Epi 7

What does plastic surgery really feel like after the operating room lights go off?

In this deeply personal and medically-informed episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, we talk openly about the pain, fear, medications, and misconceptions surrounding recovery after procedures like tummy tucks, liposuction, muscle repair, and 360 body lifts.

Our host Mel, 10 years post-bariatric surgery, knows that the journey doesn't end with weight loss. For many patients, plastic surgery is the next chapter, and with it comes a new kind of pain—both physical and emotional. She's joined by co-host Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and multi-round plastic surgery patient, who brings both professional and lived experience to this candid conversation.

Together with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar E. Beidas, we go beyond the usual “pain scale” talk. We explore how ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols are shifting how pain is managed, why opioids aren't always the answer, and what realistic expectations look like—especially for bariatric patients who may face higher risk with certain meds.

This episode is a rare blend of medical expertise, psychological insight, and real-world experience. Whether you're planning your first cosmetic surgery or supporting someone through recovery, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of:

Why some patients describe the pain as “brutal” or “burning” even weeks after surgery

How medications like Gabapentin, Valium, and Tylenol are used strategically

What it means to overestimate your pain tolerance

The emotional pressure to recover quickly or "tough it out"

How trauma, weight history, and shame can impact healing

We don’t sugarcoat anything—and that’s the point. Because your recovery should be based on facts, not filters.

🎙️ Guest Info

Dr. Omar E. Beidas – Board-certified plastic surgeon, known for his expertise in post-bariatric body contouring

Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW – Therapist, advocate, and multiple-procedure patient sharing raw insights

🎧 Host

Mel – Plastic surgery patient, educator, and truth-teller for the community

🛏️ Plastic surgery pain is real. Managing it safely matters.

This episode is part of a bigger mission: helping weight loss and plastic surgery patients recover safely, feel empowered, and make informed decisions.

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Epi 341

In this episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel sits down with Rebecca Robbins to explore the powerful connection between ADHD, dopamine, food, and weight struggles. Rebecca shares her journey through diet culture, grief, weight loss surgery, insulin resistance, and finally finding answers that helped her understand her body instead of fighting it.

This conversation breaks down how ADHD affects eating behaviors, emotional regulation, executive function, and why willpower has never been the problem. Mel and Rebecca also discuss post surgery stalls, GLP-1 medications, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, and practical ADHD friendly strategies that support long term health.

If you’ve struggled with weight loss, regain, emotional eating, or feel like your brain works differently, this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and informed.

You can find the Our Sleeved Life Podcast on all major podcast platforms and on YouTube. For bonus content, exclusive episodes, community support, and deeper conversations, you can become a Patron at patreon.com/oslp.

Resources and helpful links mentioned in this episode are included below.

Adult ADHD assessment:

https://add.org/adhd-test/

My email:

[email protected]

Other resources:

https://add.org/

https://www.additudemag.com/

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Epi 340

Feeling triggered, lonely, or stuck during the holidays? You're not alone—and this episode is here to help you THRIVE 🎄💪

Join your host Mel and Fruzsina Varga, MA, LPC, CMHCA—licensed clinician & mindset coach from POP Recovery Systems—as we deep-dive into the emotional rollercoaster of the post-op journey, identity crisis, body image struggles, and how to reset your mindset during the most difficult season of the year.

🌟 This episode is packed with transformational insights for:

Emotional eating recovery

Holiday weight gain mindset tips

Overcoming body dysmorphia after VSG or gastric bypass

Journaling & grounding exercises to improve your mental health

Navigating toxic family environments & triggers

Self-sabotage & how to break old patterns

📌 Resources & Links

👥 Join the POP Recovery Community – Free Consultations & Coaching

📓 Journal Prompts from Mel – www.OurSleevedLifePodcast.com

📱 DM Mel anytime — She answers them all!

📺 Watch the IG Live Replay on POP Recovery’s and OSLP IG page

💬 Need Mental Health Support?

You’re never alone. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate support. Text or call 988 (in the U.S.), or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org

📣 Subscribe for weekly episodes!

If you’re on the bariatric journey, healing your relationship with food, or learning to love yourself again—this podcast is for YOU 💕

#MindsetAfterSurgery #EmotionalEatingHelp #BariatricJourney #HolidayMindset #FoodFreedom #BodyImageHealing #VSGRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfLoveJourney #OurSleevedLife #POPRecovery

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EPI 6

On this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, Mel is joined by bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW, and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas for a deep, honest, and much-needed conversation about something patients rarely talk about out loud:

What do you do when the people you expected to support your plastic surgery… don’t?

This episode breaks down the real reasons partners, spouses, and family members struggle with your decision — and trust us, it's almost never the reason they’re saying out loud. We dig into the psychology, the fears, the passive-aggressive comments, the emotional triggers, and the communication breakdowns that happen before and after surgery.

