then I told someone, and obviously she stopped. She got in Trou for it. But I was just like, like, looking back on it, I'm like, like, why would kids do that? That's just so insane.

[Jazlyn Summers]

You would see in a movie where people are, like, bullying kids. Yeah, I think it actually, like, happens that to that degree.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah.

[Jazlyn Summers]

But it's so heartbreaking that it does.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. It's just. It was weird. I don't even know. I don't have words for it. And then there was this other kid that bullied me. I remember we were just in class, and the teacher announced that we were getting, like, a treat or something or popsicles because we did good at something. And I was like, oh, yay, I' and he looked at me, and he was like, yeah, of course you are. And I was just like, what'd I do? But, yeah, my family, they always kind of, like, would tiptoe around addressing that I was overweight. They would kind of, like, not bring it up, but if they did, it would affect me a lot. And they would just be like, oh, you should stop eating so much and be like, oh, are you on a diet yet? And one of the biggest factors into just kind of, like, trauma around my weight was my dad. He would say this was, like, for benefit of sports. My dad was also overweight, so I guess maybe he was trying to avoid. Have me avoid just the things that he had to deal with, being overweight. He would force me to exercise to exhaustion at, like, the ripe age of 10. So, like, I thought it was kind of normal when he would do it, because I didn't know anything else, but, like, looking back at it, I'm like, wow. Okay. So some of the things that he would make me do were. We had stairs in our house, and there was, like, I think four flights of stairs. He would make me start all the way in the basement and run all the way up the stairs, like, sprinting. And we would do it, like, over and over, and he'd, like, time us, me and my brother. He made both of us do it, and. And he would. It's just like, why am I 10 years old sprinting? Like, I'm a D1 athlete.

[Jazlyn Summers]

I was gonna ask you too. Like, as far as your weight went, did you. Do you think it was something that was more of, like, a genetic thing, or do you think it was something that, like, you were overeating?

[Emma Chamberlain]

So, yeah, I. I feel like it might have been a genetic thing. Like, I said, my dad was overweight, and, like, some of my other family members are, but, like, that definitely contributed. But I Did around sixth grade develop a binge eating disorder. And I think that it, it had a lot to do with just the kind of way I was treated about my weight. I didn't really know how to cope with it. And I mean, I, I had other issues going on too, rather than my weight. Like, my parents fought a lot, and I just, I didn't really know what to do. As a kid, I felt a lot of big emotions, and the only thing that suit. Soothed. Soothed them were to eat. I kind of just found comfort in food. And that was when I developed the binge eating disorder, probably around, like, middle school. And it wasn't like bulimia. It was just I would eat and eat and eat until I couldn't anymore, and. And then I felt better, so I kept doing it. So, yeah, basically, like, how it started was before my dad would come home and, like, make me do a bunch of exercise, I would get home from school and then eat like an entire meal. So I'd have like four to five meals a day, which is obviously unhealthy, but that was my only coping mechanism. And yeah, so binge eating disorder at like 12, that's kind of where things started to escalate into where I was getting obese. But yeah, then moving on to high school, it was like, okay, ish. Like, I had to deal with COVID and stuff like that. But it was like, I, I. You know, people say, like, if you grow up ugly, you have to, like, learn how to be funny. And so my personality had kind of developed and I was funny. Like, I did theater and I had a lot of friends, but I was sad a lot of the time. And I was still binge eating.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Yeah.

[Emma Chamberlain]

But I was kind of like, I don't know, less conscious of it.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Right. And I think the hard thing too is there wasn't much, like, information around what you were going through. Like, it's not like it was really, I feel like, discussed in a way to make you feel comfortable or understand it, if that makes sense. It was kind of just like, oh, well, this is here. And then it was like, let's just jump to exercising like a maniac in the basement, you know what I mean? Rather than, like, I guess, maybe trying to figure out other approaches or things like that. And I think that that's why it probably can be easy to give you this very negative perception around everything that kind of goes with it. Like, even just the exercise aspect. It's like, it's going to make you, like, push you further away from Wanting to do something like that because you were thrown into it, I feel like in, in the wrong way.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Right? And like, I think in middle school too, like, they took me to a doctor just to see why I was so overweight. And they didn't even, like, say anything about the exercise. They were like, yeah, you're like, you're exercising healthily, but you probably need to change your diet. And then we got one of those, like, meal plate things that like, portions things out. But I. I feel like my parents kind of expected me to just follow that and do it all myself without any help. And they would still, like, we would eat out a lot and just get a bunch of junk food in the house. And all the help I really got was my parents being like, you shouldn't eat that. And then I'd still eat it too.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Like, I. I mean, even me looking back, because obviously, like, now being an adult and understanding way more, it's like when you're younger and you're in middle school, school or high school, you just are going to eat what tastes good. We don't really have that knowledge around. I feel like nutrition at all, right.

