🩺 Listening to Your Body After Bariatric Surgery: A Physio’s Guide to Movement, Pain & Confidence
Featuring Nadia – Physiotherapist and Bariatric Care Consultant at Laneways Rehabilitation
Published by Bariatric Support Australia (BSA)
🌿 Why This Conversation Matters
Bariatric surgery doesn’t just change your weight. It changes how you move, how your body feels, and how you interact with the healthcare system.
That’s why we sat down with Nadia, a physiotherapist and bariatric care consultant with over a decade of experience supporting plus-size patients in hospitals, private practice, and community settings.
“We didn’t have equipment. The doors weren’t wide enough. People were being showered in gym areas because we couldn’t access their bathrooms. It wasn’t good enough.” — Nadianadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o…
🧍♀️ A Physio Who Saw the Gaps—and Built a Solution
After witnessing countless gaps in the hospital system for people in larger bodies, Nadia founded her own private practice focused exclusively on plus-size and post-bariatric care.
Today, she works with patients across Melbourne and Australia through telehealth, bridging the gap between clinical care and real-life lived experience.
📞 Self-Advocacy Starts Before the Appointment
Many bariatric patients feel anxious before appointments—not because of the procedure itself, but because of the environment.
Nadia’s practical tip: call ahead.
✅ Tell the clinic what you’ll need (e.g., gown size, mobility supports).
✅ Let them plan ahead so your care is dignified and comfortable.
📝 If things fall short, use feedback forms—this is how systems changenadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o….
“It’s okay to have additional needs. That’s part of the care they need to provide.” — Nadia
🏋️ Moving Differently in a Changing Body
Weight loss can shift your centre of gravity, reduce joint stability, and change how your body moves.
Balance & core retraining can help with tripping, wobbliness, and falls.
Strength work supports stability during rapid weight loss.
Be mindful of hypermobility—common among people who have lived in larger bodiesnadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o….
🩻 Hernias, Pain & Smart Movement
Many in our community live with hernias or chronic pain, both before and after surgery. Nadia shared some clear guidance:
Closed-chain exercises (like squats or leg presses) are safer.
Avoid open-chain leg lifts—they increase abdominal strain.
Core training is still possible with smart modifications.
Pain doesn’t magically disappear with weight loss—it needs a tailored plan, not a blanket statementnadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o….
“Good care must look at the individual—not just the number on the scale.” — Nadia
🧠 Finding the Right Physio
Not all physiotherapists have the same approach. Nadia recommends finding someone who:
Understands plus-size and post-bariatric needs
Lets you tell your story without rushing
Looks beyond just the joint to your sleep, continence, pain, and goalsnadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o….
“If your physio only looks at the joint, that’s a red flag.”
⚡ Beware the “Gung-Ho” Phase
Many of us know this well: after surgery, the motivation skyrockets. But going too hard too fast can lead to injuries, flare-ups, or burnout.
Nadia’s top reminders:
Start slow and build gradually
Rest days are your friend
Avoid chasing perfection
Watch out for obsessive progress trackingnadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o…
🔄 Learning to Listen to Your Body
Many of us have spent years ignoring our body’s signals. Nadia uses a structured check-in system with patients to rebuild that connection:
Pre-exercise check: How do I feel today? (Energy, motivation, pain)
Mid-exercise check: How’s my body responding?
Plan A or B: Stop early if needed—or continue safely.
Ditch the all-or-nothing mindsetnadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o….
💺 Common Post-Op Issues & Practical Tips
🪑 Tailbone Pain
Losing natural padding can make sitting painful.
Use soft cushions or a donut pillow
Limit hard-surface sitting
Gradually increase exposure as your body adaptsnadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o….
🦵 Knee Support
Start with gentle squats and calf raises
Avoid lunges early on
Build slowly to prevent injury
🦴 Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Instability
Stick with closed-chain exercises like bridging
Avoid wide-leg positions
Modify stairs and transfers for less strainnadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o….
🏃 Why Physio Before the Gym Matters
Even seasoned gym-goers can misjudge their post-surgery body.
“Change is a period of higher injury risk. Go slow. Get guidance if you can.” — Nadianadia-zqaz6_tash-damo-take-02-o…
If in-person care isn’t an option, telehealth can help you access expert support safely from anywhere.
✨ Final Thoughts
Bariatric surgery is more than a procedure—it’s a transformation. Having the right support team can be the difference between struggling alone and thriving with strength, confidence, and self-trust.
Key takeaway: Your body is changing. Move with it, not against it.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of our posts may contain affiliate links. This helps support the BSA community at no extra cost to you. We only promote products we trust and use ourselves.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult qualified health professionals before making medical, surgical, or exercise decisions.
