Epi 12

Welcome back to The Cutting Edge Podcast with host Mel featuring Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD, FACS (plastic surgeon) and Ashlyn Douglass Barnes, LCSW (therapist and post weight loss patient). In this episode of our Fear Series, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles before body contouring and plastic surgery after major weight loss: the fear of the unknown and the fear of regret.

You’ll hear what regret actually looks like in real life (hint: it’s far less common than the fear of it), how unrealistic expectations can fuel anxiety, why “post op blues” can happen even when everything is going well, and what you can do before surgery to feel grounded, prepared, and confident. We also talk about how people treat you differently in a smaller body, how confidence can impact relationships, and why choosing the right procedure (and the right provider) matters if you want results you won’t second guess.

If you’re researching tummy tuck, skin removal surgery, body contouring after weight loss, 360 lipo, breast lift or breast augmentation, or you’re navigating the mental side of transformation, this one is for you.

Watch next
If you’re new here, start the Fear Series from the beginning and then work your way through the topics in order for the full picture.

• Why fear of regret is more common than actual regret
• The top reasons people feel regret after plastic surgery (and how to avoid them)
• How swelling, pain, recovery fatigue, and needing help can trigger “blues”
• How to set realistic expectations for healing and final results
• Why non invasive “skin tightening” options usually do not solve loose skin after major weight loss
• How weight stability affects long term results
• How body changes can shift attention, confidence, and relationships
• How to choose the right procedure and avoid “internet validation” traps
• What board certification and proper training really mean in aesthetics

0:18 Intro and Fear Series focus: fear of the unknown
1:07 Fear of regret vs actual regret
3:07 What plastic surgery means after major weight loss
4:19 Post op blues, swelling, recovery expectations
6:19 Surgery day realities and “the flip” discussion
12:21 Picking the wrong procedure and online trends
14:20 Beware unqualified aesthetic providers
15:18 Loose skin facts after major weight loss
18:04 Fear of social judgment and relationship changes
21:46 How people treat you differently after weight loss
27:47 Chasing perfection vs unrealistic expectations
31:27 The viral “RGB implant” moment and internet misinformation
35:26 Implant sizing and why many people wish they went bigger
39:53 Weight stability, timing, and how surgeons “read” readiness
44:49 Fear of regret and decision making styles

Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Fellowship trained in plastic surgery after massive weight loss
Instagram: @drbodycontouring

Ashlyn Douglass Barnes, LCSW
Therapist and plastic surgery patient after major weight loss
Instagram: @ashlynchange4life2012

Host: Mel
Host of Our Sleeved Life Podcast and Creator of Just Be You Awards
Instagram: @oursleevedlifepodcast
Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

Disclaimer
This episode is for education and support only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your surgeon and healthcare team for personalized guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 11

Let’s talk about the fear that no one wants to admit out loud — the fear of dying under anesthesia, waking up during surgery, or something going horribly wrong 😳

In this unfiltered episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Ashlyn sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas to talk about the truth behind anesthesia in plastic surgery — especially for patients undergoing tummy tucks, skin removal, BBLs, or body contouring after extreme weight loss.

From stats to red flags to funny fears (yes, pooping is mentioned 💩), this conversation is real, informative, and totally judgment-free 💬

✅ The actual risk of death from anesthesia (way lower than you think)
✅ Why “waking up during surgery” is basically a Hollywood myth
✅ What board-certified surgeons do to keep you safe
✅ What your operating room team looks like (you’re never alone!)
✅ How to advocate for yourself if you have fear, trauma, or anxiety
✅ Red flags to look for in budget clinics or unlicensed facilities
✅ The difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a plastic surgeon
✅ How to pay for safe surgery: CareCredit, Cherry, and more
✅ Ashlyn’s tips as a coach and surgery patient herself 💡

“Is anesthesia safe during plastic surgery?”

“Can you die under anesthesia?”

