Unlock the secrets to achieving quality skin and understanding excess skin in our latest episode of the Cutting Edge Podcast! Join host Mel Gottfried, along with Dr. Omar Beidas and Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW, as they dive deep into the complexities of skin quality and the impact of weight loss on your body.

Key takeaways:

Discover the difference between quality skin and excess skin.

Learn about innovative techniques like radio frequency tightening and fat grafting.

Understand the importance of choosing the right surgeon for your body contouring needs.

Explore the psychological aspects of dealing with skin changes after weight loss.

What's your biggest challenge with skin quality after weight loss? Drop it in the comments!

Subscribe for weekly insights on plastic surgery and mental health!

#PlasticSurgery #SkinQuality #BodyContouring

Did your surgeon talk to you about skin quality or radiofrequency tightening during your consultation? Are you considering a 360 lower body lift? Drop your questions and experiences in the comments below!

🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

👥 Connect with Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD FACS:

Website: https://www.adventhealth.com/doctors/omar-beidas-md-facs-1184919102

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbodycontouring/

🧠 Connect with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW:

Find a vetted specialist: https://www.findabariatrictherapist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynchange4life2012

🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

The Cutting Edge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuttingedgepod_

OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

Join our Newsletter for freebies and community perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter

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Are GLP-1 medications replacing bariatric surgery, or is the entire approach to weight loss evolving? In this enlightening episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel sits down with veteran bariatric and metabolic surgeon Dr. Eric Smith to discuss why his practice completely eliminated traditional bariatric seminars in favor of comprehensive "Obesity Consults."

If you are navigating weight loss choices, struggling with GLP-1 dosage escalation, battling cravings, or wanting to master sustainable habits without restrictive diets, Dr. Eric drops invaluable wisdom on the science of metabolic health!

👇 SUBSCRIBE for weekly transparent conversations, bariatric success stories, and evidence-based health tips! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Dr. Eric Smith breaks down why only 1% of the population with obesity historically sought surgical treatment and how offering unbiased, full-spectrum care (from GLP-1 medications to bariatric surgery and whole-food nutrition) is revolutionizing patient outcomes.

We also take a deep dive into:

Real-World GLP-1 Data vs. Clinical Trials: Why real-world medication weight loss drops to 7--8 compared to 20% in clinical trials due to long-term compliance challenges.

"Chemical Noise" vs. "Food Noise": Why "food noise" is largely a pharmaceutical marketing term and how processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and diet sodas chemically trigger brain cravings.

Whole-Food Nutrition on a Budget: Why whole foods (beef, fruit, sourdough, potatoes, vegetables) eliminate brain fog, restore natural fullness signals, and stop food fixation without starving yourself.

Controlling the Controllables: How sleep hygiene, sunlight exposure, cortisol management, and muscle preservation dictate long-term metabolic success far more than quick-fix interventions.

Do you prefer a clinic that offers both medication and surgical options under one roof? Have you noticed a difference in cravings when cutting out processed foods and artificial sweeteners? Share your experience in the comments below!

👥 Connect with Dr. Eric Smith:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorericsmith/

Website: https://www.drericsmith.com

🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

Join our Newsletter for freebies and community perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter

#DrEricSmith #BariatricSurgery #GLP1 #ObesityMedicine #ChemicalNoise #WholeFoods #WeightLossJourney #OurSleevedLifePodcast #GastricSleeve #MetabolicHealth

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Can you get plastic surgery if you have poor skin elasticity or a connective tissue disorder like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, host Mel sits down with bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas to break down the critical role skin quality plays in body contouring success.

If you are a massive weight loss patient considering skin removal surgery, struggling with joint hypermobility, or wondering how smoking and nicotine affect your surgical recovery, this deep-dive discussion delivers essential medical facts!

👇 SUBSCRIBE for transparent, expert-led conversations on bariatric recovery and plastic surgery! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Your skin quality dictated by genetics, age, sun exposure, pregnancy, and smoking history is the single biggest factor in determining whether you need direct skin removal (like a brachioplasty or tummy tuck) versus liposuction or skin tightening. Dr. Beidas explains the anatomy of skin layers, how stretch marks form in the dermis, and what surgeons look for during a physical exam.

