Married At First Sight’s Bec Zacharia has dramatically pulled the plug on her controversial ‘Barbie waist’ surgery in Bali after she faced a wave of fierce backlash over the risky cosmetic procedure.
Just days after it was revealed the reality star had travelled overseas to undergo the increasingly popular rib contouring operation, Bec made a shock last-minute decision to walk away moments before she was due to go under the knife.
Speaking on the MAFS Funny podcast, the 35-year-old admitted she arrived at the luxury Bali hospital fully prepared for surgery before questioning whether she was making the right decision.
‘I walked in and I thought, “Am I ready? Is this what I want to do?” Bec said.
‘I just think that I’m going to take a little bit of time to think about it a little bit more.’
The body-contouring procedure, which is not currently available in Australia, involves reshaping the lower floating ribs to create a dramatically smaller waist without removing the bones.
Married At First Sight’s Bec Zacharia has dramatically pulled the plug on her controversial ‘Barbie waist’ surgery in Bali after a wave of fierce backlash over the risky cosmetic procedure
Just days after it was revealed the reality star had travelled overseas to undergo the increasingly popular rib contouring operation, Bec made a shock last-minute decision to walk away moments before she was due to go under the knife
The surgery has exploded in popularity among influencers, with several women undergoing the operation during the same Bali trip.
Podcast host Josh Fox, who documented Bec’s journey, revealed he was stunned when she contacted him shortly after arriving at the hospital to say she had changed her mind.
‘I literally just left you at the hospital,’ he told her.
Bec explained that while she was impressed by the facility and had complete confidence in the surgeons, she ultimately realised she wasn’t ready.
‘It’s state-of-the-art. It’s beautiful. One of the most amazing hospitals I’ve ever seen in my life,’ she said.
‘I’m not ready yet. I don’t know if I will be ready. I don’t know if I’m going to go ahead and get it done.’
She stressed that no one involved in organising the trip had pressured her into proceeding with the operation.
‘The company that’s brought me out here isn’t pressuring me saying, “You’ve got to get it done.” I have the full ability to make that decision as to whether or not it’s something that aligns with me.’
Speaking on the MAFS Funny podcast, the 35-year-old admitted she arrived at the luxury Bali hospital fully prepared for surgery before questioning whether she was making the right decision
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Rather than flying home immediately, Bec has extended her stay in Bali by another week to reflect on whether she still wants to undergo the procedure.
‘It’s not a no, but it’s not a yes right now,’ she explained.
‘I’m just going to give myself some breathing room and some thinking room and work out what I want to do.’
She added that she planned to spend the week reading, journaling and even seeking guidance from a spiritual healer before making a final decision.
‘I’m excited, but I’m also cautious,’ she said.
‘I think I’ve made the right decision to stop, think, chill.’
Bec also addressed criticism from social media users who suggested she needed professional help, insisting she knows herself better than strangers online.
‘Everyone keeps going on about how I need therapy and I need mental help and whatnot. I’m very in tune with myself and what I need and what I want,’ she said.
There was prompt backlash in the comments section of the video, with many fans and fellow MAFS stars concerned about Bec’s decision to get the procedure
‘People can make assumptions from snippets they see of my life on social media, but I know who I am.
‘I think it takes courage to sit here and go, “Well actually, I am taking a step back to think about it.”
‘I think that shows growth. I think that shows that I listen to my intuition and I listen to my gut.’
The dramatic U-turn comes after Bec found herself at the centre of an online firestorm when she first announced plans to undergo the controversial procedure.
Speaking before the operation, she candidly admitted years of body insecurities had fuelled her decision.
‘I have a lot of loose skin. This is the most vulnerable I am ever going to be because this part of me I can’t stand sometimes looking in the mirror,’ she previously said.
She also told followers: ‘Your body, your choice. If you feel comfortable with it, f***ing do it.’
Her comments sparked fierce debate online, with many accusing influencers of promoting dangerous and unrealistic beauty standards.
Awhina (pictured) also took to the comments section to defend herself and Bec. ‘I feel like there’s been a wild misconception about the type of MINIMALLY invasive surgery we’re getting,’ she said
Former Married At First Sight bride Domenica Calarco blasted the decision, writing: ‘Call me Karen, but getting the most insecure women to go and permanently change their bodies like this while promoting it… shame shame shame.’
Fellow MAFS star Beck Zemek also weighed in, warning she had turned down countless offers of free cosmetic surgery since appearing on the show.
‘If I said yes to the amount of free plastic surgery I’ve been offered since MAFS I would be botched by now,’ she wrote.
‘I don’t believe you should do something you never had insecurities about before just because it is presented in front of you… Girls you’re breaking your rib cages.’
Podcast host Josh praised Bec for taking a step back before making a permanent decision.
‘Don’t rush into things like this,’ he told listeners.
‘Even when you think you’ve made your mind up, take another week if you have to. Think about the risk versus reward. Think about why you’re doing it.
‘Ask yourself, “Am I doing this for myself or for others?”‘
He concluded with a blunt message to anyone considering the procedure.
‘Stop changing your ribs, everyone. Just stop it. It’s silly.’