Whether you're preparing for skin removal, reconstructive surgery, or any post-weight loss procedure, this episode gives you the mindset tools and practical strategies to protect your peace, get the support you deserve, and feel empowered every step of the way.

💬 In This Episode We Cover:

The top 3 reasons partners become unsupportive

How abandonment fears show up as jealousy or criticism

Why money arguments are usually NOT about money

How to navigate passive-aggressive comments with curiosity

What to do if your support person is making recovery harder

When you should bring your partner to your consult

How trauma, past medical experiences, and communication styles affect support

When hiring professional post-op care is the best choice

How to emotionally prepare for plastic surgery as a weight-loss patient

🔥 Big Truths From This Episode:

“Support isn’t about who’s available — it’s about who actually shows up.”

“Just because THEY don’t think it’s an issue doesn’t mean it’s not an issue for YOU.”

“Soetimes the fear isn’t surgery… it’s abandonment.”

“Passive-aggressive comments are often someone’s fear showing up sideways.”

🩺 Featuring:

Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW – Bariatric therapist, mindset expert, skin removal patientDr. Omar Beidas, MD, FACS – Board-certified plastic surgeon, Orlando, FLHosted by Mel – Creator of Our Sleeved Life Podcast & The Cutting Edge Podcast

🎧 Why You Should Watch:

If you’re preparing for plastic surgery, struggling with lack of support at home, or just want to feel seen, validated, and informed — this episode is going to hit home in the BEST way. You deserve a safe, supported recovery, and we’re here to make sure you get exactly that.

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EPI: 339

Today on Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel sits down with Kimberly for a powerful and emotional patient story you’ll never forget. After surviving long-haul COVID, battling cardiomyopathy, going through a hysterectomy, and reaching her highest weight of 360 lbs, Kimberly made the life-changing decision to undergo VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy).

Now, 14 months later, she has lost 145 pounds, reversed major health risks, and completely transformed her daily life.

In this episode, we dive into:
• What long-haul COVID really feels like
• How cardiomyopathy and high blood pressure became Kimberly’s turning point
• The emotional toll of weight gain after hysterectomy
• The bariatric surgery approval process and choosing the right surgeon
• Stress eating, emotional triggers, and food addiction
• Building habits during the honeymoon phase
• Life-changing non-scale victories
• How therapy and mental health play into sustainable weight loss
• Daily weigh-ins, accountability tools, and managing fear of regain

Whether you’re researching weight-loss surgery, considering VSG, looking for real patient experiences, or trying to understand obesity and post-op mental health, this episode is packed with insight, hope, and relatable moments.

Watch the full conversation to learn how Kimberly reclaimed her freedom, her mobility, and her life.

Listen on all major podcast platforms + watch the full video on YouTube!

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Epi 5

Think you're ready for plastic surgery? Think again.

In this eye-opening episode of the Cutting Edge Podcast, Mel sits down with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes and Dr. Omar E. Beidas (MD, FACS) to reveal the raw truth about post-op recovery — the stuff you won’t hear during a consult.

Whether you're prepping for lipo 360, skin removal, or bariatric plastic surgery, this is the real talk you need. 💬

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

The shocking truth about depression after surgery 😔

Why protein loading changes everything

The dark side of compression garments (Fajas) 😮

Which supplements & meds to stop pre-op (GLP-1s, Ozempic, etc.)

Smoking & surgery — it’s riskier than you think 🚭

How to prepare if you’re traveling for surgery ✈️

Why your support system can make or break your recovery

💬 Real Talk, Real People:

With doctor-backed advice and first-hand patient insight, this episode breaks down myths, gives you honest expectations, and prepares you for a safer, smoother recovery.

🔗 Check out BariatricWarriorSupport.com or licensed post-op nurses & travel help.

📢 Comment below: What shocked you most in this episode? Or what’s your top post-op tip?

#PlasticSurgeryRecovery #PostOpTips #CompressionGarment #FajaLife #BodyContourHealing #BariatricRecovery #CuttingEdgePodcast

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Epi 338

In this powerful episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Jefe shares his raw and unfiltered story — from battling trauma and unhealthy food habits to reclaiming his health after gastric sleeve surgery. 💪 This is more than a weight loss story. It's a transformation of mindset, lifestyle, and self-love.

🎙️ Whether you’re considering bariatric surgery, navigating pre-op weight loss requirements, or in the middle of a post-op stall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the WLS (Weight Loss Surgery) community.

Why Jefe chose gastric sleeve surgery after his wife’s transformation

How childhood trauma, emotional eating, and food as a coping mechanism shaped his weight gain

The REALITY of doing a 4-week liquid diet pre-op (yes, it was brutal)

Overcoming toxic masculinity and the "I can do it alone" mindset

How support systems — spouse, friends, and community — can make or break your bariatric journey

Managing food cravings post-op and learning to love high-protein, low-carb meals

Honest talk on mental health, body image, and navigating life after weight loss surgery🔗 Helpful Resources:

💻 Watch more WLS journeys: Our Sleeved Life Playlist
🛍️ Shop Bariatric Essentials: Our Favorite Tools & Snacks
📱 Follow Jefe's food hacks & journey: @@jefesway219 on TikTok

👉 If you’re ready to rewrite your story, subscribe and join our bariatric community today. 🎧 New episodes weekly!