“What to expect before surgery anesthesia”

“Best plastic surgeons for weight loss patients”

“CareCredit for surgery financing”

You’ll get ALL the answers here 💯

Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD, FACS
💎 Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
✨ Fellowship-trained in plastic surgery after massive weight loss
📍 Compassionate care, real results for bariatric patients
Instagram → @drbodycontouring

Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW
🧠 Licensed Clinical Social Worker
💬 Bariatric + Plastic Surgery Patient — here to keep it real
🌟 Coach, advocate, and safety-first educator
Instagram → @ashlynchange4life2012

Mel
🎙 Co-Host of Our Sleeved Life Podcast
🏆 Creator of the Just Be You Awards
💖 Champion for body positivity, healing, and patient support
Follow → @oursleevedlifepodcast
Website → https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

CareCredit: https://www.carecredit.com

Cherry Financing: https://www.withcherry.com

More episodes & community → https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

What’s YOUR biggest fear about surgery or anesthesia? Tell us below — we’re answering your questions and might share your comment in a future ep! 💌

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 10

Planning a surgery-cation? 👙✈️
Before you book that flight to Mexico, Colombia, or the Dominican Republic for a tummy tuck, BBL, or skin removal surgery — STOP and watch this first. Seriously. 🛑

In this juicy episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Ashlyn and Mel sit down with Dr. Omar Beidas, a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in post-weight loss body contouring — and they’re asking the real questions you NEED answered.

From sketchy $3,000 surgeries to safety risks you’ve never even heard of, we break it ALL down. Whether you're chasing deals or just confused by all the options, this is your plastic surgery travel reality check. 💬

✅ Is traveling abroad for plastic surgery actually safe?
✅ Why super cheap BBLs and tummy tucks can be super dangerous 😳
✅ What fat embolisms are — and why they’re life-threatening
✅ The HUGE difference between “cosmetic” surgeons and board-certified plastic surgeons
✅ Why some patients don’t even meet their surgeon until surgery day (yes, really 😱)
✅ What to ask before traveling for surgery overseas ✈️
✅ Safe ways to pay: CareCredit, Cherry, & more
✅ Ashlyn’s honest take on navigating all the confusion as a post-op patient 💬

"Is surgery in Mexico safe?"

"Cheap tummy tuck after weight loss"

"Plastic surgery abroad horror stories"

"How to afford skin removal surgery"

"Is BBL safe in the Dominican Republic?"

This episode is your must-watch. 👀

👩‍⚕️ About Our Host: Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD, FACS

💎 Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

✨ Fellowship-trained in plastic surgery after massive weight loss

Instagram → @drbodycontouring

Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW - Bariatric Patient and Plastic Surgery Patient after extreme weight-loss

Instagram → @ashlynchange4life2012

Mel -Hosts of Our Sleeved Life Podcast and Creator of Just Be You Awards

Follow us on IG → @oursleevedlifepodcast Website → https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

💳 Resources Mentioned: CareCredit → https://www.carecredit.com

Cherry Financing → https://www.withcherry.com

More Episodes → https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

💬 Join the Conversation: Would you travel for plastic surgery? Have a success or horror story?

Drop it below ⬇️ — We are reading all your comments and might shout you out in a future ep! 💌

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 345

Welcome back to Our Sleeved Life Podcast! In this episode, host Mel sits down with Jaylin (MSN, RN), a resilience coach and nurse (and POP expert) to talk about the real reason New Year motivation fades and how to keep showing up for yourself long after the “new year, new me” energy is gone.

If you’ve been feeling burnt out, stuck in all or nothing thinking, overwhelmed by ADHD productivity spirals, or frustrated because the scale isn’t moving, this conversation is for you. Jaylin breaks down how to reframe burnout, build small habits that actually stick, lower stress and cortisol, and track progress using non scale victories so you don’t quit when results feel slow.

We also get into practical tools you can start today like journaling, habit stacking, creating a “top 3” priority list, scheduling your doom scroll, and building a support system so you don’t try to do your health journey alone.

• Why motivation fades in January and how to stop the drop off
• Burnout signs vs failure mindset and how to reframe it
• “Consistently beats intensity” habit building for real life
• How to handle ADHD overwhelm and stop task hopping
• How stress and high cortisol can impact weight, sleep, skin, and hormones
• How to lower cortisol through hydration, movement, sleep, sunlight, breathwork, and boundaries
• Why the scale lies and how to track non scale wins that prove progress
• How to stay on budget with food and build high protein meals without guessing
• Why support and community matter for long term success

If you’re traveling for surgery or you want more support before and after a procedure, POP focuses on holistic recovery support including mental health, nutrition, and recovery planning.

🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast
Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com
Instagram: @oursleevedlifepodcast

Disclaimer: This episode is for education and support only and is not medical advice. Always consult your medical team for personal guidance.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 9

Struggling with loose skin or body changes after major weight loss? 💪 Wondering how to pay for plastic surgery like tummy tucks, arm lifts, or skin removal? In this episode, we break down real costs, insurance coverage options, and financing tools like CareCredit, Cherry, and payment plans.

