Finding Wendy

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In this conversation, Wendy Limbertie interviews Dr. Mala Chatteri Mulgary, a psychologist and editor-in-chief at recovery.com, about the challenges of weight regain after bariatric surgery and the importance of finding support and maintaining a positive mindset. They discuss the myths surrounding mental health and addiction, the need for ongoing treatment and adjustments, and the impact of physical issues and pain on the journey to wellness. Dr. Mala provides advice on acknowledging feelings, setting goals, taking small steps, and building a supportive team. They also discuss the benefits of journaling and the excitement of a new wellness season.

Takeaways

• Weight regain after bariatric surgery is a common challenge, but it's important to remember that it's not a personal failure. It's a complex issue influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
• Recovery from addiction and bariatric regain is an ongoing process that may involve relapses or setbacks. It's important to adjust the treatment plan and seek support rather than viewing it as a failure.
• Building a supportive team is crucial for success. This can include healthcare professionals, therapists, coaches, and a network of friends and family who provide empathy, understanding, and accountability.
• Taking small steps and setting achievable goals is key to getting back on track. Acknowledge your feelings, create an action plan, and hold yourself accountable. Journaling can be a helpful tool in this process.
• Don't be too hard on yourself and remember that your journey is unique. Seek out resources, do your own research, and don't give up. Embrace a new wellness season and focus on self-compassion.

Links: 

Dr. Mala’s Website: https://www.drmala.net/

https://recovery.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:22 Understanding Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery

06:11 Building a Supportive Team

08:04 Managing Stress and Increasing Awareness

09:03 Accountability and Regular Health Reviews

19:22 The Importance of Connection

23:59 Taking Small Steps and Setting Goals

26:26 Journaling for Self-Reflection and Accountability

35:19 Embracing a New Wellness Season

☕️ Support the Podcast — Buy Me a Coffee!

If you’ve been inspired, informed, or simply kept company by the Finding Wendy Podcast (aka Wellness & Willpower), consider showing your support by buying me a coffee!

Every episode takes heart, research, and time—and your support helps cover production costs, equipment upgrades, and keeps the podcast ad-free and listener-focused.

💖 If this podcast has helped you feel less alone in your wellness journey, I’d be so grateful if you'd chip in.

➡️ Donate here: https://coff.ee/findingwendy

Whether it’s one coffee or many—thank you for being part of this beautiful, messy, human journey.

With love and willpower,
 Wendy

I would love to hear your feedback! Please leave any comments on my:

Podcast Website : 

https://www.podpage.com/finding-wendy-my-journey-to-wellness/reviews/new/

 YouTube Channel
 https://www.youtube.com/@FindingWendy/videos

My Book on Amazon: Here is a link to my first Children's Book, "Wendy Rides an Elephant," based on a true story! 
 

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Episode 6 - A conversation with Brynn Albanese 

In this conversation, Wendy Limbertie interviews Brynn Albanese, a musician, about her background and achievements in the music industry. They discuss Brynn's journey as a multi-genre violinist, her experiences playing with different orchestras, and her transition to improvisation. They also talk about the impact of the pandemic on Brynn's career and personal life, including her decision to undergo bariatric surgery and become a certified music practitioner and death doula. Brynn shares her struggles with weight and the challenges she faced in maintaining her health. Overall, the conversation highlights Brynn's resilience and dedication to her music and wellness journey. Brynn shares her journey as a certified music practitioner and end-of-life doula, using music as a form of therapy and healing for patients. She discusses her experiences playing music for patients in hospitals and memory care facilities, and the impact it has on their well-being. Brynn also talks about the challenges she faces in her work and the importance of managing expectations. She highlights the need for music to be integrated into the culture and environment of hospitals as a complementary care program. Brynn's ultimate goal is to do a TED Talk on the power of music as medicine.

Please consider donating to Brynn's important work!
www.brynnalbanese.com/donate

More Links discussed in this Episode:

• https://ecologistics.org/
• Music for Healing and Transition Program- https://www.mhtp.org/
• International End of Life Doula Association - https://www.mhtp.org/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:58 The Impact of the Pandemic

09:06 Bariatric Surgery and Music Therapy

15:46 Resilience and Dedication in the Music Industry

45:20 Introduction: Brynn's Journey as a Certified Music Practitioner

48:08 The Miraculous Effects of Music on Patients

50:33 The Power of Music for Cognitively Impaired Patients

01:02:36 Managing Expectations in Music Therapy

01:19:13 Brynn's Goal: A TED Talk on the Power of Music as Medicine

☕️ Support the Podcast — Buy Me a Coffee!

