Episode 22 of The Pound of Cure Weight Loss podcast is titled, Hot Diggity Dog - Costco’s New Weight Loss Program. The name comes from our In the News segment where we talk about how Costco is entering the medical weight loss space. We dive into what this means for GLP-1 access and whether or not patients benefit. 
 
 In our Patient Story segment, we talk to Suzanne who gained weight later in life after an early and then late pregnancy. She had some moderate success losing weight on her own but ended up hitting a stall that she couldn’t overcome so she reached out to us for help. 
 
 Zoe shares a strategy on how to incorporate new habits in our Nutrition segment. And Dr. Weiner begins a two-part series on drug patents in our Economics of Obesity segment. Part 1 focuses on how drug patents work and how the system can be manipulated to favor the pharmaceutical companies over patient care. Part 2 will air next week. 
 
 We also answer 3 listener submitted questions including, homemade pizza made with cauliflower crust, veggies, and vegan cheese, our thoughts on Contrave, and diagnostic pattern dumping after surgery. 

Finally, some exciting news this week! We have added a new Weight Regain program to the practice. This program incorporates the expertise of both myself and Zoe and utilizes nutrition, GLP-1 medication, and behavior modification to help you lose the regain and keep it off. Plus! It’s available to anyone in the country.
 

Episode 21 of The Pound of Cure Weight Loss podcast is titled, Vial Denial and the GLP-1 Shortage. The name comes from our Economics of Obesity segment where we discuss the GLP-1 shortage and how it’s caused by the inability to procure injector pens. Canada recognized this issue a while back and allowed pharmaceutical companies to use single dose vials instead of injector pens. So why aren’t we using single dose vials in the United States? I have some opinions about it.

Our In the News segment comes from an article in Reuters about how Viking Therapeutics is developing a weight loss medication that can be taken orally. The Medication is similar to Mounjaro and Zepbound in that it is both a GLP-1 and a GIP and the initial studies show better weight loss with more responders than Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound in the injectable version. Is the oral version going to be as effective? Tune in to find out!

In our Patient Story, we talk to Shenelle who is a very successful recovering alcoholic and drug addict. She started her weight loss journey after getting sober and is now a coach for bariatric patients struggling with food addiction. Her story of perseverance is truly inspiring.

Zoe introduces the Emotional Eating Umbrella in our Nutrition segment. This is a concept she created to help quantify and qualify all the different attributes that encompass emotional eating so that we can develop new coping strategies for each individual trigger. 
 
Finally, we cover a few of our listener submitted questions including, thoughts on the Keto+ ACV gummies, Omeprazole after surgery, and nutrition and medication changes before pregnancy.

Episode 20 of The Pound of Cure Weight Loss podcast is titled, Here Wegovy: Medicare Coverage for Heart Disease. We called it that because of the NPR article we cover in our In the News segment which states that Medicare will now cover Wegovy for patients who are overweight and suffer from heart disease. How does this impact the future of GLP-1 medications? Tune in to find out.
 
 In our Patient Story, we talk to Larry. He came to us after receiving a high blood pressure diagnosis from his primary care physician. He didn’t want to take medication for the rest of his life so he decided to embrace a gastric bypass and has surpassed our expectations of weight loss by combining the surgical tool with weight training. It’s a truly inspiring story.
 
 In our Nutrition segment, Zoe offers her #1 tip for grocery shopping that will encourage you to be successful in your weight loss efforts.
 
 Our Economics of Obesity segment covers the GLP-1 shortage. Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, Trulicity, and Ozempic are on the shortage list. So we are offering some creative solutions to get you through.
 
 Finally, we answer 3 of our listener’s questions including, fluid choices for energy and hydration, whether or not revision surgery causes the same amount of weight loss as the initial surgery, and exercise recommendations after weight loss surgery.

If you have a question that you'd like for us to answer on the podcast, please reach out to us through social media (Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook or YouTube), or the website.

Have you ever lifted weights and felt a surge of accomplishment that goes beyond physical strength? Uncover the transformative power of weightlifting, not just for your body, but  also for your mind. Our 19th episode is a celebration of perseverance, unveiling our Weight Regain program tailored for those who've faced setbacks after bariatric surgery. We delve into personalized regimens, group support, and the game-changing use of GLP-1 medications, alongside The Metabolic Reset Diet. Plus, we're bringing you fascinating insights on how weightlifting can be a powerful ally against mental health struggles like anxiety and depression.