[Emma Chamberlain]

And like, it was a lot for me, me to comprehend as a kid. I was just like, oh, I don't. What, what's protein? What, what are the food groups? Or whatever. And it's like, I feel like if I had support, I could have gotten into healthier eating habits. I just felt like I didn't have much support. Positive support. But, yeah. So high school, I was. I was depressed like in middle school, but then it got worse in high school, and like, I just kind of. I compared myself to everybody around me, you know, like normal social media stuff. People were just, you know, you compare yourself to everybody. But I was like, especially comparing myself to my friends. And I feel like that hurt a lot of my friendships too. I never dated anyone in high school, which kind of made me sad because it was like everyone around me was dating people, but nobody ever liked me. And I had a lot of, like, crushes on people and I would tell them and they would reject me. And it was just kind of like I got used to rejection at such an early age. And, I don't know, I hated how I looked. I stopped weighing myself, like, a long time ago because I didn't want to know my weight or face the truth that I was at literally a morbidly obese bmi. I had back and feet problems. I couldn't go out with my friends where we had to do a lot of walking because it would hurt too bad. So I quit softball and I was like 16 and that kind of really escalated like my weight gain because I didn't have a sport anymore. I wasn't like making an effort to exercise on the daily or even weekly. I don't know. Part of me wishes that I didn't quit softball, but it was also just aside from my weight, it was a lot of mental health problems. And I felt better after I quit, but I was also sad. So senior year, about a couple years later, I started self harming mentally. Things were just awful. I had given up on losing weight. I was binge eating and hurting myself and just, I was, I was really, really, really depressed also. When I turned 18, I got diagnosed with bipolar dis. So that was just another stack on top of the mental problems. But yeah, I had, I had just given up on losing weight altogether. With everything I tried in the past, I just felt helpless. I was like, nothing is gonna fix this and I'm just stuck like this forever.

[Jazlyn Summers]

And I think too probably when you get to a certain point, you're like, what's the point of trying to go back now?

[Emma Chamberlain]

Right. I was just so, like, I had no intention of feeling better. Yeah, I guess I was just, I was so, I felt alone in it almost. So like I said earlier, my dad, he was also overweight and he was a lot heavier than I was. And he started looking into weight loss surgery. And when we first like, when he first like brought it up, my mom was kind of against it. She was like, that's scary. It's a risk, um, it's going to cost a little money. And then we figured out that our insurance that we were under actually covered the entire thing. So my dad, he had to, for, for like the weight loss program that we went to, the insurance would only cover it, like with his bmi. He had to do like six months of like trying to lose weight and working out. And if after six months went by, your BMI didn't go down, then, then they would cover it.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Got it. Okay.

[Emma Chamberlain]

So he did six months of that and then he got the surgery in about, I think either 2020 or 2021. And immediately like you could see results. Like he just was losing weight rapidly. And I saw that and I was like, I want that solution. Yeah. And obviously it was hard. Like he had a lot of stomach issues and would like throw up a lot. And that was like a big fear for me because I have, what's it called, emitophobia or whatever fear of throwing up and that terrified me. So it and I wasn't 18 yet so I couldn't even like consider the possibility of surgery. But once I turned 18 I was like, I'm ready. I'm ready to start my life. I guess it felt like I wasn't really living a good life. I just, I just felt so different from everybody. And I mean the only solution I saw was to get the surgery.

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[Emma Chamberlain]

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[Emma Chamberlain]

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[Jazlyn Summers]

Almost like forces your body into that kind of kickstart. It gives you that push.

