Welcome to the first episode of the Aurora Blueprint, Australia's premier bariatric podcast for women embarking on their surgical journey. In this episode, Dr. Ruth Blackham, a bariatric surgeon and women's health advocate, delves into the complexities of preparing for bariatric surgery, beginning with the vital steps of rewriting your relationship with food and understanding the significance of pre-surgery dietary changes.

Dr. Blackham emphasizes the necessity of a very low-calorie, high-protein diet before surgery to ensure safety, success, and ease of the procedure. This preparation involves shrinking the liver and adapting to dietary changes that prioritize protein intake, offering a smoother transition post-surgery.

The podcast addresses the emotional challenges associated with dieting and underscores that this journey is about preparation, not punishment. Dr. Blackham encourages listeners to reset their food environments, explore hormonal influences on hunger, and engage in self-compassion as they embark on this transformative path, paving the way for a healthier lifestyle beyond the operating room.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Aurora Blueprint, the first Australian bariatric podcast tailor-made for women. Hosted by Dr. Ruth Blackham, this episode focuses on the underestimated power of movement. Titled "Move Like Her," it delves into how exercise can become a harmonious part of your life rather than a dreaded routine.

Discover why movement matters before surgery, highlighting cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle mass preservation, and mental clarity. This discussion is not about losing weight fast; it's about nurturing a body that recovers and thrives.

Dr. Blackham provides practical tips to make exercise a joyful experience, advocating for walking, resistance training, and even breath work to prepare for surgery. The episode also tackles societal pressures and personal anxieties tied to fitness, encouraging listeners to redefine exercise as an empowering and positive force in their lives.

Tune in to learn how to transform exercise into a meaningful, identity-building practice rather than a means for weight maintenance alone. This episode provides listeners with tools to create a stronger post-operative self, ready to face future health journeys with confidence.

Welcome to this episode of The Aurora Blueprint, where we explore the often-overlooked topic of sleep and its vital role in pre-surgical preparation. Dr. Ruth Blackham delves into how quality sleep impacts your metabolism, hormone balance, and emotional well-being, significantly enhancing your recovery process.

Learn about practical strategies to create a sleep-friendly routine that aids in surgical readiness. From anchoring a consistent wake-up time to minimizing blue light exposure, discover tools that can help improve your rest and subsequently, your healing journey.

The episode also addresses challenges like sleep apnea, hormonal changes, and the mental load, offering insights into potential solutions and treatments. Tune in to understand why adequate rest is not a luxury but a foundational element of health, supporting you in reclaiming your superpower of restorative sleep.