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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Are you terrified of plastic surgery drains or wondering if a drainless tummy tuck is right for you?

In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, bariatric patient Mel, bariatric therapist Ashlyn, and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas pull back the curtain on everything you need to know about post-op drains. If you are a massive weight loss patient planning your body contouring journey, dealing with recovery anxiety, or researching how to manage fluid collection (seromas) after skin removal surgery, this deep-dive guide is for you!

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

IN THIS EPISODE: We tackle the ultimate "drain debate." While "drainless tummy tucks" are highly marketed on social media, Dr. Beidas explains the surgical science of why drains remain the gold standard especially for extreme weight loss patients who are prone to seromas (fluid collections) and undergo extensive liposuction. We also bust common myths surrounding drain removal pain, outline how to safely live your life with a drain (without staying trapped at home!), and discuss the real benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapy.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Did you have drains during your skin removal surgery?

How long did they stay in, and what was your experience with MLD?

Leave a comment below sharing your experience helps ease the anxiety of someone else pre-op!

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

Become a Benchie today: https://www.patron.com/oslp

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

#PlasticSurgeryDrains #DrainlessTummyTuck #BodyContouring #TummyTuckRecovery #MassiveWeightLoss #Seroma #LymphaticDrainage #TheCuttingEdgePodcast #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricRecovery

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💜 From hiding in men's jeans as a teenager to losing 130+ pounds and embracing her unique style, Jodi's bariatric journey is one of transformation, confidence, and self-acceptance.

In this episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel sits down with Jodi (@remaking_jodi) to discuss her experience with gastric bypass surgery, body image, excess skin removal, food noise, GLP-1 medications, and the emotional realities of life after massive weight loss.

Jodi shares what it was like growing up as a plus-size teen in the 80s and 90s, why she chose gastric bypass over the sleeve, how she prepared for surgery months in advance, and the surprising mental challenges that came after losing more than 130 pounds.

One of the most powerful moments? Jodi talks about wearing men's Guess jeans in high school because the women's sizes didn't fit—and how those experiences stayed with her for decades. This episode is a reminder that weight loss isn't just physical; it's deeply emotional too.

✨ In This Episode:

Whether you're considering bariatric surgery, navigating maintenance, struggling with regain, or learning to love yourself at any size, this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and hope.

Follow Jodi: @remaking_jodi

Follow Our Sleeved Life: @oursleevedlifepodcast

🎙 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#GastricBypass #BariatricSurgery #WeightLossJourney #WeightLossTransformation #GLP1Journey #FoodNoise #BodyDysmorphia #SkinRemovalSurgery #BariatricCommunity #WeightLossSupport #OurSleevedLifePodcast #GastricBypassSuccess #ObesityAwareness #BariatricLife #TransformationStory

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Are you dealing with unexpected weight regain or debilitating acid reflux years after your bariatric surgery? You are not alone. In this episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP), Mel sits down with bariatric surgeon Dr. Betsy Dovec and registered dietitian Hannah Schuyler, the power duo behind Body by Bariatrics.

Together, they pull back the curtain on why gastric sleeves commonly lead to new-onset acid reflux, what a "retained fundus" actually means for your hunger hormones (ghrelin), and why weight regain is often a structural issue rather than a personal failure.

Dr. Dovec and Hannah share how their patient-first, 100% virtual private practice is completely disrupting hospital-employed healthcare models by slashing 6-month wait times down to just one week. Plus, we explore the powerful, synergistic relationship between bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications, why insurance hoops are fundamentally broken, and whether or not there’s an age limit to reclaiming your vitality.

If you’ve been suffering in silence or beating yourself up over your post-op struggles, this episode is a must-watch masterclass on reclaiming your health, your quality of life, and your anatomy!

✨ Take action on your health today! Go to https://www.bodybybariatrics.com and click "Get Started Now" to verify your insurance or explore virtual consult options.

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

Betsy: https://www.instagram.com/drdovec/

BodyByBariatrics: IG https://www.instagram.com/bodybybariatrics/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bodybybariatrics

The Weight Loss Collab: https://www.instagram.com/theweightlosscollab/

https://bodybybariatrics.com/

https://bodybybariatrics.com/bodybynutrition/

Support your bariatric journey and stay healthy! Use code OSLP to save on your ProCare Vitamins or shop Dr. Dovec's specialized vitamin lines.

Remember the golden rules: Get your water, prioritize your protein, stay moving, never skip your sleep, and look out for your mental health through therapy.