[Emma Chamberlain]

I feel like yeah, I got the consultation to meet with all of the doctors and the nurses and whatever and it was actually they, they found my BMI, you know, and I was 5:2. I still am 5:2, but I was like, I think at my heaviest I was 310 pounds and that is like very, very like morbidly obese. And that was like on the scale of where I didn't have to do the six months of trying to lose Weight because it was at such an unhealthy thing that my insurance was like, yeah, we'll cover it right now, like, go ahead and set up the appointment. So after the consultation, I received a lot of information and just like how my life was going to change, I guess. So the surgery was like about a month or so after that consultation. So I learned that I was going to have a procedure called duodenal switch. And it combines two bariatric procedures to reroute food and remove part of the stomach and the small intestine. So it was a lot to learn that I was gonna have like 60 to 70% of my stomach removed. But yeah, they removed that and then it created a sleeve gastrectomy. I don't think I said that right. They put like a sleeve around the removed part, I guess to control hunger and restriction. They did something in my small intestine that like bypasses some of it. They kind of just like rerouted my whole insides. They rerouted that so the body would absorb fewer calories and nutrients. So that was like a big thing. Because the doctors really wanted to make sure that I knew I had to make major diet changes. Like, you can't just have the weight surgery and continue binge eating, you know, Like I. It was impossible to do that. So they really emphasized that I needed to intake a lot of protein because that's really all the body can absorb at this point. When I have the small intestine removed or whatever. I don't know, I'm not a doctor.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Did hearing all this information, did it make you more nervous?

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Okay.

[Emma Chamberlain]

I'd never had surgery before except I got like my wisdom teeth removed and that was, it was fine. So I was like, okay, that's intense. Yeah. I think I was really just scared about like the incision incisions. I guess I thought I was going to have to have like a huge scar across my stomach, but actually wasn't that bad. Scar wise, they made five, like, I don't like two inch incisions. And today they're like, the scars have completely faded. Wow. I can't even tell that they're there anymore. So I think the worst part before surgery was the week long liquid diet before surgery. Just like imagine you've had a binge eating disorder for many, many years and then the doctor tells you, okay, no more eating for a week.

[Jazlyn Summers]

It would be hard for anybody.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. So it was only like, I could only have like water, Gatorade, protein shakes, stuff like that. And it was so hard. I remember I think, like, the second or third day of it, I broke down, I went to the store and I got like, jello, I think, and I was like, I need solid food so bad. Right. But it. It didn't affect the surgery, thankfully. It was probably not a good idea to do that, but, you know, I kind of just like, broke. But, yeah, surgery, the idea of it has always, like, scared me. It's just. I don't know. I used to say I wanted to be a surgeon until I actually, like, looked into it and I was like, that's actually terrifying. Like, Grey's Anatomy is not real life.

[Jazlyn Summers]

No, none of those shows are, unfortunately.

[Emma Chamberlain]

But thankfully, like, I. I made it to the surgery day. And I remember just getting there, getting to the hospital, being scared. My mom was with me, so that made me feel a little bit better. And yeah, I just. I went right in, changed into a gown and started. They started hooking me up with IVs, and that was that. I remember having to, like, count down on the surgery table or whatever. And then I remember waking up in the recovery room and it felt like no time had passed. That's. That's the weird thing about anesthesia. It's like you don't, like, dream. It's just like, like, I don't know, like a jump cut in your life. But I remember waking up in the recovery room and I think I was. I was like, still, like, on coming out of anesthesia, and I was really mean to the nurse that was there. I just remember that I was really mad. But, yeah, I only had to stay in the hospital for a night. And it kind of. I don't know, I don't remember much, much of it because I was on so many, like, medications. But I remember I had to get up and walk around the hospital floor a lot just because, like, you know, it was like abdominal surgery and they had to make sure everything was okay. Then I finally went home and recovery was about two weeks. Luckily, my surgery was scheduled, like, right before spring break. So I think for a week of spring break, I didn't have to miss school because we were on break.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Were you able to start eating right away?

[Emma Chamberlain]

No, it was all liquid diet. Still at the hospital. They had me try to drink a protein shake and I just. I could not stomach it. It hurt so bad. I don't really know how to explain the pain. It felt like kind of like cramps, but in, like, my chest and like, my upper stomach. It was. It was so weird. I'd never experienced that pain before, but it's just like as soon as I ate or drank anything, it hurt. But I really, I was trying to keep fluids in me, like water. And I, I don't even remember when I was able to eat solid food. It was, it had to be like at least two weeks after the surgery that I finally started eating solids because.