#GastricSleeve #WLSJourney #OurSleevedLifePodcast #WeightLossSurgery #EmotionalEating #MenInWLS #ChubbyGang #VSGLife #BariatricSupport #BeforeAndAfter

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Considering plastic surgery after major weight loss? Not sure where to start or what procedures actually give the best results? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, host Mel dives deep with expert plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas, MD FACS and licensed clinical social worker Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW, to unpack the essential truths about body contouring, extended tummy tucks, 360 procedures, muscle repair, and avoiding regret after surgery.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to choose the right plastic surgery for your body goals
✅ What surgeons should be telling you (but often don’t)
✅ Extended vs. standard tummy tuck: which is best for massive weight loss?
✅ Why lipo is underrated and cool sculpting is often a waste
✅ Real talk on insurance, dog ears, belly buttons, and scar placement
✅ The dangers of choosing unqualified cosmetic surgeons
✅ The surprising role of visceral fat and how it impacts your surgery plan

Whether you're prepping for surgery or already navigating revision procedures, this episode is packed with value, lived experience, and expert clinical insights that will save you time, money, and heartache.

👂 Tune in and take notes — your future body will thank you!

🔗 Connect with us:
→ Mel Gottfried: melunfiltered.vsg
→  Dr. Beidas: drbodycontouring
→ Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW: ashlynchange4life2012 

🙌 Subscribe for more honest conversations around plastic surgery, nutrition, and life after weight loss!

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Epi 337 

In this value-packed episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel welcomes licensed dietitian Melanie Crum from Pop Recovery Systems to dive deep into strategies for surviving (and thriving!) during the holiday season after weight loss surgery. 

From emotional eating triggers to smart holiday portion control, they share powerful advice for anyone navigating Thanksgiving after gastric sleeve, bypass, or bariatric revision. 

🎯 Topics Covered: What to eat on Thanksgiving after bariatric surgery 

Mindful holiday eating without guilt Tips for dealing with family pressure & food pushers 

Why smaller plates = better post-op control 

Alcohol and WLS: what you need to know 

Emotional resilience during the holidays 

How to plan ahead for success & stay aligned with your “why” 🍽️ 

Whether you’re weeks post-op or 10 years out, this episode will support your long-term success with real-life tools for bariatric holiday success. 

🎁 BONUS: Book your FREE 1:1 Consultation with POP today Click Here — no pressure, just personalized support. Join POP community Link 

🔔 Subscribe for more WLS advice, mindset breakthroughs, and bariatric community inspiration. 💬 Drop your biggest Thanksgiving food temptation below! #BariatricLife #ThanksgivingAfterWLS #GastricSleeveSupport #WeightLossSurgeryHelp #BariatricPodcast #OurSleevedLife #HolidayEatingTips #PostOpSupport #MindfulEating #EmotionalEatingHelp #VSGCommunity

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Epi 336

What’s the real secret to sustainable fitness, flexible nutrition, and body confidence—without losing your mind or social life? 🤯 In this powerful episode, we sit down with Truth Body Systems, the sibling-led coaching powerhouse helping real people transform their health—for good. 💥

Meet:

👩‍⚕️ Parris Strouthos, B.Sc., PN1, CPT, CCPE

👩 Courtney Strouthos, B.A., PN1, NASM-CPT

Whether you’re post-bariatric surgery, tired of yo-yo dieting, or just want true transformation without restriction, this episode is packed with tools, truth, and takeaways you can use TODAY. 🎯

🔥 What You’ll Learn

How to create a sustainable fitness routine (even through the holidays 🎄)

What flexible nutrition looks like IRL (no off-limit foods 🍕)

The mindset shifts that lead to lasting weight loss 💭

How Truth Body Systems empowers clients to OWN their health journey

🎧 Explore More from Truth Body Systems

🌐 Website: Truth Body Systems

📸 Instagram: @truthbodysystems

👩‍🏫 Courtney’s IG: @courtney_truth

🧠 Parris’ IG: @parris_truth

📘 Facebook: Truth Body Systems

🎥 YouTube: Truth Body Systems

🎙️ Podcast:

 • Spotify – Truth Talks

 • Apple Podcasts – Truth Talks

📋 Want to Refer a Coaching Client?

Fill out the custom application form to help us track referrals from you and OSLP 💕

👉 Coaching Referral Form

🔗 Subscribe for more weight loss real talk

@OurSleevedLifePodcast 🎙️ New episodes weekly!

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