Stephanie Palmer Turns Struggles Into a Movement of Radical Transparency and Patient Advocacy
- Brainz Magazine
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview
Stephanie Palmer is a leader in one-on-one support, guidance, patient advocacy, and skilled nursing for the Bariatrics, Plastics, Spine, Neuro, and Chronic Illness communities. She is an award-winning member, speaker, and presenter in the Bariatric community. Her mission is to ensure that patients are seen, heard, and never alone. Her lived and professional experiences over the last eleven years gave her not just personal insight, but also a deeper passion for helping others navigate and advocate for themselves at every stage of their bariatric, plastics, and health journeys. Through her compassionate, personalized approach—both virtually and in person across compact states—she has helped countless people feel supported, empowered, and understood.
Stephanie Palmer’s story is one of resilience and transformation. What began as a deeply personal struggle with her own bariatric surgery has grown into a movement that blends radical transparency, advocacy, and compassion. Through her work with Bariatric Warrior Support and her podcast, Palmer is challenging stigma and offering patients something many never find in the healthcare system: true community and advocacy.
“Everyone’s story matters,” she emphasizes. “The one percent of us with complications finally had a voice, and with that voice came connection and hope.”
Your own bariatric journey was filled with serious complications—how did that experience become the spark for Bariatric Warrior Support?
My bariatric surgery journey has not been easy—bariatric surgery is not easy, even without complications. My journey, marked by serious complications and multiple surgeries, opened my eyes to how isolating and overwhelming the process can be—even as a nurse.
I had to advocate so hard for myself, especially at the height of COVID with supply chain shortages and no available hospital beds. I felt very alone. No one was talking about the complication side of bariatric surgery, and I didn’t want anyone else to feel the way I did.
By sharing every part of my story, others began speaking up too. That small one percent of us facing serious complications finally had a voice. Experiencing those challenges firsthand inspired me to create Bariatric Warrior Support, turning my struggles into strength for others.
Radical transparency is a hallmark of your work—why did you decide to share every part of your story so openly?
I share openly because honesty breaks stigma and helps others feel less alone. No one was talking about complications, and I didn’t want anyone to ever feel the way I did. By being vulnerable about my experiences—the ups, downs, and everything in between—I hope to give others hope, understanding, and courage to keep going.
Despite everything, I’ve never let the light inside of me dim. What happened wasn’t my fault and wasn’t in my control. What is in my control is to never give up, to keep going, and to fight for the best possible quality of life despite chronic illness.
I was even told to be ashamed for sharing the “bad” parts. But I believe in full transparency—the good, the bad, and the ugly—because even if it helps just one person, it matters. Your story matters: never let anyone tell you otherwise.
How does being both a nurse and a patient shape the way you support others?
Being both a nurse and a patient gives me a unique perspective. My nursing background allows me to understand the medical complexities, procedures, and healthcare system. My personal experience—marked by vulnerability, complications, and isolation—gives me empathy that no textbook could provide.
This dual perspective bridges the gap between clinical care and real-life challenges. I approach every patient with professional knowledge, but also with the understanding of someone who’s lived it. My goal is simple: to make sure no one ever feels lost or alone on their journey.
What role has your podcast played in building a wider movement?
The podcast has been instrumental in reaching people who might not otherwise find support or connection on their bariatric, plastics, chronic illness, and health journeys. With my co-host Bex and a diverse range of guests, we share real, unfiltered stories that help listeners realize they are not alone.
Beyond storytelling, the podcast creates space for education, expert interviews, and resources. By speaking openly about complications, mental health, and recovery, we’re breaking down stigma and building a movement of advocacy and empowerment.
Where do you see the biggest gaps in how healthcare systems support bariatric patients today?
There’s often a lack of consistent, ongoing support. Many patients receive little structured guidance after surgery, especially around emotional wellbeing, nutrition, and life adjustments. Access is another huge barrier, with long wait times, insurance obstacles, and limited availability of comprehensive care teams.
Too often, there’s a disconnect between medical providers and the lived experiences of patients—such as managing stigma, complications, or mental health challenges. These gaps highlight the need for holistic, long-term, and accessible care at every stage of the bariatric journey.
Beyond clinical recovery, how do you define success for the people you work with?
I define success as more than physical milestones. It’s about confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of self-worth. Success happens when someone learns to practice self-compassion, celebrate small victories, or advocate for themselves in a doctor’s office.
I love seeing my clients realize they aren’t alone, build new habits, discover new passions, and sometimes even pay their experiences forward. That transformation—emotional as much as physical—is what I consider the true win.
What’s next for Bariatric Warrior Support as you look to the future?
My vision is to establish a foundation dedicated to helping patients who face financial barriers. Far too many people are ready to reclaim their health but are held back by cost, insurance limitations, or the expense of necessary follow-up care like revision or skin removal surgery.
Looking ahead, I also dream of writing a book that shares my journey through complications and setbacks—a story of pain turned into advocacy. My hope is that it will inspire and empower others while offering practical insight and encouragement.
“This is about turning compassion into action,” Palmer explains, “so that no one—regardless of where they are in their journey—ever feels alone.”
Stephanie Palmer has transformed her personal challenges into a mission that blends advocacy, education, and radical transparency. Through Bariatric Warrior Support and her broader work, she is redefining success for patients—not just as physical recovery but as emotional empowerment, resilience, and hope. Her message is clear: no one should ever walk this path alone.
