💥 Looking for a non-surgical, safe, and highly effective weight loss solution?

In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we explore the future of bariatric care — the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) — with renowned interventional gastroenterologist Dr. Rohit Dhingra of Forward Wellness, Albany.

Dr. Dhingra breaks down everything you need to know about ESG: how it works, who it’s for, recovery time, cost considerations, and how it compares with traditional surgeries like VSG and Roux-en-Y (RNY). Plus, he shares what real ESG patients are experiencing — from dramatic weight loss to improved gut health and reduced heartburn.

💬 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

⚖️ ESG vs. VSG vs. RNY: Key Differences

🧠 How ESG avoids common post-surgery complications (like GERD)

🧬 The impact of ESG on insulin resistance and GLP-1 medications

🏃‍♀️ Recovery time, aftercare, and expected results

💡 How ESG can revise older surgeries and manage weight regain

❤️ Why gut health and mental wellness matter in weight loss

📆 How to book your ESG consultation — no incisions required!

🎙️ Host Testimonial:
“After 10 years post-VSG, I know the journey isn’t linear. ESG offers a powerful alternative — especially for those seeking minimal downtime, fewer risks, and lifelong support.”

📲 Connect with Dr. Rohit Dhingra:
Website: 4wardwellness.com
📞 Phone: 518-533-5005
🌍 Telehealth available nationwide
📸 Instagram: @rdhingra.md

🏥 ESG is more than a procedure — it’s a reboot.
Whether you're new to weight loss or looking to revise your VSG or RNY, this episode is packed with actionable insights and encouragement.

🚨 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and hit the bell to stay informed with real stories and expert advice on weight loss, bariatrics, gut health, and living your best life.

#EndoscopicSleeveGastroplasty #ESGProcedure #WeightLossOptions #ForwardWellness #DrDhingra #NonSurgicalWeightLoss #ObesityMedicine #BariatricRevision #VSGRecovery #RNYSupport #GutHealthMatters #GLP1Alternatives #AlbanyGastroenterology

She kept her weight loss surgery a secret—even from her kids. Now she's down 140 lbs and living life on her terms. In this powerful new episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, co-host Mel (@melunfiltered.vsg) sits down with Staci Renee (@stacirenee82)—a hilarious, fierce, and inspiring single mom of 3 from Kentucky who shares her raw and real VSG transformation story. 💬

🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast is your go-to space for authentic conversations about bariatric surgery, self-worth, mental health, and life after weight loss. With episodes that spotlight real people and their journeys, this show is about empowering the weight loss surgery community—one voice at a time.

💥 In this episode, Staci opens up about:

Why she chose vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) after years of being denied coverage

Navigating motherhood and nursing school while recovering from surgery

Her experience with the 6-week post-op recovery, liquid diet, gas pain, and fear of complications

The unexpected emotional challenges of losing 140+ pounds, body image shifts, and “pretty privilege”

The truth about friendships that faded and the drama of dating over 40

Building community and confidence through TikTok and the Just Be You Bariatric Awards (JBY)

How she balances bariatric nutrition, uses protein water hacks, and stays strong without carbonation

💖 Whether you’re researching bariatric surgery, struggling to feel seen in your journey, or just need a boost of realness—you’ll walk away feeling inspired, empowered, and not alone.

Is VSG worth it? Honest reflections 3 years post-op

How to get your insurance to cover weight loss surgery

Bariatric surgery recovery tips (real talk from a nurse & mom)

Coping with identity shifts after major weight loss

The link between mental health and weight loss

How TikTok VSG creators are reshaping bariatric visibility

Tips for thriving in a supportive bariatric community

📲 Follow Staci on TikTok for sassy, real-life VSG content: @stacirenee82
💬 Follow Mel for daily bariatric motivation: @melunfiltered.vsg
🎧 Subscribe to Our Sleeved Life Podcast for new weekly episodes that celebrate real people with real journeys.

👉 Like, Comment & Subscribe if you loved Staci’s story or relate to this journey.

#VSGJourney #BariatricSurgerySupport #OurSleevedLifePodcast #WeightLossTransformation #SingleMomWeightLoss #TikTokVSG #JBYAwards #VSGRecovery #BariatricCommunity #StaciRenee #LifeAfterVSG

Thinking about plastic surgery after weight loss? Wondering if you're mentally ready for the change?
In this powerful episode of Bari Connected, host Mel sits down with Dr. Ashley Steinberg, a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon from Houston, to dive into everything you NEED to know before going under the knife post-bariatric surgery.

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Steinberg shares personal insights from 14+ years in the OR—and her own experiences with plastic surgery, mental health, and how to truly support patients beyond the operating table.

