On the road again! 🚐✨
In this special East Coast Tour episode, Mel and Kellie take on Philadelphia and sit down with two standout voices in the male bariatric community:
Rob (@robmotivation) and Rob (@myweightishistory) — aka The Robs of WLS!

This one’s about consistency, courage, and community—and how two men turned personal transformation into public impact.

📍 Live from Philly
The OSLP crew meets up in person with two of the most influential men in the WLS space and talks about why Philly holds a special place in their journeys.

💬 Why They Started Sharing Online
Get the inside scoop on how and why the Robs began documenting their weight loss surgery (WLS) transformations on Instagram & TikTok—and how it helped others too.

🔥 The Power of Consistency
Hear how staying the course (even when motivation dips) was key to their long-term success—and why showing up is the real flex.

🎯 Mental Shifts & Random Laughs
From personal growth to silly tangents, this episode is packed with real talk, random moments, and the kind of connection only found in the WLS world.

“We just wanted to be the guys we didn’t have when we were starting.”
– The Robs

Just starting your gastric sleeve journey

Struggling to stay consistent post-op

Looking for real-life WLS inspiration from men

Curious about building a bariatric community online

👊 This episode will give you the fuel to keep going—and maybe even start sharing your story too.

Bariatric surgery recovery

Fitness and nutrition after WLS

Mental health, body image & self-worth

Real transformations & inspiring stories

Join our email list → www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com
Support the show on Patreon → www.patreon.com/OSLP
Instagram → @oursleevedlifepodcast

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

Epi 201: Understanding GLP-1, GIP & the Future of Obesity Medicine | Dr. Lydia Alexander (Part 2)

Back for Part 2! 🎉

This week on Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Dr. Lydia Alexander (President-Elect of the Obesity Medicine Association) returns to continue an eye-opening discussion on obesity as a disease—and how GLP-1 and GIP hormone treatments are changing the landscape of care.

Missed Part 1? 👉 Catch it in Epi 200.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

🧬 GLP-1 & GIP Medications Explained

Dr. Alexander breaks down how these powerful hormones work, their roles in hunger, blood sugar, metabolism, and more.

✅ FDA Approval & Clinical Studies

Why only one GLP-1 is FDA-approved for obesity (as of recording), which medications are on the fast-track, and how safety and efficacy are evaluated.

💰 Insurance Coverage Inequality

An honest conversation about why insurance covers obesity-related illnesses, but not obesity treatment itself—and what OMA is doing to change that.

🌱 Treating the Root, Not the Fruit

Dr. Alexander shares her mission to help treat the root causes of obesity, not just its symptoms—shifting the entire care model.

🌍 Obesity Medicine Advocacy

Learn about the Obesity Medicine Association's work to support patients, educate providers, and influence national health policy.

“Obesity is not a failure of willpower. It's a chronic, complex disease—and we must treat it that way.”

— Dr. Lydia Alexander, OMA President-Elect

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

This week on Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lydia Alexander, President-Elect of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), for an essential conversation about what truly causes obesity and how it's treated as a chronic, complex disease—not a personal failure.

👉 This is Part 1 of our in-depth interview. Be sure to catch Part 2 in Episode 201 for more on GLP-1s, GIP hormones, and obesity treatment breakthroughs.

🧠 The Truth About Obesity
Obesity isn’t about laziness or lack of motivation—it’s a biological, medical condition influenced by genetics, hormones, and more.

🧪 Root Causes of Obesity
Discover the scientific factors that contribute to obesity, including:

Genetic predisposition

Hormonal imbalances

Insulin resistance

Chronic inflammation

Environmental and societal influences

Modern food systems & marketing

🔥 Inflammation & Comorbidities
Dr. Alexander explains how chronic inflammation drives conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and PCOS—and how obesity is often the root cause.

💬 Why Obesity Treatment Needs to Change
We talk about why willpower-based treatment fails, and how weight-centric, compassionate medical care can improve long-term outcomes.

💡 “If we keep blaming people for a disease that is biologically driven, we’re never going to treat it effectively.”
— Dr. Lydia Alexander, President-Elect, Obesity Medicine Association

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

We’re hitting the road! 🚐 In this exclusive vlog-style episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP), Mel & Kellie kick off their first-ever bariatric podcast tour starting in sunny Orlando, Florida! 🌴💙

We had the honor of connecting with the amazing Sleeved Dietitian, where we dive into life after weight loss surgery, bariatric nutrition tips, and how to thrive post-op! Whether you're pre-op, post-op, or just curious about bariatric surgery, this episode is packed with insights, real talk, and inspiration you won’t want to miss! 💬🔥

💡 The real experience of going on tour as bariatric advocates

🥗 Must-know nutrition advice from The Sleeved Dietitian

🛑 Debunking weight loss surgery myths

❤️ Building a supportive community after VSG, RNY, or DS

🎉 How OSLP is changing the conversation about WLS nationwide

🖥️ Visit our website: www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com
📩 Join our email list for behind-the-scenes content & updates
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @oursleevedlifepodcast
💖 Support the show on Patreon & become a Badass Benchie: www.patreon.com/OSLP

🌟 ProCare Health - Vitamins & Supplements

💪 Devotion Nutrition - Protein & Snacks

✅ Want to level up your own bariatric journey? Subscribe, share, and leave us a review — let’s break the stigma around weight loss surgery together 💪❤️

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

Epi 198

💬 In This Episode:

Kellie and Mel sit down with bariatric coach Laura Ballantyne, who shares her incredible post-op journey after having Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) in New Zealand back in 2018. 🌏

What makes her story so powerful?

