Background

Obesity treatment often carries an unspoken burden-shame and stigma. The shame many patients feel prevents them from spreading their wings and treating their disease in the most powerful and profound ways. When practitioners and communities help patients lift this shame, they can have a profound positive effect on their outcomes and those of their bariatric peers. This presentation advocates for a transformative approach in bariatric care, focusing on how practitioners can play a pivotal role in dismantling societal biases and empowering patients to lift the weight of shame associated with obesity and its treatment.Our discussion will explore the pervasive impact of societal stigma on patients seeking bariatric interventions, recognizing the continued complex emotional layers that can impede progress far beyond their first postoperative year. We will delve into evidence-based strategies that bariatric practitioners can implement to create a stigma-sensitive environment, fostering open communication and trust with their patients.The presentation will emphasize the importance of reframing the narrative surrounding obesity, positioning it not as a personal failure but as a medical condition deserving of empathy, understanding, and lifelong treatment and care. Through thoughtful education initiatives, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and connecting patients with a meaningful community, practitioners can empower patients to navigate their weight loss journey without the shackles of shame.As we collectively strive to redefine the narrative around obesity, our abstract invites bariatric practitioners to embrace a compassionate approach, contributing to a future where patients can pursue treatment free from the burden of societal judgment.