💡 The Truth About Plastic Surgery Results – Why it's not instant and what realistic healing timelines look like

🧠 Mental Health & Body Image After Weight Loss – Navigating "phantom body" syndrome & post-op depression

📆 Guidelines for Bariatric Patients Seeking Plastic Surgery – From stable weight goals to protein intake

💉 Common Surgical Risks & Red Flags to Avoid

💬 Why Communication With Your Surgeon is Everything

💪 Nutrition Tips for Better Healing – Complete proteins, hydration, and her favorite travel-friendly snacks!

🛑 Debunking Myths – High-def lipo, BBL regrets, facial implants, and more

Whether you're planning a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, liposuction, or just researching your options, this episode is packed with real talk, medical facts, and laughs along the way.

Dr. Ashley Steinberg, MD
📍 Houston-based Plastic Surgeon
🩺 Board-Certified in General & Plastic Surgery
📱 Find her on Instagram: @dr.ashleysteinberg
🌐 Website: www.drsteinberg.com

✨ Become an OSLP Patron & Join the BENCHIEs Club!
Love the show? 💬 Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access, bonus episodes, discounts, and more by becoming a patron of Our Sleeved Life Podcast! Your support helps us keep it real, raw, and ridiculously fun every week 💕
🎁 Join now at patreon.com/oslp and be part of a community that gets it.
We’ve got laughs, deep talks, early drops, and all the tea ☕. What are you waiting for?

Bariatric regain is real—and it's time we talk about it. In this raw and relatable episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel sits down with a bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass Barnes to unpack the emotional rollercoaster that follows weight loss surgery (WLS).

🎙️ Whether you're struggling with regain, processing change after surgery, or dealing with grief and food addiction, this episode is your safe space to feel seen, supported, and informed. We discuss:

How Mel lost 53 lbs again after a regain

The power (and pain) of GLP-1 meds like Ozempic & Wegovy & Mounjaro

Divorce, dopamine, and why food addiction isn’t what you think

Why grief shows up even after “good” changes

Therapy tools for navigating emotional eating & self-worth

💬 Plus: Tips to reconnect with your post-op “why,” how to find a bariatric therapist, and the link between trauma, family systems, and healing.

📌 Helpful Links:
🧠 Therapist Directory: FindABariatricTherapist.com
📸 Follow Mel: @melunfiltered.vsg
🧰 Download your FREE Swag & Resources: JBY Swag Bag

🛑 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more mental health & WLS insights!

Welcome back, OSLP Family! 🎙️

Today, Mel sits down with the AMAZING Scott Bagwell — star of 1000-lb Best Friends and your favorite bariatric brother! 💙 From nearly 600lbs to walking Six Flags and THRIVING post-DS surgery, Scott shares it all — the good, the real, and the string cheese addiction that went viral! 😂🧀

We chat about: ✨ How weight loss surgery saved his life
🏥 His journey with Dr. Proctor and Beltline Health
💪 Going from food addiction to fitness
🧠 The real mental work behind transformation
🌈 Living authentically and showing up for others
🙌 Non-scale victories, crazy DMs, and TV life behind the scenes!

This conversation is full of laughter, truth bombs, and heart. Scott is raw, unfiltered, and ALL about helping others feel less alone on their bariatric path.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date with all things OSLP!
💬 Let us know below: What’s your biggest NSV so far?

 Our Sleeve Life Podcast (OSLP) is dedicated to empowering the bariatric community by providing education, support, and inspiration—all while challenging misconceptions about weight loss surgery.

Exclusive OSLP Discount Codes:

•ProCare Health: Use code OSLP for 15% off

•POP Recovery Systems: Use code OSLPTA

•American Dream Nut Butter: Use code OSLP

•Ate App: Link ONLY

•Dive Bar Nutrition: Use code OSLP

•Built Bar: Use code OSLP

•Devotion Nutrition: Use code OSLP5
 

Thank you for supporting the OSLP community and being part of the journey!

🎙️ WELCOME BACK OSLP FAM! 🎙️

This week’s episode is PACKED with heart, laughs, and REAL talk as Mel aka melunfiltered.vsg flies solo and welcomes the amazing Travis Lee — aka @Travmc — to share his 10-year bariatric journey. From high school firework shenanigans to post-op revelations, Travis opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a gay bariatric patient in the Midwest, the power of community, and learning how to live life FULLY after weight loss surgery. 💪🌈

Mel and Travis both celebrate a DECADE post-op, and they’re diving deep into everything from gas pain and first bites, to dating, skin insecurity, regain, and building sustainable routines (spoiler alert: Travis is up at 4am 🕓 and thriving!).

✨ BONUS: We’re just DAYS away from the Just Be You Bariatric Awards Show! 🎉 If you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet — what are you waiting for?! Come surround yourself with people who GET IT.