If you’ve been inspired, informed, or simply kept company by the Finding Wendy Podcast (aka Wellness & Willpower), consider showing your support by buying me a coffee!

Every episode takes heart, research, and time—and your support helps cover production costs, equipment upgrades, and keeps the podcast ad-free and listener-focused.

💖 If this podcast has helped you feel less alone in your wellness journey, I’d be so grateful if you'd chip in.

➡️ Donate here: https://coff.ee/findingwendy

Whether it’s one coffee or many—thank you for being part of this beautiful, messy, human journey.

With love and willpower,
 Wendy

I would love to hear your feedback! Please leave any comments on my:

Podcast Website : 

https://www.podpage.com/finding-wendy-my-journey-to-wellness/reviews/new/

 YouTube Channel
 https://www.youtube.com/@FindingWendy/videos

My Book on Amazon: Here is a link to my first Children's Book, "Wendy Rides an Elephant," based on a true story! 
 

Send us Fan Mail

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome my very first guest on the Finding Wendy: My Journey to Wellness podcast.

Dr. Jason Stanley reached out to me, expressing interest in joining the podcast, and after doing some research on his work, I knew he would make for an intriguing guest.

Jason began his exploration into the causes and cures of obesity with a medical anthropology field study in 1979. Since then, he has published multiple articles, authored two books, and conducted numerous clinical trials.

Most recently, in early 2022, he launched a groundbreaking clinical trial focused on neural plasticity to address the root cause of chronic emotional eating and obesity. The results have been remarkable, boasting an 85% success rate compared to the long-term industry standard of just 3%.

We had a fascinating conversation this morning, so let’s dive right in and start the interview with Jason.

You can find more information and a link to Jason's ebook at: https://nevergaintheweightback.com/

☕️ Support the Podcast — Buy Me a Coffee!

If you’ve been inspired, informed, or simply kept company by the Finding Wendy Podcast (aka Wellness & Willpower), consider showing your support by buying me a coffee!

Every episode takes heart, research, and time—and your support helps cover production costs, equipment upgrades, and keeps the podcast ad-free and listener-focused.

💖 If this podcast has helped you feel less alone in your wellness journey, I’d be so grateful if you'd chip in.

➡️ Donate here: https://coff.ee/findingwendy

Whether it’s one coffee or many—thank you for being part of this beautiful, messy, human journey.

With love and willpower,
 Wendy

I would love to hear your feedback! Please leave any comments on my:

Podcast Website : 

https://www.podpage.com/finding-wendy-my-journey-to-wellness/reviews/new/

 YouTube Channel
 https://www.youtube.com/@FindingWendy/videos

My Book on Amazon: Here is a link to my first Children's Book, "Wendy Rides an Elephant," based on a true story! 
 

Send us Fan Mail

In Episode 4 of the  Finding Wendy Podcast Channel titled "Your Brain is Hard Wired to Eat," Wendy explores how our brains are naturally wired to seek food, particularly in today's environment filled with ultra-processed options. Drawing from a *Huberman Lab Podcast* featuring Dr. Zachary Knight, she discusses the strong genetic influence on body weight, emphasizing that brain-related gene mutations can significantly impact our propensity to gain weight, with about 80% of body weight variability being heritable.

Wendy shares her personal discovery of carrying the "obesity gene," which brought her relief. She now understands that her tendency to gain weight is heavily influenced by genetics. The episode also highlights how environmental factors, like the availability of processed foods, can exacerbate genetic predispositions, making weight management more challenging in North America compared to Europe.

Wendy emphasizes the importance of focusing on whole foods and adopting healthier habits to counteract these genetic tendencies. She concludes the episode with a sense of empowerment, recognizing that while genetics play a significant role in weight, she can take proactive steps to manage her health effectively.

☕️ Support the Podcast — Buy Me a Coffee!

If you’ve been inspired, informed, or simply kept company by the Finding Wendy Podcast (aka Wellness & Willpower), consider showing your support by buying me a coffee!

Every episode takes heart, research, and time—and your support helps cover production costs, equipment upgrades, and keeps the podcast ad-free and listener-focused.

💖 If this podcast has helped you feel less alone in your wellness journey, I’d be so grateful if you'd chip in.

➡️ Donate here: https://coff.ee/findingwendy

Whether it’s one coffee or many—thank you for being part of this beautiful, messy, human journey.

