While we all think that being in a bigger body is bad, Kate explains that this isn't always the case.
Join Kate Berridge on the Sense of Hope podcast, where we delve into the delicate space of bariatric (or weight loss surgery), the hope it gives to people who experience metabolic syndrome and why it's not just about weight loss.
Kate also explains why - once we are in a bigger body - it's not simply about 'eating less and moving more' - and that obesity is a complex condition involving mental, physical, whanau, emotional and environmental health.
Kate started working with metabolic bariatric patients in 2007 when she helped set up the Counties Manukau DHB bariatric surgical service. In her time running the service, she worked with thousands of patients but she could see most needed significant emotional and mental health support after surgery that wasn't available.
In 2016, she left the DHB to complete a Master’s degree on how to be successful in life after MBS. Her biggest takeaway from her research was the level of emotional and mental self-care required after undergoing a metabolic bariatric procedure (or taking weight loss medication) isn’t intuitive. Most patients will need help to develop mental and emotional skills so they can thrive.
You can find Kate here:
https://www.tiaki-whaiaro.co.nz/team/
https://www.facebook.com/tiakiwhaiaro/
