Teresa LaMasters, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM, DABS-FPMBS, a highly qualified professional with expertise in the medical management of obesity, joins us today to answer your questions about weight loss surgery and weight loss medicine. Among her many accolades, she is the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at UnityPoint Clinic Weight Loss Specialists in West Des Moines, Iowa and has performed over 4000 bariatric surgeries in the past 17+ years. 

How do we talk about body positivity, health at all sizes and obesity as a disease in the same sentence? In this episode we address the stigma surrounding weight loss surgery and emphasize that obesity is a life threatening medical condition that can and should be treated, and as early as possible. Did you know obesity is a brain disease? Understanding obesity is so important, not only for those struggling with it, but for everyone, because it is so prevalent. Today, Dr. LaMasters opens our eyes to this misunderstood health condition and leaves us with some tools and hope for the future. 

Dr. LaMasters Links:

UnityPoint Clinic Weight Loss

Dr. LaMasters: [email protected]

Obesity Action Coalition

ASMBS

Active Bariatric Nutrition

Obesity Medicine Association

(00:00:00) Introducing Teresa LaMasters

(00:02:43) Teresa LaMasters’ personal story and what led her into this field.

(00:05:54) The stigma associated with the disease. It’s not a willpower problem.

(00:09:40) Walking the line between body positivity, health at all sizes, and obesity as a disease.

(00:11:03) Obesity is complex, there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment, and the role genetics play. 

(00:16:04) Judgment, frustration, shame and blame for those with the disease.

(00:17:40) Why obesity is a “brain disease” and how it feels unfair. 

(00:24:29) The importance of getting treatment asap, your body’s idea of normal and trying to get to perfection. 

(00:30:45) BMI calculation is a useful tool but isn’t always an accurate measure of obesity for athletes, and other measures to employ. 

(00:38:10) Getting nutritional needs met after surgery and myths about calorie intake, specifically for athletes. The importance of what you eat and when, and navigating bad advice.

(00:45:15) Post bariatric patients can be athletes and what to expect realistically. 

(00:47:28) Macros and any type of diet that supports muscle growth after surgery, and dieticians that specialize in bariatric athletes. 

(00:52:36) Thoughts on Ozempic and similar drugs, food noise, and the support needed when taking the medication.

(01:15:30) How to get in touch with Dr. LaMasters and helpful resources

CODE for New Customers: NEWNEW15

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Do you feel overstimulated and underwhelmed at the same time? Like there’s so much coming at you, but you still feel empty somehow? Overstimulation can be like trying to nap on a trampoline in the middle of a birthday party. There are SO many ways in our somewhat comfy, modern world to become overstimulated. In today’s episode we take a look at why and how we experience overstimulation, the neuroscience, and our behaviors that feed into it. What does overstimulation have to do with a lack of motivation or creativity, feeling distracted, lonely or bored?

Let’s redefine downtime. Listen and learn to recognize when we are looking for empty calorie dopamine hits and how to self-regulate. Leave with tips on how to find real connections that align with your core values and feel more balanced in this modern world. 

Want to leave the TTSL Podcast a voicemail? We love your questions and adore hearing from you. https://www.speakpipe.com/TheThickThighsSaveLivesPodcast

(00:00:00) Introduction: feeling overstimulated at the end of summer. 

(00:03:22) What using a device on a “break” or downtown does to your brain.

(00:06:19) Multitasking is an overstimulation trap. 

(00:10:53) What to do when you are feeling lonely instead of looking to the internet.

(00:18:43) How to recognize behaviors in yourself that are looking for dopamine hits.

(00:22:46) Anxiety, depression, ADHD and environmental ADHD.

(00:29:00) What dopamine is, and why getting it from clicking doesn’t really fuel your confidence or enable you to do hard things. 

(00:37:00) How self-regulation now can affect your future, addiction, the need for balance, and the continuous cycle of stress.  

(00:45:10) Get yourself in check. Set an example. Your kids are watching. 

(00:48:25) 10K context switches while scrolling IG or TikTok and what that does to your brain and behavior. 

(00:53:10) A look at online relationships, validation, being self-absorbed and how to find real connection. 

(00:57:53) Suggestions and habits that are good for your brain and balance in an overstimulated modern world.

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You asked us: Everyone says to love your body, but how? We invited Rachel Rifkin, LMHC, CEDS, and Associate Director of Support Groups for the National Alliance for Eating Disorders to the podcast to answer your questions and explain what BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) is and talk openly about eating disorders. Rachel is a licensed mental health counselor, specializing in eating disorders within the LGBTQ+ community with lived eating disorder experience. 

In this episode, Rachel talks about what BDD and eating disorders look like, explains how they manifest, and gives us advice on what to do if you or a loved one are struggling. Rachel tells us how to use attainable language surrounding our bodies, like body tolerance, and body disconnect when looking to get to a place of acceptance. She has advice on how to acknowledge and respect our bodies realistically and avoid traps. How do you support a loved one with BDD? Please know that you are not alone. There is help!:

The Alliance

Free HelpLine 866-662-1235

findEDhelp Database

App: findEDhelp: App Store  Google Play

[email protected]

[email protected]

(00:00:00) Introducing Rachel Rifkin, LMHC, CEDS, Associate Director of Support Groups for The Alliance.