[Jazlyn Summers]

I'm sure the desire just wasn't even there either because yeah, I remember it.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Not being super hard to only do liquids because my stomach hurts so bad. I was like, I don't want to eat right. So after recovery, months went by and I was rapidly, was rapidly losing weight. It was pretty awesome. I was like basically cured of my binge eating disorder because I, I couldn't do it anymore. It hurt too bad and I kind of have a low pain tolerance. So I was just like, well, can't really do this anymore. I'm not finding comfort in eating anymore. So I needed to find comfort elsewhere. I mean, I was in therapy and learning all the coping strategies and stuff like that. But yeah, it was, it was really, really nice because I think at some point I just realized, oh, I haven't binge ate in so long and it was so worth it.

[Jazlyn Summers]

How was your mental health after the surgery?

[Emma Chamberlain]

I feel like it was better. Unfortunately around that time my parents were getting a divorce, so it was kind of like still bad mentally, but like in regards to body image and stuff. Like, I felt good. It was crazy to actually be losing weight after trying for so many years. When I was growing up, I hated going clothes shopping because I felt like every time I went shopping I went a size up. I remember I was in like second or third grade and I couldn't even shop at the kids section in Kohl's anymore. And I was just so sad. I was like, where do I go now? By the time I had my surgery, I think I was wearing like 3 XL stuff like that. You know how hard it is to find good plus size clothing. Like I was a teenager and I'm, I don't want to wear, just, I don't know, just they don't, they don't make good plus size clothing. And it was hard for me to find anything I like to wear. But when I was losing weight, I was moving down sizes and I was like, wow, this is, this is awesome. Like I can shop in normal clothes stores now, which I, I really missed out on. I remember there was like certain stores like Urban Outfitters or even like justice. When I was a kid. I couldn't shop there. They didn't have Anything that fit me. But, yeah, it was. It was really rewarding to see that I was losing weight. I lost, I think, 150 pounds, so I was down from 300. I'm, like, about 150 now, and I'm kind of. I kind of like the weight I'm at. So with my dad, he lost, like, a lot of weight, and he's just, like, really, really skinny now. And I. I like the weight I'm at. I'm like, about, like, a medium or a large, and I could probably lose more weight, but I'm like, I'm happy with how I look. I'm finally happy. So the biggest kind of, like, downside of everything, I guess, because, I mean, there are so many positives, but there are also negatives to getting a major weight loss surgery. So some of the negatives were I did have to get an entire new closet, and I don't really have the budget for that because just.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Plus the surgery.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah, right. This is like, the biggest issue is kind of, you know, a little bit weird to talk about, but just for the sake of people knowing what they're getting into. Pooping is really difficult sometimes. So it's not necessarily, like, a constipation type of thing. It's. I don't even know where to start. So with the diet, you know, you change your entire stomach around, and the doctors tell you to eat majority protein. Sometimes I don't listen. Sometimes I like to eat carbs, like, mashed potatoes and stuff like that, because those are just, like, my comfort food, you know, And. And cheese. I love cheese. But that's just. It's hard for your stomach to digest after the surgery. And so whenever I kind of slip up and I don't eat as much protein as I should, pooping is hard. Like, I don't know how to explain the pain, but it's like, kind of like I said, like period cramps. Just, like, not just in your lower abdomen. It's, like, everywhere.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Right.

[Emma Chamberlain]

And it sucks so bad, but it's kind of like, it's up to me if I want to avoid that pain.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Exactly. I was going to ask you, too. After the surgery, how long was it before you pooped for the first time?

[Emma Chamberlain]

I don't even remember. I feel like maybe like a week to two weeks.

[Jazlyn Summers]

I was gonna say. I. I felt like it would be a little while.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. Yeah, it was. It was difficult. That was constant.

[Jazlyn Summers]

I'd be scared of, like, what's gonna come out? Like, is it gonna be normal?

[Emma Chamberlain]

So, yeah, just my whole Relationship with poopy has changed. It's so I remember, I think like maybe six months or eight months after the surgery, I went, I went back to my doctor and I was like, like, I'm having problems, dude.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Yeah.