We also explore the reality of living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), hypermobility, and Sjögren’s syndrome, as well as why smoking or using nicotine before surgery increases your wound healing complications by 4x or more.

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

How do you lose 300lbs and maintain it after reaching a peak weight of 500lbs? In this deeply moving and psychological episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel sits down with psychologist Stasia Bowen (@500tofreedom) to break down how rewiring her brain saved her life after Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG).

If you are struggling with severe emotional eating, bariatric recovery, trauma, or toxic dating dynamics, Stasia’s story of neuroplasticity, extreme weight loss, and mental healing will transform how you look at your weight loss journey!

👇 SUBSCRIBE for weekly transparent conversations, bariatric success stories, and mindset tools!

After coping with severe childhood trauma, high school speed/diet pill addiction (where she rapidly lost 150lbs at 16years old, and toxic relationship dynamics like fat fetishism and feederism, Stasia reached a peak weight of 500lbs

When a terrifying physical moment of breaking through her shower floor woke her up to reality, she committed to fighting for her life. She underwent Gastric Sleeve (VSG) surgery and went on to shed over 300lbs not just by changing her diet, but by completely rewiring the mental neuro-pathways that kept her trapped in obesity.

In this episode, Stasia shares:

The "Zebra vs. Gazelle" Mindset Trick: How using neuroscience and psychological reframing helped her stop emotional food binging.

The Reality of Gastric Sleeve at 500lbs: Why 80% stomach removal leaves a 500lbs patient with a "grapefruit-sized" stomach instead of a "golf ball," and how surgical math affects restriction.

Hitting Absolute Rock Bottom: The traumatic moment her shower floor broke beneath her at 500lbs and how it became her "click moment."

Dark Dating Dynamics & Trauma: Unpacking feederism, fat fetishism, low self-worth, and how unhealed trauma impacts relationships.

Neuroplasticity & Identity Shift: Why real weight loss happens when you stop focusing on shedding weight and start shedding the identity that kept you heavy.

Have you struggled with emotional eating or feeling like your mindset is holding you back from reaching your weight loss goals? What was your personal "click moment"? Drop a comment below—let's support each other!

🧠 Connect with Stasia Bowen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/500tofreedom/

🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

Join our Newsletter for freebies, bariatric resources, and community perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

🛍️ SPONSOR DISCOUNT & FAVORITES:

Save on your ProCare Health order!

Use Code: OSLP at checkout.

Shop here: https://procarenow.com

#VSG #WeightLossJourney #500LbsTo200Lbs #BariatricSurgery #GastricSleeve #MindsetShift #OurSleevedLifePodcast #ExtremeWeightLoss #EmotionalEating #Neuroplasticity

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Are you curious about the latest innovations in body contouring, breast lifts, and cellulite treatments? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, host Mel (@melunfiltered.vsg), bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes (LCSW), and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas (MD FACS) discuss cutting-edge techniques fresh from international medical conferences!

From the truth about "Internal Bras" and dissolvable P4HB breast mesh to the surgical science behind Avali cellulite release, $360$ lower body lifts, and avoiding vertical Fleur-de-Lis scars, this episode covers everything you need to know about modern plastic surgery.

👇 SUBSCRIBE for more transparent, expert-led advice on bariatric recovery and cosmetic reconstruction! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Dr. Beidas breaks down key insights from his recent international speaking engagement in Argentina, including new South American techniques for rib contouring and breast lifts that leave no scars on the central breast tissue. He clarifies the surgical distinction between a true 360 lower body lift and a basic "circumferential tummy tuck," explaining how suspension anchoring keeps outer hip scars from dropping over time.

We also dive deep into new aesthetic technologies, including the all-in-one Aeon Tower and the Avali subdermal cellulite release tool (the "tiny sword" that cuts fibrous bands under the skin). Plus, Dr. Beidas addresses the viral social media lawsuit ads regarding breast mesh, explaining how P4HB dissolvable mesh creates a natural "Internal Bra" for massive weight loss patients. Finally, Ashlyn explores the psychological and functional benefits of skin removal for older adults—from restoring mobility to getting in and out of cars with ease!

Have you ever considered getting an "Internal Bra" or $360$ lower body lift after weight loss? What plastic surgery innovation surprised you the most in this episode? Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments below!

🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

👥 Connect with Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD FACS:

Website: https://www.adventhealth.com/doctors/omar-beidas-md-facs-1184919102

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbodycontouring/

🧠 Connect with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW:

Find a vetted bariatric therapist: https://www.findabariatrictherapist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynchange4life2012

🔍 Verify Your Surgeon’s Board Certification:

Check official medical credentials: https://www.certificationmatters.org

🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

The Cutting Edge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuttingedgepod_

OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

#PlasticSurgery #InternalBra #360BodyLift #CelluliteTreatment #BreastMesh #TummyTuck #MassiveWeightLoss #TheCuttingEdgePodcast #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricRecovery #Avali #AeonTower

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Have you ever wondered what actually happens inside your abdomen during a bariatric revision? In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel (@melunfiltered.vsg) sits down with board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Betsy Dovec to watch and review actual 4K high-definition video footage of Mel’s Gastric Sleeve (VSG) to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY) revision surgery!

11 years after her original sleeve gastrectomy, Mel was dealing with chronic pressure, reflux, and weight plateaus. Dr. Dovec reveals the mind-blowing findings inside Mel’s abdomen including a corkscrewed/twisted stomach pouch, a large Type 3 Paraesophageal hiatal hernia suctioned up into her diaphragm, an un-dissected retained fundus that was 3x wider than normal 75mm vs 35mm, and incidental endometriosis!

Whether you are navigating bariatric regain, researching revisional surgery, or recovering post-op, this transparent surgical breakdown provides critical medical insights and validation for bariatric patients everywhere.

SUBSCRIBE for more honest, expert-led conversations on bariatric recovery and life after weight loss surgery! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Dr. Betsy Dovec takes us step-by-step through Mel's revisional surgery:

Incidental Pelvic Findings: Identifying uterine fibroids and "cigarette ash" endometriosis spots that cause severe menstrual pain.

Visceral Fat & GLP-1 Impact: Showing how 11 years of sleeve lifestyle combined with GLP-1 medications eliminated nearly all intra-abdominal visceral fat in the omentum.

Preventing Complications: Demonstrating how closing the mesenteric defect (Petersen's space) with permanent Ethabond sutures prevents future internal hernias and bowel obstructions.

The Twisted Sleeve & Hiatal Hernia: Uncovering why Mel experienced chronic chest pressure, and showing how repairing the diaphragm crura causes referred left shoulder pain.

Resizing the Pouch: Dissecting the retained fundus off the spleen and re-sleeving the 75 mm stomach down to a optimal 32 mm pouch over a calibration tube.

Post-Op Recovery & Safety: Distinguishing normal gas pain from dangerous leak symptoms, and reviewing safe diet progressions from liquids to soft foods.

Have you ever experienced reflux, pressure, or regain years after a gastric sleeve? Did watching this surgical video help ease your fears about revisional surgery? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

 Connect with Mel Gottfried:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

Connect with Dr. Betsy Dovec, MD FACS:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbetsydovec/

Connect with Hannah Schuyler  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahschuyler.rd/

Connect with BodyByBariatrics

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodybybariatrics/

🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

Join our Newsletter for freebies & bariatric perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

#GastricBypass #GastricSleeveRevision #VSGtoRNY #BariatricSurgery #HiatalHernia #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricRecovery #RevisionalSurgery #SleeveGastrectomy #DrBetsyDovec #BariatricRegain

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The Cutting Edge #26

Are you currently taking a GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound) and planning for plastic surgery or general anesthesia? In this critical episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, host Mel sits down with bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas to unpack the medical, psychological, and surgical risks every patient must know.

If you are navigating weight loss surgery, post-bariatric skin removal, or GLP-1 therapy, this video explains why stopping your injection before surgery isn't optional—it could literally save your life.

👇 SUBSCRIBE for transparent, expert-backed insights on bariatric recovery and plastic surgery!

https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1

🌟 IN THIS EPISODE:

While GLP-1 medications are revolutionary for weight loss and metabolic health, they carry a hidden risk under general anesthesia: delayed gastric emptying. Dr. Beidas breaks down the surgical science of aspiration risk (when undigested food enters the lungs during surgery) and explains why his practice strictly mandates stopping GLP-1s $2\text{ weeks}$ before surgery and holding them for at least $4\text{ weeks}$ post-op to ensure proper protein intake for wound healing.