Enjoyed this deep dive? Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel, click the LIKE button, and drop a comment below sharing your own experiences with the honeymoon phase, acid reflux, or GLP-1s! Let's keep the community strong.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

#BariatricSurgery #GastricSleeve #GastricBypass #WeightLossRegain #GLP1 #AcidReflux #BariatricRevision #OSLP #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BodyByBariatrics

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What does it truly take to reverse severe sleep apnea, throw away your CPAP machine, and drop nearly 200 pounds? In this incredibly raw and inspiring patient story, your host Mel sits down with Arthur Shadwick @mypurposefit to talk about what life is really like on both sides of bariatric surgery. Arthur opens up about growing up as a heavy child, hitting his highest weight of 440 pounds, and making the life-saving decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

This conversation dives straight into the nitty-gritty things nobody warns you about from pushing through the liquid and pureed phases to tackling food addiction head-on and completely changing generational health habits for his kids. Arthur shares how his deep faith, major mindset shifts, and a rock-solid support system completely transformed his relationship with fitness, family, and food.

Whether you are considering weight loss surgery, currently in the pre-op phase, newly post-op, or looking to get back on track, this episode is a safe space packed with encouragement, lots of laughs, and pure inspiration. Grab your water, pull up a seat on the winner's bench, and let's get into Arthur's incredible transformation!

What we're diving into today:

The health wake-up call: Facing severe sleep apnea at 440 lbs.

Choosing between VSG and Gastric Bypass (RNY).

Overcoming early post-op mental hurdles, gas pain, and learning how to eat again.

The reality of food addiction, identifying triggers, and breaking old mental loops.

Balancing family life, keeping kid snacks in the house, and staying accountable.

Heartwarming Non-Scale Victories (NSVs): Throwing away the CPAP machine and running with his daughter.

Finding his "Purpose Fit" through movement, routine, and serving others.

Follow Arthur’s Journey: 📸 Instagram: @mypurposefit

Connect with Mel & The OSLP Community:

🔔 Subscribe to the channel and hang out with us FOR-EVER!

🌐 Official Website & Resources: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

🎉 Learn about the Just Be You (JBY) Bariatric Awards: Click Here

🛋️ Join the Winner's Bench: Become an OSLP Benchie on Patreon: Click Here

📧 Join our email list for The Weekly Chew & Our Book Club Plot Holes & Protein Goals: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

💬 Drop a comment below: What part of Arthur's story resonated with you the most? Let’s support each other in the comments!

👇 Don't forget your non-negotiables: get that damn water in, focus on your protein, move your body, get good sleep, and hit those vitamins! Mel uses ProCare Health use code OSLP at checkout for 15% off!

#OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricCommunity #WeightLossSurgery #GastricBypass #RNYJourney #BariatricSuccess #SleepApneaReversal #NonScaleVictories #OSLPBenchies

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Choosing a plastic surgeon can feel overwhelming—but did you know that not everyone performing cosmetic procedures is actually a board-certified plastic surgeon? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, we break down the critical differences between board-certified plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, why those distinctions matter, and how they can impact your safety, results, and overall surgical experience.

If you're considering a tummy tuck, liposuction, BBL, body contouring, breast surgery, or any cosmetic procedure, this conversation could help you avoid costly mistakes and make a more informed decision about who you trust with your care.

In This Episode

Host Mel sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas and therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes to discuss one of the most important questions any patient can ask:

👉 How do you choose the right surgeon?

They unpack:

Whether you're researching plastic surgery after weight loss, considering body contouring, or simply want to understand how to verify a surgeon's credentials, this episode provides practical guidance every patient should hear.

🔗 Resources & Links

Dr. Omar Beidas: @doctorbodycontouring

📌 Subscribe to The Cutting Edge Podcast for expert conversations on plastic surgery, body contouring, bariatric surgery, patient education, mental health, recovery, and everything you need to make informed decisions about your health and aesthetic goals.

👍 If you found this episode helpful:

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Can you transition from bariatric surgery to a competitive bodybuilding stage? In this episode, host Mel sits down with Jessica Shock @jessica__shock to explore her mind-blowing 170-pound weight loss transformation following RNY gastric bypass surgery. From navigating a complex medical history including childhood cancer, a traumatic brain injury, and a post-op Crohn’s diagnosis to winning "Overall Transformation" in competitive bodybuilding, Jessica proves that weight loss surgery isn't the "easy way out."

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

The Reality of RNY Gastric Bypass: Jessica shares her raw experience of the first five days post-op, overcoming buyer's remorse, and navigating early eating struggles like the "foamies" and food intolerances.

Overcoming a Complex Medical History: How Jessica managed major health hurdles including psoriatic arthritis, a brain injury, and getting diagnosed with Crohn's disease years after her weight loss surgery.

The Mental Side of Bariatric Surgery: Why doing the deep mental work with a therapist to identify food triggers and tackle binge-eating cycles is vital for long-term bariatric success.

Life After Skin Removal Surgery: Jessica opens up about the emotional and physical transformation of undergoing two skin removal surgeries (including a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck).

Bodybuilding After Bariatric Surgery: How Jessica rebuilt her mindset and physique, hired a bariatric-savvy coach, and ended up taking home first-place trophies on the transformation stage.

Practical Post-Op Advice: Real talk on tracking macros, reading food labels, managing "skinny privilege," and why a strong support system changes everything.

