On this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, hosts Laura and Dr. Eric Smith are joined by special guest Maddie Allen to discuss her inspiring health transformation through bariatric surgery and weight loss. Maddie shares her lifelong struggle with obesity and her numerous failed attempts at dieting. At 28 years old, weighing 338 pounds, she realized she needed to make a life-changing decision or face the possibility that her parents would outlive her. After exploring her options, she decided to undergo bariatric bypass surgery—a transformative experience she calls the best decision of her life.

Maddie opens up about her post-surgery complications and the emotional ups and downs of her weight loss journey. She began sharing her story online, offering an authentic look into her challenges and successes to inspire others considering weight loss surgery or struggling with obesity. Maddie's transparency about her real-life experiences, rather than a curated image, has resonated with many.

She also discusses other medical challenges she faced after her surgery, including a diagnosis of collagenous colitis. Initially, doctors wrongly attributed her severe diarrhea and other symptoms to her bariatric surgery, a common occurrence due to the lack of understanding about weight loss surgery among some healthcare providers. Maddie persisted in seeking medical help, eventually being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and dangerously low phosphorus levels. With the correct diagnosis, she received the proper treatment and now advocates for others to take control of their health, particularly when undergoing procedures like bariatric surgery or plastic surgery for excess skin removal after significant weight loss.

This episode sheds light on the importance of bariatric surgery as a tool for weight loss and transformation, as well as the need for ongoing medical support and advocacy in post-surgical care.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.
Follow Laura Alexis on Instagram and visit poprecoverysystems.com for more.