💯 She lost 100% of her excess weight, kept it off, and even navigated a healthy pregnancy three years after surgery! This is an unfiltered conversation about sustainable success, mindset shifts, and how bariatric surgery can transform not just your body—but your entire life.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How to keep weight off long-term after WLS

🍼 Managing pregnancy after VSG surgery

🧘‍♀️ Replacing emotional eating with mindset tools

📚 How education became Laura’s healing power

💪 Why wellness isn’t just physical—it’s a full lifestyle shift

📲 Find Laura Online

📸 Instagram: @laura_bariatriccoach

📚 Explore her bariatric coaching & mindset courses

🧡 More from OSLP:

💌 Join our email list: www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

💖 Support the pod & become a Badass Benchie: www.patreon.com/OSLP

🎙️ Follow us on Instagram: @oursleevedlifepodcast

If Laura’s journey inspired you, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share this with someone on their own WLS path. Let’s break the stigma, together 💪💖 #BadassBenchies

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

Epi 197

💌 About This Episode:

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance — it’s also about navigating cravings, expectations, and emotions… especially after weight loss surgery. 💘

In this episode, the OSLP girls dive deep into how to handle Valentine’s Day post-op, including:

🍫 How to deal with food triggers and emotional eating

💝 Creative, bariatric-friendly celebration ideas

🧠 Tips for shifting your mindset and focusing on self-love

👯 Real talk about relationships, body image, and loving yourself FIRST

Whether you're newly sleeved, years post-op, single, partnered, or somewhere in-between — this episode is your real-talk survival guide to navigating February 14th like a Badass Benchie! 💪

🌍 OSLP Community Links:

🔗 Website & Email List: www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @oursleevedlifepodcast

💖 Support & Join the Benchies: www.patreon.com/OSLP

🗓️ East Coast Tour Dates:

📍 Feb. 11 — Orlando, FL

📍 Feb. 18 — Philadelphia, PA (SOLD OUT)

📍 Feb. 25 — Brooklyn, NY

Loved this episode? Hit that ❤️ like button, subscribe for more real bariatric talk, and drop a comment sharing your favorite non-food Valentine’s tradition! Let’s keep showing up for ourselves AND each other

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

Epi 196  

About This Episode:

After several tries, the OSLP ladies finally got to sit down with David Anderson — aka The Business Bully — for one of the most real & refreshing conversations we’ve had yet 🎤💥

A year and a half post-op, David shares his experience with weight loss surgery as a Black man, and his mission to empower the Black bariatric community. He opens up about:

⚖️ Relationship shifts post-op

🧠 Mental wellness & self-image

🏋🏽‍♂️ Fitness & non-scale victories

💬 Loose skin, plastic surgery, and confidence

😅 Life after WLS — raw, funny, and unapologetic

Whether you’re prepping for surgery or deep into your bariatric journey, Dave’s insights are bold, empowering, and deeply needed. This is the male WLS episode you didn’t know you needed.

🔗 Connect with David:

📲 Instagram: @thebusinessbully

❤️ Help Build the Black Bariatric Resource Network:

If you know of Black-owned resources supporting WLS, connect with Dave — let’s grow this movement together.

🎙 More from OSLP:

🖥️ Website + Email List: www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

📸 Follow on IG: @oursleevedlifepodcast

💖 Support us & become a Badass Benchie: www.patreon.com/OSLP

🗓️ East Coast Tour Dates:

📍 Feb. 11 — Orlando, FL

📍 Feb. 18 — Philadelphia, PA (SOLD OUT)

📍 Feb. 25 — Brooklyn, NY

🛍️ Bariatric Faves & Discount Codes:

🧡 ProCare Now Code: OSLP

💪 Devotion Nutrition Code: OSLP5

☕ Javy Coffee — OSLP20

💧 HidrateSpark, OBVI, BuiltBar, T.R.I.B.E. Membership & More!

If David’s real talk hit home, give this video a like, subscribe for more voices that matter, and comment below with what YOU wish people knew about life after bariatric surgery. Let’s keep breaking the silence and building the bench!!!