With love and willpower,
 Wendy

I would love to hear your feedback! Please leave any comments on my:

Podcast Website : 

https://www.podpage.com/finding-wendy-my-journey-to-wellness/reviews/new/

 YouTube Channel
 https://www.youtube.com/@FindingWendy/videos

My Book on Amazon: Here is a link to my first Children's Book, "Wendy Rides an Elephant," based on a true story! 
 

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of "Finding Wendy," host Wendy Limbertie shares insights from her recent meeting with psychiatrist Dr. Richard Yanofsky. They discuss her wellness journey, the impact of dopamine on motivation, and reflections from an episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast. Dr. Yanofsky offers valuable advice on self-compassion and the importance of letting go of shame and self-judgment, encouraging Wendy to appreciate her accomplishments and be kinder to herself.

☕️ Support the Podcast — Buy Me a Coffee!

If you’ve been inspired, informed, or simply kept company by the Finding Wendy Podcast (aka Wellness & Willpower), consider showing your support by buying me a coffee!

Every episode takes heart, research, and time—and your support helps cover production costs, equipment upgrades, and keeps the podcast ad-free and listener-focused.

💖 If this podcast has helped you feel less alone in your wellness journey, I’d be so grateful if you'd chip in.

➡️ Donate here: https://coff.ee/findingwendy

Whether it’s one coffee or many—thank you for being part of this beautiful, messy, human journey.

With love and willpower,
 Wendy

I would love to hear your feedback! Please leave any comments on my:

Podcast Website : 

https://www.podpage.com/finding-wendy-my-journey-to-wellness/reviews/new/

 YouTube Channel
 https://www.youtube.com/@FindingWendy/videos

My Book on Amazon: Here is a link to my first Children's Book, "Wendy Rides an Elephant," based on a true story! 
 

Send us Fan Mail

Today, we’re diving into a deeply personal topic: dealing with weight regain after bariatric surgery and the sense of failure that can accompany it. I’ve experienced it myself and want to share my story. Weight regain is common but rarely talked about. It’s crucial to acknowledge our feelings, seek support, and reframe our journey. Remember, wellness is a lifelong journey.

☕️ Support the Podcast — Buy Me a Coffee!

If you’ve been inspired, informed, or simply kept company by the Finding Wendy Podcast (aka Wellness & Willpower), consider showing your support by buying me a coffee!

Every episode takes heart, research, and time—and your support helps cover production costs, equipment upgrades, and keeps the podcast ad-free and listener-focused.

💖 If this podcast has helped you feel less alone in your wellness journey, I’d be so grateful if you'd chip in.

➡️ Donate here: https://coff.ee/findingwendy

Whether it’s one coffee or many—thank you for being part of this beautiful, messy, human journey.

With love and willpower,
 Wendy

I would love to hear your feedback! Please leave any comments on my:

Podcast Website : 

https://www.podpage.com/finding-wendy-my-journey-to-wellness/reviews/new/

 YouTube Channel
 https://www.youtube.com/@FindingWendy/videos

My Book on Amazon: Here is a link to my first Children's Book, "Wendy Rides an Elephant," based on a true story! 
 

Send us Fan Mail

In the first episode of "Finding Wendy: My Journey to Wellness," Wendy shares her lifelong battle with obesity and her experiences following bariatric surgery. She discusses the physical and emotional challenges, debunks myths, and celebrates milestones. Wendy aims to inspire, offering honest conversations and expert insights on achieving wellness and overcoming stigma.

☕️ Support the Podcast — Buy Me a Coffee!

If you’ve been inspired, informed, or simply kept company by the Finding Wendy Podcast (aka Wellness & Willpower), consider showing your support by buying me a coffee!

Every episode takes heart, research, and time—and your support helps cover production costs, equipment upgrades, and keeps the podcast ad-free and listener-focused.

💖 If this podcast has helped you feel less alone in your wellness journey, I’d be so grateful if you'd chip in.

➡️ Donate here: https://coff.ee/findingwendy

Whether it’s one coffee or many—thank you for being part of this beautiful, messy, human journey.

With love and willpower,
 Wendy

I would love to hear your feedback! Please leave any comments on my:

Podcast Website : 

https://www.podpage.com/finding-wendy-my-journey-to-wellness/reviews/new/

 YouTube Channel
 https://www.youtube.com/@FindingWendy/videos

My Book on Amazon: Here is a link to my first Children's Book, "Wendy Rides an Elephant," based on a true story!