Journey with us as Lori recounts the crucial steps she took on her path to gastric bypass surgery, underscoring the importance of 'head work' in achieving health goals. Her narrative is a profound look at the transformative shifts in mindset necessary for long-term wellness. Lori's story isn't just about the weight she lost; it's about the determination and reframed perspective that guided her success. We'll also navigate through the crucial aspects of sleep hygiene and the economics of obesity, providing actionable advice to enhance your overall health and understand how small changes can lead to significant impacts.

Lastly, we're examining the evolution of pharmacy services, discussing Lilly's direct pharmacy model and Amazon's foray into the industry. What could these mean for patient access to essential medications? Moreover, we address listener questions about gut health post-bariatric surgery, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet for a thriving microbiome. And for those curious about medication safety, we take a firm stance on the risks and ethics of prescribing compounded medications. Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of health, fitness, and the innovative changes sweeping through pharmacy care.

In this episode, we discuss the emotional toll of weight bias, the promise of medications like Ozempic, and the urgent need for accessibility and affordability in obesity treatments. We also delve into the inspiring stories of individuals on the path to better health, including Bev, who shares her impressive weight loss and improved mobility story. Plus, get ready to challenge misleading health claims and learn how to make more informed decisions in the grocery aisle. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on the economics of obesity and the small steps that lead to a sustainable lifestyle overhaul.

In our first chapter, we dive into Oprah's special on obesity, where she opens up about her personal struggles and highlights the importance of unbiased storytelling. We explore the effectiveness of weight loss medications and the need for greater accessibility and affordability in obesity treatments. Join us as we unpack the emotional toll of weight bias and the promise of a healthier future.

In the second chapter, we are inspired by Bev's incredible weight loss journey and her transformation towards improved mobility. We explore the challenges of weight loss, the role of surgical intervention, and the importance of maintaining mobility as we age. Bev's story highlights the transformative power of shedding pounds and gaining strength, vitality, and a healthier life. Tune in to hear her inspirational journey towards better health and the ongoing goals required for long-term success.

In our final chapter, we take a practical approach to goal-setting within our Smart Support Squad for nutrition. We discuss the importance of setting realistic, measurable, and achievable goals for sustainable habit change. We also shed light on the deceptive nature of health halos and provide tips on how to navigate misleading food labels. Join us as we arm you with the knowledge to make more informed decisions in the grocery aisle and embark on a better weight loss journey.

Ever wonder how to silence that incessant chatter in your brain that's always talking about food? This episode of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss podcast we delve into the role of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, bariatric surgery, and proper nutrition in quieting 'food noise.' Our guest, Josh, shares his awe-inspiring weight loss journey, shedding 160 pounds through bariatric surgery and  incremental fitness SMART goals. His story is a testament to the power of finding joy and community in exercise, from walking to hitting home runs with his softball team.

Picture a space where men can candidly discuss their triumphs and trials, especially when it comes to the sensitive subject of bariatric surgery recovery. As a male peer leader, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of such support groups. We shed light on the unique challenges men face post-surgery and the incredible benefits of having a tailored community. But that's not all - we also navigate the complex terrain of nutrition and medication access, revealing how our program arms you with the skills for sustainable meal planning and tackling real-life obstacles to obesity treatment.

As we wrap up another enlightening conversation, remember to enrich your weight loss journey by connecting with our broader community. Follow us on social media for daily doses of inspiration, and don't hesitate to share the podcast with anyone who could use a helping hand in their health quest. Josh's success story could be just the motivation someone needs to take that first step towards a lifestyle transformation. Join us as we continue to break down barriers and build up spirits on the Pound of Cure Weight Loss podcast.

Embark on a journey with us as we explore a new weight loss medication by Viking Therapeutics. We delve into a comparison between it and established drugs like Ozempic, and peek into the pipeline of potential game-changers from Pfizer, AltImmune, and Amgen.