[Emma Chamberlain]

And. And my, my doctor was like, yeah, so that's normal. And maybe my brain just like didn't process what they told me before I got the surgery, but I guess it's normal for people that have had the surgery to poop like two to three times a day. That is so much. But because like when I was eating when I was overweight, you don't really go that often because you're. You don't have like a healthy gut. What's it called? Yeah, gut. So it was just like a lot to adjust to and especially because it hurt when I would go.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Yeah.

[Emma Chamberlain]

But yeah, that's, that's like the biggest factor. And I always feel bad because sometimes it just. When I know I have to go, I have to go. Like, no matter when it is, I can't really like control it anymore. Like I could before the surgery. Wow. This is. I get that.

[Jazlyn Summers]

I have ibs. Like I've been telling people for my whole life, like when I have to go, it's either going to be in a toilet or in my pants. There's no holding it.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah, I kind of like, I don't know. It's. It, it's. Sometimes it like it feels like IBS to me. So whenever, like if someone like asks me if I'm okay, like after I go to the bathroom, I'm like, oh yeah, I just have IBS because I don't feel like explaining everything. It's like ye just got. I got a surgery a few years ago. It's just easier to say ibs. But yeah. Wow. It's a lot to be talking about my pooping schedule. But yeah, it's like I can control that if I follow the diet, which I need to be. And I do. But. Oh yeah, I wanted to talk about eating too. Cuz I still like eating is different for me. Like I'm not really eating is not the same from when it was before surgery. So whenever I eat, I have to eat very slowly. I cannot drink anything 30 minutes before or 30. I have to wait like 30 minutes after or I simply cannot eat. Which kind of sucks because that, like.

[Jazlyn Summers]

That'S just because it fills your stomach.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yes.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Okay.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Like at restaurants, I'll get. I'll be thirsty. Like I used I loved to have a drink with my meal. It was my favorite like, combination. But at restaurants, I have to, like, sit there and, like, actively not drink my drink that's in front of me because I. I can't eat right sometimes I. It, like, gets the best of me. Also, I just noticed they tell you to, like, wait a while after the surgery to drink pop. And I. I waited, like, a year to drink pop ever again. And it's. It doesn't give me any problems. I know it gives some people problems, so that's another thing to, like, be conscious of if you don't. If you don't want to give up pop. Sorry, I'm kind of, like, rambling.

[Jazlyn Summers]

No, you're okay. I have a question.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah.

[Jazlyn Summers]

As far because I know that you said growing up, you know, the way people treated you obviously was very horrible. After the surgery and after you started losing weight, did you notice a change in how people started treating you?

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yes.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Which I'm sure just makes you want to go like.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. Yeah. First, I think I noticed it with my family. They were constantly making comments about my body after the surgery. They were constantly being like, wow, you're so skinny.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Yeah, I look damn good, don't I?

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. And it was just, like, relatives that. That I wouldn't expect to be making comments about my body did. And I was just like, you're weird.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Like, and you're also not used to hearing stuff like that. So you're like, this is like.

[Emma Chamberlain]

I don't know how to take it. Yeah, I don't. I don't know how to respond. Thank you. But, yeah, like, relatives and people. It's. It was kind of nice, though, because I had the surgery, like, coming out of high school, so I didn't really have to deal with people that didn't, like, in school. Yeah.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Okay. Yeah.

[Emma Chamberlain]

So, like, going into college, I already lost so much weight that it was like, I didn't know people before the surgery got it, and they kind of just treated me like normal. I don't know if maybe they would have treated me differently when I was overweight, but. Yeah, it's just like, I feel like, generally I'm more respected when I was overweight. I don't know. I just felt like people saw me as, like, a joke almost and never took me seriously. I mean, I had to be the funny friend, you know, because what else do I have going for me? And I feel like I really just kind of started my life as, like, a normal person. I guess whenever I started losing all the weight, it's just weird. Like, another thing of how I was treated Differently. So, you know, I'm. I'm on social media and stuff, and I, I post, like, you know, the, like, transition videos of, like, what I looked like before and what I looked like after. And people would, like, comment like, you were pretty before too, like, and stuff like that. I'm like, well, why weren't you telling me that when I was overweight? Like, you're just doing it because I don't know. Just like, I don't know why people do that.