💬 TOPICS WE COVER:

Travis’s 179 lb weight loss journey 💥

Life-changing bariatric moments & firsts

Dealing with regain and getting back on track

How community keeps us accountable

Tips for early post-op struggles

And why routines are EVERYTHING 🙌

🎧 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date with all things Our Sleeved Life Podcast! Let’s grow this incredible bariatric community together.

👇 LINKS & RESOURCES 👇
🎟️ Get Your JBY Tickets Now:  Buy Now!
📲 Follow Travis: @Travmc
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms!
📌 Follow us on IG: @oursleevedlifepodcast
👕 Shop JBY Merch (available for 60 days only!): Shop Here!

 Our Sleeve Life Podcast (OSLP) is dedicated to empowering the bariatric community by providing education, support, and inspiration—all while challenging misconceptions about weight loss surgery.

Exclusive OSLP Discount Codes:

•ProCare Health: Use code OSLP for 15% off

•POP Recovery Systems: Use code OSLPTA

•American Dream Nut Butter: Use code OSLP

•Ate App: Link ONLY

•Dive Bar Nutrition: Use code OSLP

•Built Bar: Use code OSLP

•Devotion Nutrition: Use code OSLP5

Thank you for supporting the OSLP community and being part of the journey!

🎧 13 Unspoken Rules of Bariatric Life and it is just the beginning—here’s what nobody tells you.

Join Mel & Kellie from Our Sleeved Life Podcast as they spill the real talk on what truly happens after bariatric surgery. This empowering episode dives into the 13 unspoken rules every WLS warrior should know—touching on everything from regain realities and food relationships to mental health and body changes.

💬 Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ Why comparison steals joy from your journey
✅ What to expect with loose skin and how to embrace it
✅ The lifelong rule of protein, water & vitamins
✅ How to recognize head hunger vs. actual hunger
✅ Why mental health & therapy are game changers
✅ Navigating unsupportive people & setting boundaries
✅ Why regain is normal—and not a failure
✅ How your bathroom habits, food tolerance & taste buds may change

🎁 The JBY Digital Swag Bag is OPEN! Click the link in the description to grab your goodies!
🎟️ Some tickets still available—grab yours now at jbyawards.com
💸 Use code JBY2025 for $20 OFF your ticket! Don't wait—limited spots left!

👯‍♀️ Brought to you by Our Sleeved Life Podcast
Follow us on IG:
✨ Mel → @melunfiltered.vsg
✨ Kellie → @sleevedfromtheashes
🧡 Sponsored by ProCare Health

#OurSleevedLife #13RulesOfBariatrics #BariatricSupport #WeightLossSurgeryJourney #WLSCommunity #PostOpLife #WLSRealTalk #HeadHunger #BariatricMentalHealth #LooseSkinJourney #RegainIsReal #ProteinWaterVitamins #WLSPanel #BariatricEmpowerment

Get ready to shine in the latest Bari Connected episode featuring your favorite bariatric queens, Mel & Kellie from Our Sleeved Life Podcast! This special edition is all about the Just Be You Awards—the first-of-its-kind celebration honoring authenticity, resilience, and community in the bariatric space. 🏆💖

Whether you're pre-op, post-op, or simply curious about the weight loss surgery journey, this episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration, support, and real talk. Sponsored by ProCare Health, we dive deep into the power of showing up as your authentic self.

🔥 In This Episode You’ll Discover:

✔️ How support transforms your WLS journey
✔️ What the Just Be You Bariatric Awards are all about
✔️ Tips on mental health, supplements & self-care post-surgery
✔️ Inspiring stories from Mel, Kellie, and Hayley
✔️ How Bari Connected & ProCare Health uplift the WLS community

🎤 Meet the Voices of Empowerment:
✨ Hayley Flores (@taking.back.hayley) – VSG warrior & ProCare Health advocate
✨ Melanie (@melunfiltered) – Co-host, founder of the Just Be You Awards
✨ Kellie (@sleevedfromtheashes) – Mental health advocate & co-host

🔔 Join the movement. Celebrate your journey. Just Be You.
💬 Tell us in the comments: What does “Just Be You” mean to YOU?

📌 Stay Connected:
👉 Follow @oursleevedlifepodcast
👉 Learn more about ProCare Health: https://www.procarehealth.com
👉 jbyawards.com for the Just Be You Awards

#JustBeYouAwards #BariConnected #OurSleevedLifePodcast #WLSCommunity #VSGJourney #BariatricSupport #ProCareHealth #MentalHealthAfterWLS #BariatricLife #PostOpWellness #WeightLossSurgery

Bariatric surgery is life-changing, but what happens when regret creeps in? Whether it’s right after surgery, months later, or even years down the road, many people experience fear, doubt, and frustration along the way.

