Sam Smith Discusses Early Liposuction Experience
Background
Sam Smith, known for the song "Stay with Me," recently spoke about undergoing liposuction on their chest at age 13. The singer, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, was interviewed by Penn Badgley on the Podcrushed podcast.
Personal Struggles and Decision
Smith described their childhood struggle with body image and how relentless teasing led to considering surgery at a young age. Challenges with school activities like swimming and changing in the locker room contributed to their decision.
"I had surgery on my chest when I was 13 years old, because I had a growing chest. There were all sorts of reasons why, but mainly, I was just getting so teased, I couldn't go swimming in school, and I couldn't - like, getting changed in the locker room was hell. So, I got liposuction when I was 13 years old."
Smith's parents provided strong support, understanding the emotional difficulties they faced. Reflecting on the period, Smith shared ongoing struggles with body image and eating.
Experience After Surgery
The surgery helped, but Smith acknowledged the recovery process was also challenging. They continued to wear the bandage to school long after necessary, seeking comfort and sometimes advantages it inadvertently provided.
"(It was) just all a struggle with food and stuff. And the liposuction, it worked, but it was also a nightmare because they gave me a bandage. If I wore the bandage, it meant that I would get to the front of the lunch queue. So, I just kept this bandage on for nearly a year, and I'd be like, 'Oh, don't come close to me,' and then I'd just get first at lunch..."
Support and Emotional Impact
- Sam Smith emphasized how emotional and difficult the experience was throughout their teenage years.
- The support from their family played a significant role in coping with the aftermath and ongoing issues with self-image.
Summary
Sam Smith openly discussed their adolescent experience with liposuction, sharing honest reflections on the lasting emotional effects and the support they received from family during a challenging time.