What does long-term success after bariatric surgery look like four years later, especially when GLP-1 medications, strength training, nutrition, and maintenance all become part of the journey?

In this episode, Zoe and Dr. Matthew Weiner are joined by Graham Hoffman, a Pound of Cure patient and peer leader, to talk about life four years after weight loss surgery. Graham shares how GLP-1 medications, strength training, walking, protein-forward nutrition, and long-term support helped him move beyond the number on the scale and build a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

They discuss why strength training can be more approachable than endless cardio, how building muscle supports metabolism after bariatric surgery, and why success is not just about reaching a goal weight. Graham also explains how GLP-1s helped reduce food noise, support maintenance, and make it easier to listen to hunger and fullness cues.

They also talk about real-life nutrition strategies after weight loss surgery, including protein coffee, blueberries for fiber, prepared meals, protein-forward snacks, roasted vegetables, planned indulgences, and learning how to leave food on the plate without guilt or shame.

Most importantly, Graham explains why long-term weight loss maintenance is not about being perfect. Sustainable success comes from consistency, support, strength, flexibility, and building habits that can actually last.

Can Medicare patients get GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound for $50 per month through the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program?

In this episode, Zoe is joined by Dr. Matthew Weiner and Deidre, FNP, to break down what Medicare patients need to know about the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program. They explain who may qualify, why Medicare Part D coverage matters, and why the process is more complicated than simply getting a prescription.

Deidre walks through the eligibility requirements, including BMI, prediabetes, cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. She also explains why some patients may not be able to use the Bridge Program if their GLP-1 medication can already be covered through their regular Medicare Part D benefits.

They also discuss the two-step prior authorization process, the $50 monthly copay, why that copay may not count toward a deductible, and why documentation for a structured nutrition and lifestyle program is required.

Most importantly, the team explains what patients should realistically expect as the program rolls out, why delays and confusion are likely at first, and how Pound of Cure is preparing to help eligible Arizona patients navigate access to GLP-1 medications.

What is GLP-1 microdosing, and can smaller doses of medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound lead to better long-term weight loss results?

In this episode, registered dietitian Zoe is joined by Deidre, FNP, to break down one of the biggest conversations in obesity medicine right now: GLP-1 microdosing. They explain how microdosing differs from standard manufacturer dosing, why FDA-approved dosing schedules are designed for clinical trials, and why a one-size-fits-all approach may not work for every patient.

Deidre explains how slower, smaller dose increases may help reduce side effects like nausea and abdominal discomfort, while still supporting hunger control, fewer cravings, less food noise, and gradual weight loss. They also discuss super responders, non-responders, compounded medications, and why personalized GLP-1 dosing can make a major difference in long-term maintenance.

They also unpack the debate around GLP-1 microdose marketing, including the recent dispute involving Eli Lilly, Noom, and tirzepatide, and what it means for patients navigating telehealth weight loss programs.

Most importantly, Zoe and Deidre explain why medications are only one part of obesity treatment. Sustainable weight loss still depends on nutrition, whole foods, protein, fiber, lifestyle changes, and long-term support.

What happens to bariatric surgery when GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound change the entire weight loss landscape?

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Weiner and registered dietitian Zoe unpack what they saw at the 2026 ASMBS annual conference - a meeting that felt very different from prior years. Surgical volumes are down, many bariatric surgeons are wrestling with what GLP-1s mean for their practices, and patients are left trying to figure out whether medication, nutrition, surgery, or some combination makes the most sense.

Dr. Weiner explains why bariatric surgery still matters, but no longer belongs in the same place in the treatment sequence. For many patients, a GLP-1 trial should come first. For others, especially non-responders, patients with severe diabetes, or people losing mobility, surgery may be the safest and most effective next step.

They also discuss why low-dose GLP-1s may be more sustainable than high-dose treatment, how to recognize a medication non-response, and why the best obesity care in 2026 combines nutrition, medication, surgery, and long-term support instead of forcing patients into one silo.

What if your struggle with weight loss isn't about willpower at all, but about brain patterns you were born with? In this groundbreaking conversation, Dr. Matthew Weiner and registered dietitian Zoe sit down with neuroscientist Dr. Steve Rondeau, who has conducted over 50,000 EEG brain scans and just released his book Think Like a Brain. Dr. Rondeau reveals that emotional eating, stress eating, and food cravings aren't character flaws—they're measurable brain patterns that show up differently in every person. His research has identified that what we call "stress eating" can manifest in 4,096 different combinations of brain patterns, explaining why the same diet works for one person but fails for another.

One of the most exciting revelations is the potential to use brain scans to predict who will respond to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound before they even take their first dose. Dr. Rondeau discusses the "overwhelmed pattern"—a specific brain biomarker where brain activity slows down under stress, strongly correlated with using food as an escape mechanism. He draws fascinating parallels between GLP-1 medications and psychedelic therapy, explaining how both create a window of opportunity where the usual noise quiets down enough for real behavioral change to happen. The key is using that window effectively with proper integration work.

This episode challenges the entire foundation of mental health diagnosis, revealing why the DSM is fundamentally flawed and how brain scan technology can finally match treatments to individual biology rather than broad symptom categories. Dr. Rondeau uses the powerful analogy of a husky in the desert versus the mountains—your brain patterns may be perfectly adapted for certain situations but set you up for failure in others. The conversation explores emerging wearable EEG technology, the inheritance of brain patterns, and the future of truly personalized medicine. Essential listening for anyone who has ever wondered why willpower never seems to be enough.