We also tackle:

Debunking "Microdosing": Why surgeons hate this non-medical term and what smaller/frequent dosing actually means.

Gray Market Peptides & Retatrutide ("Reta"): The extreme dangers of buying unregulated peptides online vs. joining official clinical trials via clinicaltrials.gov.

Mental Health & Dopamine: How GLP-1s impact mood, anhedonia ("feeling meh"), food noise, and addiction pathways.

Visceral vs. Subcutaneous Fat: Why losing 20lbs--30lbs of internal organ fat with GLP-1s before a tummy tuck leads to vastly superior surgical results.

💬 JOIN THE DISCUSSION:

Did your surgeon give you specific pre-op instructions regarding your GLP-1 medication? Have you experienced emotional or mood shifts like anhedonia while on these injections? Share your experience in the comments below!

🔗 CONNECT & RESOURCES:

🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

👥 Connect with Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD FACS:

Website: https://www.adventhealth.com/doctors/omar-beidas-md-facs-1184919102

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbodycontouring/

🧠 Connect with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW:

Find a vetted specialist: https://www.findabariatrictherapist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynchange4life2012

🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

The Cutting Edge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuttingedgepod_

OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

Join our Newsletter for freebies and community perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter

#GLP1 #OzempicAndSurgery #AspirationRisk #PlasticSurgerySafety #TummyTuckRecovery #DelayedGastricEmptying #Retatrutide #BariatricSurgery #TheCuttingEdgePodcast #BodyContouring

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

Can a GLP-1 medication like Zepbound help you break through severe bariatric weight regain years after surgery? In this episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel celebrates her 11years bariatric anniversary by sitting down with Jenny Espino (@jennyloseswithzep).

After undergoing gastric bypass surgery 20 years ago, Jenny lost 112lbs built a family, and welcomed four boys. But after a debilitating back injury and COVID-19 lockdowns, she found herself back in her 270lbs . Discover how Jenny utilized Zepbound (tirzepatide) to lose 25 lbs, rebuild her metabolism, and step confidently into maintenance!

👇 SUBSCRIBE for weekly transparent conversations, bariatric success stories, and GLP-1 resources! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Jenny opens up about the emotional and physical reality of bariatric regain, navigating severe spinal injury rehab, and why traditional extreme calorie deficits stopped working in her late 30's.

In this episode, we cover:

Gastric Bypass to Zepbound: Combining bariatric habits with GLP-1 therapy to restore restriction and quiet food noise.

Overcoming Bariatric Regain: How a herniated disc injury and COVID isolation led to gaining back weight, and how she found the path forward.

Breaking Weight Stalls with TDEE: Why undereating sabotages loss and how using a TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) calculator unlocked her 125lbs weight loss.

Daily Nutrition Hacks: Hitting 130--150 g of protein, 120oz of water, and implementing the 30-30-30 morning routine.

Life in Maintenance & NSVs: Sizing down from a size 10 childhood frame to a size 4 adult, resizing wedding rings, homeschooling four boys, and shifting mindsets after a lifetime of dieting.

Have you experienced weight regain years after bariatric surgery? Have you considered or used a GLP-1 medication like Zepbound or Ozempic to help get back on track? Share your story in the comments below!

👥 Connect with Jenny Espino:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyloseswithzep/

🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

Join our Newsletter for freebies and community perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter

🧮 Tools Mentioned in This Video:

Calculate your calorie baseline: https://tdeecalculator.net

#Zepbound #GLP1 #GastricBypass #BariatricRegain #OurSleevedLifePodcast #WeightLossJourney #TDEE #HighProtein #BariatricSurgery #Tirzepatide

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

Are your legs painful, heavy, and constantly swelling? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, Mel, Ashlyn, and Dr. Beidas break down the medical and emotional realities of Lipedema and Lymphedema.

Whether you are a bariatric patient dealing with post-op swelling, a woman who suspect she has lipedema but has been dismissed by doctors, or someone researching advanced lymphatic surgery options, this comprehensive guide will help you understand your body and advocate for your health!