✅ Learn what insurance might cover (like panniculectomy or breast reduction)
✅ Understand what’s usually not covered — and how to prepare
✅ Discover how to apply for financing without wrecking your budget
✅ Hear expert tips from a board-certified plastic surgeon
✅ Get advice on saving, loans, credit, and smart planning

If you’ve had weight loss surgery, use GLP-1 meds, or lost weight naturally — this is your guide to navigating post-weight loss plastic surgery without going broke 💳

🔗 Mentioned in This Video:
CareCredit → https://www.carecredit.com
Cherry Financing → https://www.withcherry.com
Dr. Omar Beidas → https://www.drbeidas.com

🎙️ Follow @oursleevedlifepodcast for real talk on life after weight loss surgery.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 344

What if the real transformation after weight loss surgery isn’t physical — but mental? In this deeply honest and empowering episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, therapist and bariatric patient Kristen French reveals the emotional side of WLS no one talks about — and how to retrain your brain after surgery.

If you’ve ever struggled with emotional eating, self-sabotage, or feeling disconnected from your post-op body — this episode is for you.

🎙️ Kristen shares science-backed tools on:

Therapy after weight loss surgery

How to use neuroplasticity for mindset change

Managing emotional eating & food triggers

Identity shifts after bariatric surgery

Why “just eat less” doesn’t heal your trauma

How to build lasting self-trust and food peace

📚 Whether you’ve had gastric sleeve, bypass, or revision surgery — this interview offers real psychological tools, emotional validation, and a clear path forward.

👉 Subscribe for more expert insights on bariatric success, mindset transformation, and WLS life coaching.

🧠 Ready to work with Kristen? Click here

🎧 Full podcast available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 8

In this powerful episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, Mel and Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes (LCSW & bariatric + skin removal patient) sit down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar E. Beidas to talk about the things no one prepares you for after massive weight loss and plastic surgery. 💬

We dive deep into:

✅ What real support looks like after plastic surgery

✅ Mental health, compression, lymphatic care & mindset

✅ Building a care team: therapist, PCP, CNA, plastic surgeon

✅ What to do when your partner or workplace isn’t supportive

✅ Lymphedema vs. Lipedema, and how to manage them

✅ How to emotionally and physically thrive during recovery

This episode is raw, real, and full of the truth about what happens after the transformation. Whether you're prepping for skin removal surgery, just had bariatric surgery, or feel alone in your journey — this one’s for you. 💛

📲 Follow Us & Our Guest

🎙️ Podcast IG: @oursleevedlifepodcast

💛 Ashlyn: @ashlynchange4life2012

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Beidas: @drbodycontouring

💬 Comment Below: What was your biggest challenge after surgery? Let's talk about it 👇

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real conversations on body image, healing, and living life after weight loss!

#SkinRemovalSurgery #PlasticSurgeryRecovery #BariatricSupport #OurSleevedLife #PostOpSupport #MentalHealthHealing #WLSJourney

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 344

If you're post-op and still grinding on the treadmill… stop right there! 👟
In this powerful episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel welcomes back Kayla Girgen, RD, CPT, a leading bariatric dietitian and certified personal trainer, to reveal a low-impact, high-results fitness strategy: Rucking.

Whether you're on GLP-1 medications, dealing with post-op fatigue, or looking to rebuild muscle and bone density, this episode delivers practical advice, honest insight, and motivation to thrive after weight loss surgery.

💥 What You’ll Discover:

Why rucking is better than cardio for many bariatric patients

How to build bone strength, mental clarity & stamina post-op

What dietitians really want you to know about fiber, protein, and blood sugar

Kayla’s perspective on GLP-1 meds, intentional eating, and long-term health

Sneak peek of Kayla’s new book “RuckFit”

🎯 Whether you're 3 months or 3 years post-op, this episode is your next step to real results.

📚 Kayla’s Book “RuckFit” is now available
🔗 Buy it on Amazon

📸 Follow Kayla on Instagram
👉 @kaylagirgenrd

💬 Tell us in the comments:
Have you tried rucking yet? What’s YOUR go-to post-op fitness hack?

📲 Follow us @oursleevedlifepodcast
🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

#BariatricSurgery #Rucking #KaylaGirgen #WeightLossJourney #GLP1 #RuckFit #BariatricFitness #BariatricDietitian #FiberMatters #PostOpSupport #OurSleevedLife

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.