For Lauren Madera, finding the right health care meant overcoming weight bias, rebuilding trust in medical professionals and learning to advocate for herself. She hopes sharing her story reminds others affected by obesity that they deserve compassionate care and to be heard.

Lauren noticed changes in her body when she entered puberty at age 9. Despite being active and eating a balanced diet, her body changed rapidly, and she began comparing herself with her peers.

Over time, medical appointments often shifted from her immediate concerns to her weight. Lauren repeatedly heard, “Have you ever thought about losing weight?”

“I think about losing weight every single day,” she said.

Feeling overlooked, Lauren lost trust in the health care system and began avoiding appointments, sometimes enduring pain or illness to avoid conversations focused on her weight.

From Self-Blame to Self-Advocacy

Lauren began rebuilding her trust in health care through therapy in 2022 and a new primary care provider in 2024 who listened to her concerns. Conversations with her friend, Dr. Marissa Mendez, a bariatric surgeon at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center at the time, also helped Lauren understand obesity as a disease influenced by metabolic factors. This shifted her perspective on bariatric surgery from shame to hope.

For the first time, Lauren heard a medical perspective that replaced self-blame with understanding.

“I didn’t feel shame anymore, and I didn’t feel like bariatric surgery was the easy way out. In fact, I knew it would be the key to changing my life,” she said.

After more than a year and a half of working with her care team to secure insurance approval, Lauren underwent surgery and later shared her story at the 2026 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery conference. Connecting with women who faced similar challenges helped her feel less alone and inspired her to advocate for others.

About a month after surgery, Lauren was feeling well and embracing a new relationship with her body and health.

“It feels like such a gift to get this new shot at this relationship with my body and my health,” she said.

Everyone Deserves to Be Heard

Lauren hopes her younger self would know she deserves to be strong, supported and heard. She credits her mom and friends with loving her without judgment, but recognizes that many people affected by obesity face weight bias, barriers to care and isolation.

“Life will be tough at times, and the universe will throw things at you that you may not ever feel like you can endure,” she said. “However, you are your own number one. Nobody is more important than yourself and the life you fight for and deserve.”

By sharing her story, Lauren hopes others know their concerns matter and they deserve compassionate, appropriate health care. Most of all, she wants anyone who feels alone to remember that support is possible and everyone deserves care that sees them as a whole person.

Your story matters. Your health matters. You deserve to be heard. Learn more about finding compassionate, whole-person care and take the next step toward the support you deserve.