Stir up your culinary creativity with our Greek yogurt and apple protein bowl recipe, a delectable treat that hits the sweet spot without the sugar crash. We also tackle the cost-saving strategies for extending the life of your Ozempic pen. Listen closely for the inside scoop on economical health hacks without compromising safety, and round out the episode with 3 questions from our listeners. Join us on this balanced adventure through the realms of health, nutrition, and economic savvy.

Ever wondered how the convoluted marketing strategies of Medicare Disadvantaged Plans influence our healthcare choices? Join us as we unravel the complexities of these plans, and the limitations seniors face when choosing a Medicare plan. During a riveting general surgery marathon at Tucson Medical Center, I was reminded of how our personal health journeys intertwine with the broader healthcare narrative. We'll also celebrate life's milestones, from weddings to weight loss triumphs, and discuss  maintaining muscle while you melt away the pounds. We also offer insights from our guest Elizabeth, who tackles the tough topic of obesity bias within the weight loss surgery community.

Weight regain can be a daunting prospect after the triumph of weight loss surgery. Hear the story of one individual's experience with vertical sleeve gastrectomy, her subsequent weight regain, and how GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro have become game-changers in maintaining control. We'll dig into the biological factors of weight control and the diverse responses to GLP-1 medications among those with and without a history of surgical weight loss. It's an eye-opening glimpse into the ongoing battle for sustained health and the critical role of medications post-surgery.

Join our conversation on the power of community post-weight loss surgery, GLP-1 medications, obesity bias, and how to preserve muscle while losing weight. We round up with a look at delicious, healthy pasta options and practical tips for preventing weight regain after gastric sleeve surgery. Tune in for a hearty dose of knowledge and motivation to fuel your journey toward a healthier you.

Episode 14 kicks off with a Kohlrabi recipe from Dr. Weiner and continues with tales of variable reactions to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, the conundrum of weight regain post-VSG surgery, and the intricate dance of GLP-1 dosing. Join our circle as we converse on genetic factors influencing treatment efficacy, the alternatives for the non-responders, and the art of maintaining an injury-free fitness routine, and the all-too-common hidden sugars lurking in protein bars.

Facing obesity is an odyssey of both heartache and hope. Our guest, Chrisse opens up about her own struggles with obesity, the back injury that compounded it, and the undulating path of weight management post-bariatric surgery. She also talks about the emotional weight of obesity that often escapes the empathy afforded to other conditions. Together, we underscore the vital role of community and the unyielding spirit necessary to navigate these turbulent waters.

Brace yourself for life-altering insights as Zoe, our personal trainer and registered dietitian, bestows her wisdom on both nutrition and exercise, offering actionable advice to steer clear of injuries and elevate your fitness journey. As we marvel at the athletic longevity of the legendary Tom Brady, we also tackle the pressing issue of obesity medication access, dissecting the hurdles faced by patients and healthcare providers alike. This episode is a heartfelt symphony of health and wellness, aiming to change the narrative around the pursuit of a healthier life.

Ever wondered how setting smart goals could redefine your health journey? Prepare to be inspired as we unveil a revolutionary goal tracker. In our nutrition program we tackle the Ozempic debate head-on, refocusing on its clinical prowess for those battling obesity and diabetes. Episode 13 isn't just about the nuts and bolts of health tech; it features the powerful narrative of our patient story, Laura, a peer leader whose story of triumph underscores the monumental difference community support can make in our lives.

Big Pharma, insurance profits, and healthcare policies might sound like a snooze fest, but not the way we talk about them! We're dissecting the economic barriers to life-changing GLP-1 medications and offering up real solutions to make them accessible for everyone who needs them. But it's not all policy talk; we hear firsthand experience in building a community where health and weight management are open-book subjects, proving that the right support system is a catalyst for lasting wellness.

Finally, imagine facing the post-bariatric surgery world without a compass—daunting, right? We're here to map out that journey, emphasizing the importance of peer support, hydration, movement, and the tailored nutritional strategies you'll need, especially if you're a weightlifting warrior. As we answer your questions on everything from Pfizer's weight loss pill to doctors' nutrition education, get ready for an episode that's packed with actionable advice, real talk, and the kind of storytelling that doesn't just inform—it transforms.