[Jazlyn Summers]

It's like you people try to do the whole, like, body positivity thing on social media, where it's like, in real.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Life, it's not like that. Right, Exactly. In real life, you were telling me I need to lose weight.

[Jazlyn Summers]

So I think too, it's because it's what. What looks good online to write.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Right. Right. It's like you want to be seen as someone who's like, a part of the movement. But before, you weren't. You. You bullied me. But, yeah, that's kind of how I'm treated differently. I feel like another big part of the reason why I got the surgery is because in high school, I started wanting to go down the path of being a news anchor. And how many fat news anchors do you know? Like, I just was. I was like, I'm not gonna get hired. Like, it doesn't. To people in the TV industry, that doesn't look good. And that's just a fact. Like, unfortunately, you're not going to get as many job opportunities. Hey, it's Austin James. Yes, I'm living with diabetes, but it doesn't have to define me. Thanks to the freestyle libre 3 plus sensor, I get real time glucose readings throughout the day. The freestyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is small and easy to wear, giving me the freedom to focus on my life as a parent and a musician. Now this is progress. You can get a free sensor at.

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[Emma Chamberlain]

And so it's been nice, the amount of opportunities that I've had. And I can't help but think, like, I wonder if I would be where I am today if I hadn't gotten it.

[Jazlyn Summers]

It's like, you're literally starting a completely different life.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Right. And it's. It's just so weird. And I. I always have these thoughts in the back of my head, like, how much different would my life be if I didn't grow up overweight? I just. There's so many things that are different now that I'm like, I could have started a lot earlier, getting into, like, broadcast and whatever, but at the same.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Time, I think that having that perspective allows you to be a more relatable, sweet person. Because you. You know what it feels like to be on that flip side and, like. Well, yeah, obviously it would have been great to, like, have the perspective. And I hate to say opportunity because, like, it's really sad to me that. That being a certain size creates more or less opportunity. But, yeah, just basically my point is, is I feel like, yeah, it would have been great if you had the mental health that you have now, like, years ago. But at the same time, I think, like I just said, it gives you a different perspective on people and how wrong it is to treat people the way that you were treated.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah, I have so much, like, empathy for people who are overweight.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Right.

[Emma Chamberlain]

It's like, I just. I feel so hard for them, and I. I hate how overweight people are treated. Like, yes, the body positivity movement is a great and wonderful thing, but I feel like it really hasn't made any progress. No, the people like to talk it up and, like, on social media, they make it a big thing, but in real life, you're not given job opportunities. You're seen as a different kind of person. Like, people will just make fun of you for being a certain size, and it really sucks.

[Jazlyn Summers]

And I think it's important for everybody to be healthy. You know, obviously having an eating disorder or eating foods that are just horrible for you, that's not great either. But at the same time, I don't think that even to this day, everybody realizes where there's some people that have a really fast metabolism and they have difficulty gaining weight. The same is on the flip side that some people really struggle losing weight.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Right.

[Jazlyn Summers]

And they, you know, they have a bad relationship with food. And I don't think everybody understands that, and that's why people are more, like, judgmental towards it.

[Emma Chamberlain]

I don't know. I just feel like we, as, like, a society need to get better about, I don't know, creating better outlets for people to seek help if they want it.

[Jazlyn Summers]

I think knowledge, information, support. Support is huge. I know that you mentioned it before, but I think that that is really key in something because you always need to feel like you have somebody to. To talk to and lean on. And, you know, even if you chose not to get the weight loss surgery, that would be your choice, too.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Right, Exactly. So, like, if you're. If you're watching this podcast because you want to get a weight loss surgery, I would say you should get it, but only if you're ready. It's just, like, it is a major life change, and I wouldn't take it back. I don't regret it at all. But there are just a lot of things that you'll have to go through to get to where you want to be. And even, like, before the surgery, you have to have a mental health consultation. And, like, they will straight up be like, you're not mentally ready, so you can't. But I was very, like, ready.