In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel & Kellie open up about the emotional side of weight loss surgery—the moments of 

“What did I do?”, struggling with food choices, and the impact on relationships. They share personal experiences, discuss common fears, and offer real advice on how to move forward when regret sets in.

What we talk about in this episode:

• Why post-op regret happens and how long it lasts
• The emotional rollercoaster of weight loss surgery
• Food cravings, restrictions, and learning to enjoy meals again
• Navigating changes in relationships and support systems
• Why comparison can hold you back—and how to focus on YOUR progress

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or questioning your journey, this episode is for you. You are not alone!

Meet Your Hosts
Kellie Wilson – Co-host of OSLP, mental health advocate, and bariatric warrior. Follow her at @sleevedfromtheashes

Melanie (Mel) – Bariatric advocate, podcast host, and founder of the Just Be You Bariatric Awards. Follow her at @melunfiltered for real, unfiltered WLS content.

🎟️ Get Your Tickets to the Just Be You Bariatric Awards Show!
Join the bariatric community for an unforgettable night celebrating resilience, empowerment, and transformation. Secure your spot today: JBYAwards.com

Let’s talk! Did you experience regret after surgery? How did you work through it? Drop a comment below and share your journey.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe & hit the bell for more real talk on bariatric life!

Follow Our Sleeved Life Podcast: @oursleevedlifepodcast

More resources:
👉 ProCare Health: https://www.procarehealth.com

#BariatricLife #WeightLossJourney #BariatricSupport #VSGCommunity #MentalHealthMatters

Our Sleeve Life Podcast (OSLP) is dedicated to empowering the bariatric community by providing education, support, and inspiration—all while challenging misconceptions about weight loss surgery.

Catch the Replay:

Don't miss the excitement of the JBY Awards 2023! Watch the full replay now!

OSLP’s Recommended Products:

OSLP Amazon Store: Shop Now

ProCare Health: Shop ProCare

POP Recovery Systems: POP Transformation Academy

1st Phorm: Shop 1st Phorm

American Dream Nut Butter: Shop Now

Ate App: Access Here

Dive Bar Nutrition: Shop Here

Devotion Nutrition: Shop Devotion

SABP Weightloss: Learn More

TreVita MX Medical Tourism: Explore Here
 

Exclusive OSLP Discount Codes:

ProCare Health: Use code OSLP for 20% off

POP Recovery Systems: Use code OSLPTA

American Dream Nut Butter: Use code OSLP

Ate App: Use code OSLP2024

Dive Bar Nutrition: Use code OSLP

Built Bar: Use code OSLP

Devotion Nutrition: Use code OSLP5

Thank you for supporting the OSLP community and being part of the journey!

The Secret Behind Devotion’s Hydroflex & Protein Revolution! 🔥

Welcome back, OSLP family! 💙 You know we LOVE bringing you the best of the best and today is no exception! We’re sitting down with none other than Dana Lynn Kaye, the QUEEN of Devotion Nutrition—aka the mastermind behind the tastiest protein powders and hydration flavors EVER.

🚀 What’s Inside This Episode?
🥤Hydration hack ALERT! Dana spills the tea (or should we say, Hydroflex? 👀) on how she created the ultimate water flavor enhancer—years in the making!
🌈Eight flavors, zero regrets! Find out which ones we’re obsessed with (hint: Rocket Pop & Margarita are a VIBE). 
🍪Protein but make it FUN! Cakes, waffles, puddings—Devotion’s protein does it ALL (goodbye, boring shakes ).
📖Cookbook goals! Dana’s 300-page "Have Your Shake & Eat It Too" is a must-have—find out why it sold out in 24 hours!
🆕NEW FLAVOR ALERT! A limited-edition protein is coming this summer, and Dana gives us a tiny hint! 🎉

🎧 Why You NEED to Watch This Episode:
✨ Love mocktails? We’ve got hacks for making Hydroflex into a hydrating cocktail dupe! 
✨ Struggling with cravings? Learn how Dana’s protein treats help you stay on track without feeling deprived! 💪🍫
✨ Behind-the-scenes scoop: The hilarious (and kind of chaotic) way Dana tested Devotion’s flavors with her family!

💡 Get Devoted to Flavor:
👉 Shop Devotion Nutrition: CLICK HERE
👉 Grab Dana’s cookbook: SHOP HERE 
👉 Follow Dana on Instagram: FOLLOW NOW
👉 OSLP Podcast: LISTEN UP

🔥 Question of the Day: If you could create your dream protein flavor, what would it be? Tell us in the comments! ⬇️

💙 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Hit That Bell 🔔 for more fun, delicious, and inspiring health stories!

#DevotionNutrition #Hydroflex #ProteinHacks #HealthyLiving #FitnessFuel #MocktailMagic #OSLPPodcast