👇 SUBSCRIBE for more transparent, expert-led medical and mental health advice on bariatric and plastic surgery recovery!

https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1

🌟 IN THIS EPISODE:

We dive into the core differences between Lipedema (an abnormal, painful accumulation of diseased fat tissue) and Lymphedema (an obstruction of the lymphatic channels causing fluid retention). Dr. Beidas explains why lipedema is highly resistant to diet and exercise, how hormonal changes like puberty and menopause trigger it, and why it is so frequently misdiagnosed as regular obesity or fibromyalgia.

We also explore the mental health side of chronic swelling, Ashlyn’s personal journey with lipedema and PMOS, realistic expectations for lipedema liposuction (it is a treatment, not a cure!)

How to find a real, board-certified plastic surgeon certificationmatters.com

JOIN THE DISCUSSION:

Do your legs or arms feel heavy and painful when pressed? Have you ever had a doctor dismiss your swelling as simple weight gain? Share your experience in the comments below—your story might help another woman find her diagnosis!

🔗 CONNECT & RESOURCES:

🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

👥 Connect with Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD FACS:

Website: https://www.adventhealth.com/doctors/omar-beidas-md-facs-1184919102

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbodycontouring/

🧠 Connect with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW:

Find a vetted specialist: https://www.findabariatrictherapist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynchange4life2012

🔍 Verify Your Surgeon’s Credentials:

Is your doctor actually a board-certified plastic surgeon? Check here: https://www.certificationmatters.org

🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

The Cutting Edge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuttingedgepod_

OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

#Lipedema #Lymphedema #SuperMicrosurgery #MassiveWeightLoss #TheCuttingEdgePodcast #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricRecovery #BodyContouring #LipedemaLiposuction

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Can you completely reverse severe fatty liver disease and reclaim your life after being told you have less than 5 years to live? In this incredibly inspiring episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel sits down with Brenda Langford (known as @brendasavedherlife) to discuss her jaw-dropping 310lbs massive weight loss journey.

If you are navigating bariatric surgery (VSG or bypass), dealing with emotional eating and grief, or researching complex skin removal surgeries like a Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty, Brenda’s story of hope and resilience is exactly what you need to hear!

SUBSCRIBE for more raw, transparent, and inspiring bariatric success stories! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

After coping with severe childhood bullying and the tragic loss of both of her parents in her 30s, Brenda reached a peak weight of 488lbs. She was diagnosed with severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an enlarged heart, and an enlarged spleen with doctors warning her that she wouldn't survive another five years.

Brenda chose to fight. She underwent Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) in Australia with Dr. Garth McLeod, went on to lose 310lbs (reaching a low of 176lbs, and completely resolved her fatty liver disease.

In this episode, she opens up about:

The Reality of High-Risk VSG: Spending 3 days in the ICU post-op and managing the slow transition phases of recovery.

Massive Skin Removal: Waking up from a 9 hour, 360 lower body lift and Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty that required over 800 sutures and removed 20lbs of hanging skin.

Confronting Bariatric Regain: Honestly discussing her recent 44lbs regain due to severe joint injuries (including a recent knee replacement) and how she is actively working with a supportive lifestyle coach to lose it.

Mental Healing: Overcoming deep "mom guilt," cutting off toxic energy, and finding healing by writing her newly published book, Weight Loss Saved My Life.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION:

Did you or a family member struggle with fatty liver disease before weight loss surgery? Have you ever dealt with "mom guilt" or bariatric weight regain? Share your story in the comments below—let's support each other!

Get Brenda’s Book & Connect:

Website: https://www.brendalangford.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendasavedherlife

Connect with Mel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuttingedgepod_

OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

SPONSOR DISCOUNT & FAVORITES:

This episode is proudly sponsored by ProCare Health maker of premium, third-party tested, once-a-day bariatric vitamins.

Save on your ProCare Health order!

Use Code: OSLP at checkout.

Shop here: https://procarenow.com

#VSG #MassiveWeightLoss #FattyLiverDisease #FleurDeLisAbdominoplasty #SkinRemovalSurgery #WeightRegain #BariatricRecovery #OurSleevedLifePodcast #WeightLossSavedMyLife

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