Connect with the Guest:

Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jessica__shock

Connect with OSLP & Support the Show:

Subscribe & Like! If you enjoyed this patient story, please hit that subscribe button, leave a comment with your favorite takeaway, and give this video a thumbs up.

Join the Community: Stay tuned for our upcoming "Just Be You" awards celebrating the bariatric community!

Our Favorite Bariatric Vitamins: Keep your post-op health on track. We love ProCare Health! Use code OSLP at checkout to save 15% on your order.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your bariatric surgeon or healthcare team before changing your diet, supplement regimen, or exercise routine.

#bariatricsurgery #weightlosssurgery #RNY #gastricbypass #postop #bariatricbodybuilding #skinremovalsurgery #extremeweightloss

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In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Ana sits down with us to share the REAL side of bariatric surgery, weight loss, emotional eating, food addiction, CrossFit, bodybuilding, and everything in between. 💜

This conversation got deep fast.

Ana opens up about struggling with obesity her entire life, dealing with PCOS and hypothyroidism, emotional eating, family trauma, and how food became both comfort and coping. She shares the moment she realized she needed help, what led her to gastric sleeve surgery, the scary complications she faced afterward, and how she fought her way back physically and mentally.

And honestly? Her story is going to hit home for a LOT of people.

We talk about:

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is this:

If you’ve ever struggled with obesity, emotional eating, food addiction, PCOS, hypothyroidism, bariatric surgery, regain, or just feeling alone in your journey… this episode is for you.

And if nobody has told you lately:

If you ever need support, have questions about bariatric surgery, CrossFit after weight loss surgery, macros, emotional eating, or just need people who get it — message us. Seriously. That’s why this community exists.

📩 Reach out anytime. We’re all figuring this out together.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it today.

#BariatricSurgery #GastricSleeve #WeightLossJourney #FoodAddiction #EmotionalEating #CrossFitTransformation #BodybuildingJourney #PCOSWeightLoss #Hypothyroidism #WeightLossTransformation #BariatricCommunity #FoodNoise #DEXAScan #BodyRecomposition #OurSleevedLife

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Men get plastic surgery too… but nobody really talks about it 👀

In this episode of the Cutting Edge Podcast, we’re having a conversation that honestly feels long overdue. From loose skin after massive weight loss to gynecomastia, body contouring, high-definition liposuction, and even the mental side of body image this episode dives into what men actually experience after bariatric surgery and weight loss.

Dr. Omar Beidas breaks down the most common plastic surgery procedures for men, including tummy tucks, lower body lifts, chest contouring, male BBLs, fat transfer, and skin removal surgery after weight loss. But what makes this conversation so interesting is how much of it goes beyond the surgery itself.

Because for a lot of men, it’s not just about appearance. It’s about confidence, functionality, masculinity, fear of judgment, and trying to feel comfortable in their own body again.

We also talk about:

male body dysmorphia, unrealistic expectations in plastic surgery, revision surgery red flags, why some men avoid surgery even when they want it, and how societal pressure affects the way men approach cosmetic procedures.

There’s a huge misconception that plastic surgery is “just for women,” and this episode challenges that in a really honest, funny, and surprisingly emotional way.

Whether you’re considering plastic surgery after weight loss, curious about male body contouring, struggling with loose skin, or just interested in the psychology behind body image and confidence—this episode has SO many important conversations packed into it.

🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

And let us know in the comments: Do you think men are judged differently for getting plastic surgery? 

Dr. Omar Beidas: @doctorbodycontouring

#MalePlasticSurgery #BodyContouring #WeightLossJourney #PlasticSurgery #CuttingEdgePodcast

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Epi 352

What autoimmune disease REALLY does to your body goes far beyond occasional fatigue or inflammation. In this episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we sit down with resilience coach and medical professional Nikolett Demeter from Pop Recovery to have an honest conversation about chronic illness, lupus, gut health, bariatric nutrition, inflammation, and what it actually feels like to live in a body that’s constantly fighting itself.

We talk about why autoimmune diseases like lupus, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ disease, and other chronic illnesses can leave people exhausted, struggling with brain fog, digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, and flare-ups that impact everyday life. Nikolett explains how inflammation works inside the body, why sleep and hydration matter more than most people realize, and how nutrition, protein intake, omega-3s, gut health, and stress management can help support healing and recovery.

This conversation also dives into bariatric surgery recovery, vitamin deficiencies, immune system health, anti-inflammatory foods, hormone balance, and the powerful connection between the gut microbiome and overall wellness. Whether you’re personally dealing with autoimmune disease or supporting someone who is, this episode is full of practical advice, emotional support, and real conversations about resilience and health.

If you’ve been searching for ways to reduce chronic inflammation naturally, improve gut health, manage autoimmune symptoms, recover after bariatric surgery, or simply better understand chronic illness and fatigue, this episode is for you.

💙 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who may need encouragement or support on their health journey.

#AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicInflammation #LupusAwareness #GutHealth #ChronicIllness #BariatricSurgery #AntiInflammatoryDiet #HealthPodcast #ImmuneHealth #WellnessJourney

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