Connect with Dr. Steve Rondeau:

• Book: Think Like a Brain (thinklikeabrain.com)
• Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all major platforms
• Audiobook coming soon

Download the Pound of Cure App: gololi.ai - AI-powered personalized weight loss planning

In this inspiring episode, Moira shares her transformative journey through weight loss, bariatric surgery, and lifestyle changes. Discover practical strategies for sustainable health, the importance of exercise safety, and how combined treatments can empower lasting weight management.

Sign up to beta test our new app! gololi.ai

In this episode, Dr. Weiner and Zoe discuss the latest advancements in obesity medicine, including the beta launch of their new app Loli, the evolution of GLP-1 medication dosing with the Quick Pen, and insights from recent research on GLP-1 prescribing practices. They also address patient questions on post-bariatric care and the future of medication delivery.

Sign up to be a beta tester for our new app - https://gololi.ai

In this candid patient interview, Taylor Hultquist shares her complete bariatric surgery journey one year post-op, revealing the physical, mental, and emotional transformations that extended far beyond the number on the scale.

This episode covers the real, unfiltered experience of bariatric surgery including:

Post-Surgery Physical Changes: Taylor discusses her weight loss progress, strength training routine, and unexpected non-scale victories like hiking without knee pain and jogging for the first time in years. She breaks down what recovery actually looked like and the physical milestones that mattered most.

Mental Health Improvements After Weight Loss Surgery: One of the most significant aspects of Taylor's journey was the dramatic reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms post-surgery. She shares how her mental clarity improved and why the psychological benefits were just as important as the physical changes.

The Importance of Personal Choice in Bariatric Surgery: Taylor emphasizes that the decision to undergo weight loss surgery must be entirely personal. She discusses how to navigate pressure from family members, set healthy boundaries around weight discussions, and advocate for yourself throughout the process.

Mindful Eating and Body Awareness Post-Op: Learn how Taylor developed new relationships with food and hunger cues after surgery. She shares practical strategies for mindful eating, recognizing fullness signals, and adjusting to her body's new needs and limitations.

Non-Scale Victories and Redefining Success: Beyond weight loss numbers, Taylor celebrates the smaller wins that transformed her daily life - from increased energy levels to improved mobility to newfound confidence in social situations. These victories became the foundation of her sustainable transformation.

Setting Boundaries with Loved Ones: Taylor provides honest advice about communicating needs to family and friends, especially when it comes to unsolicited weight loss advice or commentary. She discusses how setting clear boundaries protected her mental health during a vulnerable time.

Strength Training and Physical Activity Post-Surgery: Discover how Taylor incorporated strength training into her routine and why building muscle became a priority. She shares her approach to exercise that focuses on feeling strong rather than just losing weight.

This patient success story offers valuable insights for anyone considering bariatric surgery, currently in their post-op journey, or supporting a loved one through weight loss surgery. Taylor's transparency about both challenges and triumphs provides a realistic perspective on what life looks like after this major medical decision.

Whether you're researching gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or other bariatric procedures, this conversation covers the topics that matter most: mental health support, realistic expectations, lifestyle changes, body image struggles, and the ongoing process of self-improvement after surgery.

Connect with Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast: New episodes released weekly featuring expert interviews, patient stories, and evidence-based weight loss strategies from Dr. Matthew Weiner and registered dietitian Zoe.

For more information about bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, nutrition counseling, and sustainable weight loss approaches, visit our practice or check out previous episodes on metabolic health, set point theory, and medical weight loss options.

Visit our website.

Vote for Linda Jones to be on the cover of Ms. Health & Fitness 2026 here.

After getting completely hacked and losing our entire social media presence, we're pivoting HARD - and it might be exactly what we needed.

In this raw, unfiltered episode, Dr. Matthew Weiner and Zoe break down:

- WHY we stopped prescribing the "new" Wegovy pill (spoiler: it's 5 years old and we have data you need to hear)

- The GLP-1 medication coming in 2026 that could change everything - Retatrutide clinical trial results revealed

- How to get REAL Eli Lilly medication for $150/month (not compounded) through a program most people don't know exists

- The AI-powered weight loss app Dr. Weiner is coding himself that does what he does in the office (beta testers wanted!)

- Why we're ditching Instagram for Reddit and YouTube - and the surprising reason long-form content beats 30-second clips

PLUS: Real patient stories including a VSG + breast cancer + GLP-1 combination success, the truth about oral vs. injectable semaglutide, home-ground flour health claims investigated, and why that "bulge" when you cough isn't what you think it is.

If you're on GLP-1s, considering them, or just tired of BS weight loss advice - this episode cuts through the noise with real data, real experience, and real talk.

Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this (since we can't share it on Instagram anymore)

What does the future of weight loss and obesity care really look like?

In this special annual predictions episode of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast, Dr. Matthew Weiner, registered dietitian Zoë, and Deidre review their 2025 weight loss predictions and share bold, evidence-based predictions for 2026.

They break down what’s coming next in GLP-1 medications, including pricing, insurance coverage, injectable vs oral GLP-1s, and how medications will increasingly be combined with nutrition, lifestyle changes, and bariatric surgery. The episode also explores major shifts in nutrition trends, including why protein quality will matter more than quantity, why fiber may be the next big focus, and how whole-food diets outperform processed “GLP-1 support” products.

You’ll also hear forward-looking conversations about:
 • AI-powered meal planning and obesity care
 • Personalized nutrition tools and body composition tracking
 • Maintenance-phase weight loss becoming its own specialty
 • The future role of bariatric surgery alongside GLP-1 medications
 • Why sustainable habits matter more than ever

This episode is ideal for anyone using or considering GLP-1 medications, navigating insurance coverage, or looking for realistic, long-term weight loss strategies grounded in science—not trends.

Download our FREE APP from your app store today: Search "Pound of Cure"