In early 2021, a bariatric surgery cruise organized by the company “Cruise Planners” went viral on TikTok, sparking controversy and outrage among the bariatric community. The cruise, which was marketed as a “celebration of weight loss” and a way for bariatric patients to “show off their new bodies,” quickly gained attention for all the wrong reasons. In this article, we’ll break down what happened on the viral bariatric cruise and the impact it had on the bariatric community.
What Happened On The Bariatric Cruise: The Controversial TikTok Video
The drama began when a TikTok user, who goes by the username @briannaraelenee, posted a video of herself and other bariatric surgery patients dancing and showing off their weight loss on the cruise. The video quickly went viral, with over 1.5 million views and thousands of comments. While some viewers praised the group for their weight loss journey, many others were outraged by the insensitivity and fat-shaming undertones of the video.
Backlash from the Bariatric Community
The bariatric community was quick to respond to the viral video, with many expressing their disappointment and anger towards the cruise and its attendees. Bariatric patients and advocates pointed out that the video perpetuated harmful stereotypes and promoted the idea that weight loss is the ultimate goal and measure of success for bariatric surgery patients. Many also criticized the cruise for exploiting bariatric patients for profit and turning a serious medical procedure into a spectacle.
What Happened On The Bariatric Cruise: Response from Cruise Planners
In response to the backlash, Cruise Planners released a statement on their website, stating that they were “disappointed” by the negative reactions to the video and that the cruise was meant to be a “celebration of health and wellness.” They also claimed that the video was taken out of context and that the attendees were not promoting weight loss, but rather celebrating their newfound confidence and improved health.
Impact on the Bariatric Community
The bariatric cruise TikTok drama sparked important conversations within the bariatric community about the harmful effects of weight stigma and the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. Many patients shared their own experiences of feeling judged and shamed for their weight, even after undergoing bariatric surgery. The incident also shed light on the need for more education and awareness about bariatric surgery and its purpose, which is to improve health and quality of life, not to achieve a certain appearance.
What Happened On The Bariatric Cruise: The Future of Bariatric Cruises
The controversy surrounding the bariatric cruise has led to calls for more responsible and ethical marketing of bariatric surgery and related events. Many have suggested that future bariatric cruises should focus on education, support, and community-building rather than promoting weight loss and body image. Some have even called for a boycott of the cruise and its organizers.
In conclusion, the bariatric cruise TikTok drama serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and inclusivity in marketing and promoting bariatric surgery. It also highlights the need for more education and awareness about bariatric surgery and the bariatric community as a whole. Let’s hope that future events and campaigns will be more mindful and respectful of the diverse experiences and struggles of bariatric patients.