[Jazlyn Summers]

And I think that's important, too. Like. Like you just said, being ready for yourself to make that decision and knowing, like, within yourself. Okay. I want to make this change for me.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Right. Another downside of the surgery is body dysmorphia. Sometimes I will look in the mirror and not know who I am looking at. It's very, very strange. I will see myself, and I will see what I used to look like, and I'll be like, who am I anymore? And I also feel like I see myself a lot bigger than I actually am. Just like. Like, in the mirror, I guess I'll see pictures taken of me and be like, oh, I actually look like that and not this image in my head. And usually it's like, in my head, I have a much worse image of what I look like. But it's just. It's so weird how much different everything seems. How much different life seems. Another downside is loose skin. I have it everywhere, and, like, I hate it. I don't know. It doesn't. It doesn't make me happy to have, like, the, like, the reminder that I did used to be overweight.

[Jazlyn Summers]

And I think a good amount of people, too, who get that surgery end up having to get the surgery for their loose skin, too. Right?

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. Yeah. And, like, my insurance doesn't cover. What is it called, like, plastic Surgery like that. So if I ever do get it, it's going to be years and years into the future when I actually have a big girl job and I have money. But it. It's like, that's another thing you have to be aware of. There's kind of no avoiding loose skin after losing hundreds of pounds.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Right. And fast.

[Emma Chamberlain]

I think people say, like, oh, you just have to build muscle before. And I was going to the gym when I was losing weight and I was doing, like, lifting and stuff, but.

[Jazlyn Summers]

It was that type of exercise now.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yes. Oh, my gosh, let me get into that. I love exercising now, and it makes me so happy. Like, I will go on runs, I'll get a runner's high, and I never, ever experienced that when I was losing weight. It was literally like when I was running, when I was overweight, it was, my chest hurts, my back hurts, my feet hurt, my legs hurt. All I could think about is wanting to not run. Like, wanting to die because it hurts so bad. But now I go on runs, I go on walks with my friends and my girlfriend, and it's. It's. Life is more enjoyable. Yeah, I. I go to the gym, I go to yoga regularly. That is, it works wonders for your mental health. And I've always been, like, flexible. But since losing weight, like, I am so much more flexible, and it's. It's like, awesome. But my whole relationship with exercise and working out has changed so much. And that's another, like, positive, you know, because now I feel healthier. Like, after losing weight, obviously you'd feel healthier. But now that I can have an active exercise life, I guess it's like, I just feel so good, and it makes me feel good.

[Jazlyn Summers]

It's a good outlet.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. Now I'm able to, like, do those things that will make me feel good. And it's so much better for my mental health, too, because, like, I couldn't do that before. I couldn't get those good feelings before, but now I do that, and it helps me mentally.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Right.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. Back to loose skin. It's like I've, like, I've looked into doctors and stuff like that, and it's like I can't even consider that an option right now, but I would really like to in the future.

[Jazlyn Summers]

And the thing is, too, is, like, you're still so young and this is still so fresh that I feel like it right now. It's like you're living this part of your life in this new chapter, and then years down the road, that might be another new chapter. For you. And another part of this journey, which I think is, like, it's a good, like, step. You know what I mean? Like, you're stepping towards something for yourself, which I think is. Is really amazing. And I also think it gives your mental health kind of, like, those breaks in between of, like, all right, I just did this. This huge surgery. Let's sit in this for a little bit, and then in years, I'll do the next one. If you choose to.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. And I think a lot of doctors, like, they'll only do loose skin removal if you've kept off the weight.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Okay.

[Emma Chamberlain]

For a long time. And it's been about, like, two years, I think, that I've kept the weight, like. Like, I've maintained it. And that's been pretty nice because I like the weight. I'm at. Like, I'm not losing weight against my will, or I'm not gaining it back, which is nice, I think. Don't quote me on this, but I think the doctor said that the procedure I had is, like, the highest success rate for not getting the weight back. So that's good. I do kind of, like, worry that I don't know, if my mental health gets bad, I start trying to binge eat again, I gain weight. Like, that would really suck, but I'm. I'm keeping up with it, you know, anything, too.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Like, the more positive that we can stay about things, like. Because it's very easy to think in our head, like, oh, the what if? Or the negative or what if I do this? But I feel like as long as your main focus is yourself and your mental health, you just take it day by day.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah.

[Jazlyn Summers]

You know, and stay on track. And I think if you really get to a point, which I'm sure you're already here to some degree, but where you're really proud of yourself and you love the way you look now, and that's all that matters.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Right.