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

Epi 195

About This Episode:

In this heart-to-heart studio chat, Kellie and Mel open up about the bariatric truths they wish someone had told them — before and after surgery. From emotional health to realistic expectations, this episode is full of real talk and gentle reminders for anyone navigating life after WLS. 🧠💖

🎯 Topics We Cover:

🔁 Weight loss stalls are NORMAL — at every stage

🧠 Why therapy is just as vital as nutrition after surgery

🧭 Feeling lost post-op? You’re not alone — and help is out there

🍽️ How to listen to your hunger & fullness cues

🥗 Eating your favorite foods with mindful moderation

🧍‍♀️ Comparison culture in WLS — and why your journey is uniquely yours

⚖️ Lowest weight ≠ healthiest weight

🛠️ What to do if your tool stops “working” — and how your team can help

This episode is a reminder: Weight loss surgery is not your last resort — it’s your beginning. 💫

🌍 Stay Connected with OSLP:

📩 Join the OSLP Email List: www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @oursleevedlifepodcast

💖 Become a Badass Benchie: www.patreon.com/OSLP

🗓️ OSLP East Coast Tour Dates:

📍 Feb. 11 — Orlando, FL

📍 Feb. 18 — Philadelphia, PA (SOLD OUT)

📍 Feb. 25 — Brooklyn, NY

🛍️ Our Recommended Bariatric Must-Haves:

✨ ProCare Now — Code: OSLP

✨ Devotion Nutrition — Code: OSLP

If this episode helped you feel seen, hit that like button and share it with someone who needs a little encouragement today 💛. Drop a comment below with your own ‘wish I knew this’ moment — let’s keep supporting each other through it all.

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

Epi 194

About This Episode:

Today, the OSLP ladies are joined by Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW — a bariatric therapist who’s also a bariatric patient herself (RNY, 10+ years post-op!). 🎙️

Ashlyn brings powerful perspective from both sides of the bariatric journey — sharing therapeutic tools, GLP-1 hormone therapy insights, and lived experience to help patients understand the mental & emotional side of long-term success after surgery. 🧠💖

🧠 What We Discuss:

🧬 GLP-1 hormone therapy for weight maintenance

🍞 Why eating carbs isn’t “bad” — it’s about mindset

🧠 Trauma, behavioral changes & transfer addictions (like alcohol)

⚠️ What patients often misunderstand pre-op

🧍‍♀️ When family support changes after surgery — and how to cope

🛠️ Tools for long-term mental health after bariatric surgery

📚 Helping other therapists learn bariatric-focused care

This one’s packed with healing energy, truth bombs 💣, and support strategies to help you on your journey — whether you're pre-op, post-op, or a professional in the space.

👩‍⚕️ About Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW:

🔗 Practice: Advance Bariatric Counseling

📸 Instagram:

@ashlynchange4life2012

(personal)

@advancebariatriccounseling

(therapy)

@learnbariatricassessments

(therapist training course)

💌 Stay Connected:

🌐 Website & Email List: www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

📸 Instagram: @oursleevedlifepodcast

💖 Support: www.patreon.com/OSLP

– Join the Badass Benchies!

🗓️ OSLP East Coast Tour:

📍 Feb. 11 – Orlando, FL

📍 Feb. 18 – Philadelphia, PA (SOLD OUT)

📍 Feb. 25 – Brooklyn, NY

🛍️ Our Favorite Bariatric Brands:

🧡 ProCare Now— Code: OSLP

💪 Devotion Nutrition — Code: OSLP5

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

Epi 193

About This Episode:

Whether you’re pre-op or post-op, one thing we all face is… cravings 😩🍫

In this honest and heartfelt episode, Kellie and Mel share their personal experiences dealing with cravings and food addiction as weight loss surgery patients. They dive into:

🔄 The most common causes of cravings after bariatric surgery

🧠 Emotional triggers vs. physical hunger

🧰 Real tools & mindset shifts that help

💬 Ongoing struggles — because WLS doesn’t magically fix everything

This is a safe space for everyone navigating the mental battle with food after surgery. You’re not alone, and there ARE strategies that can help you feel in control again. 💛

✏️ Bonus Challenge:

Take a moment after the episode to journal your thoughts around cravings, guilt, and self-talk. Then DM us on IG or email us — we’d love to hear from you 💬

💌 Stay Connected with OSLP:

🌐 Website + Email List: www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

📸 Instagram: @oursleevedlifepodcast

💖 Support the Pod: www.patreon.com/OSLP

— Become a Badass Benchie!

🗓️ East Coast Tour:

📍 Feb. 11 – Orlando, FL

📍 Feb. 18 – Philadelphia, PA (SOLD OUT)

📍 Feb. 25 – Brooklyn, NY

🛍️ OSLP-Approved Bariatric Goodies:

🧡 ProCare Now — Code: OSLP

💪 Devotion Nutrition— Code: OSLP5

Cravings are real. The guilt? Even more real. If this episode helped you feel a little more seen, give it a like, subscribe, and drop a 🧠 in the comments if you’re ready to explore your own food triggers. You’ve got this — and we’ve got you!

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