[Jazlyn Summers]

All that matters is how you feel about yourself. But I think even just with. With exercising, I've noticed this for myself. It's like that feeling becomes addicting of, like, the progress and loving how you look and wanting to stay there and basically. Basically fighting for that within your own mental health. Of, like, it's important to me that I feel this way and that I feel positive and happy in my life. And you don't let yourself fall too low, which obviously we always have up and downs.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Just kind of trying to keep ourselves on a good level.

[Emma Chamberlain]

It's like, I've worked so hard to get here. I Don't want it to change. This is a big thing to be talking about the weight loss surgery, because part of me is like, I don't want to tell people because a lot of people think it's the easy way out. I've heard that so many times. And I know a lot of people have had weight loss surgery, and they do keep it a secret. They. They say, oh, I've just been dieting. I've been working out. And it's like, you cannot lose that much weight if you were morbidly obese. And you say you're just dieting. Right.

[Jazlyn Summers]

You're dropping hundreds of pounds.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yes. It's like, either you are a magician or you are just in an extreme calorie deficit when it's. It's just like, I know that's possible, but it's like, that might be a little unhealthy. But, yeah, I just kind of want to get on here and advocate that it is not the easy way out. It has been hard with body issues, with kind of. I had to miss out on, like, social events, too, sometimes because I just couldn't eat. Like, I couldn't go out to dinner with my friends. And it can be a little isolating at first when you're experiencing all that pain from having your stomach rewired, but it's hard. It's. It's just. It's not the easy way out. And I. I want people who might be listening to this, like, if they're considering it, to not think that, which is kind of like, I don't know, maybe the opposite. Like, I want you to know that I don't regret it, and I wouldn't change a thing. But it's also really hard. And don't let people tell you that you just took the easy way out because your journey is your journey, you know? Do I sometimes feel like it was the easy way out? Maybe. But looking back on my entire journey, I'm like, it's. It. It was hard. It's like mixed feelings, but it's not.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Like you just do that as well. And then it's like you said, like, you return to how your life was before. Like, you have to do certain things to maintain where you are.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Which is difficult because you're changing things completely. It's like a full 180 that you're doing.

[Emma Chamberlain]

So, like, kind of how. Going back to how people treated me after, like, the family support, I guess, didn't really change. It's also like, I'm kind of an adult now, so I kind of make my own rules, but I don't know, it's just. It's weird. People kind of, like, judge me for how I have to eat differently. I always feel super guilty. Like, if, say, like, my girlfriend buys me dinner, and then I only eat, like, three or four bites because I'm like, I'm actually full. And I always feel bad, but she always eats the leftovers for me, so it's okay. Yeah, we kind of work together like that. And that's really. I don't know. I feel like I've said my piece. I want people to feel comfortable if they are able to. To get the surgery, if they're ready for it, and I wouldn't change a thing.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Yeah. And honestly, I think that you did an amazing job explaining it and explaining what you've been through. And obviously, like I just mentioned, too, you are still so young. So to see your perspective on it from a younger age, I think is very interesting to me because I think a lot of people probably do this in their, you know, mid-30s or above. And I feel like what you just mentioned, too, about it being the easy way out. I don't think any decision, especially a big decision like that is. Is ever easy. You know, like you said, it comes with risks. And thankfully, thank God, you had a great outcome and everything went fine. But you never know. With any surgery you get, something could go wrong or, you know, the aftermath of things are very confusing mentally. Just because people don't see something, they might look at you and be like, oh, she's. She's losing weight. She's doing great. And it was that easy. But, like, they don't know what's going on mentally inside or even what you struggled with before your mental health. So I think that that was very important. And thank you so much for touching on that as well. And I think you did such a good job, and it takes a lot of courage to come on here and explain everything. And I definitely think a lot of people will resonate with things that you said, because, you know, people are judged so often, whether they're obese or they're too skinny or they don't look a certain way, they don't fit into what the norm is, which there really is no norm anymore. But people just are so judgmental and mean. And I think that it's so important to understand, even as a parent, to educate your children, right. Not to say certain things, because it sticks with people and it's hurtful, and it can really affect someone's life. And mental health, and it's horrible. It's heartbreaking. But I think that you did an amazing job. And thank you so much for wanting to share your journey on my show. I really appreciate it.

[Emma Chamberlain]

Yeah. Thank you so much for having me. I feel so good after explaining my whole story.

[Jazlyn Summers]

Good. I'm glad.