(00:04:20) How Rachel Rifkin’s eating disorder started her on this career path.

(00:13:40) What does an eating disorder look like? 

(00:19:16) A basic definition of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) to start the conversation. 

(00:25:45) Signs that might indicate a struggle with BDD on ANY level and muscle dysmorphia.

(00:31:10) BDD is not an eating disorder but it can be connected to one.

(00:33:48) How life events that bring body changes or emotional responses can cause BDD to manifest. 

(00:40:40) TTSL Community question: Everyone says to love your body, but how?

(00:46:40) Small steps to take towards neutrality when hating your body. 

(00:56:10) TTSL Community question: how can we support our loved ones who have body dysmorphia without invalidating their feelings? 

(01:08:04) Value not connected to appearance and how meaningful compliments can disrupt and change thought patterns.

(01:16:32) Where to find and connect with Rachel Rifkin and/or look for resources.

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Let’s get this right out there..venting IS complaining. Same thing. On average people complain 15-30 times per day. Imagine if we laughed 30 times a day? Ask yourself: does venting really make you feel better? Venting has been called a healthy behavior but we are going to challenge that today with some neuroscience. We agree venting is a behavior…a practiced one! You are practicing every day who you want to be. Venting carves deep neural pathways in your brain and shrinks your hypothalamus, which has a direct correlation to your lifespan.

This episode is so important because it’s about how you interact with yourself and the world and the energy that you bring and get back in your relationships. Want to share your experiences? Be heard? Feel understood? You can do all those things without damaging your brain. Don’t miss this opportunity for growth. We’ll tell you how to identify your feelings and release them with purpose for positive outcomes. Listen for tips on how to rewire your brain and practice at the person you want to be!

(00:00:00) We welcome you to the podcast and get personal.

(00:08:20) Why today’s topic made Rachael rethink her life. 

(00:11:48) Venting and complaining…they are the same thing. 

(00:14:45) Average amount of times a day people complain and how practicing a behavior trains your brain. 

(00:20:03) The science and behavior patterns that deepen neurological pathways.

(00:25:15) What happens to your brain when you listen to someone else venting. 

(00:29:28) The size of your hypothalamus has a direct correlation to your lifespan and what venting does to it. 

(00:33:48) How venting promotes inaction, not steps to solve the problem. 

(00:36:32) You don’t have to keep it in! There’s a healthy solution for growth!

(00:43:42) Cortisol spikes during venting without acting.

(00:45:50) When your go-to emotion is stress and how to see an opportunity.

(00:55:15) Alternatives to venting and action steps to productivity and growth.

(01:05:27) When to lean it out or let it go.

Want to leave the TTSL Podcast a voicemail? We love your questions and adore hearing from you. https://www.speakpipe.com/TheThickThighsSaveLivesPodcast

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Is hydration creation your thing? Unicorn cotton candy water is a thing now and we are questioning, once again, how did we get here? Today we are looking at the latest health and hydration trend to hit the interwebs: #Watertok. It has over 220 million views and some of the leading influencers have over a million followers. 

We all know water is vital for survival. Some may find it quite boring and so that’s a bummer! And at times, we may need some help getting it down the gullet. So why not make it more fun and tasty and have a good time sharing water recipes in the process, because in the end, it’s just WATER! Or is it? Today we look at the good, the bad, and the ugly surrounding this mixology trend. Does it fall more into the “healthy” or “harmful” category? Have a listen, be informed and as always, fill your cup to replenish your body and mind in the way that works best for you! 

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:08:45) What is #Watertok? 

(00:20:40) A means for weight loss surgery patients with water nausea to tolerate water intake 

(00:27:12) The importance of hydration down to a cellular level 

(00:35:09) Consuming artificial flavors, sweeteners, dyes and coloring on a daily basis

(00:41:25) Concern for gut biome health and its delicate balance

(00:48:19) Using flavored water as a weight loss tool is part of toxic diet culture

(00:49:40) Recognize new trends, be informed and choose your own path

Want to leave the TTSL Podcast a voicemail? We love your questions and adore hearing from you. https://www.speakpipe.com/TheThickThighsSaveLivesPodcast

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Our biohacking journey has naturally led us to Renee Belz and Lauren Sambataro, lovingly known as the Biohacker Babes, another sister duo out there dedicated to empowering people all over the world. They want YOU to feel your best. We all want that right? But it can feel overwhelming with all the nuances, the options, and the products when it comes to exploratory health. Today, they join us to break down complicated topics in the health and biohacking space, into clear and actionable strategies. 

In this episode we tackle why there’s no “best” option for all people looking to biohack. We touch on circadian rhythms, microdosing in place of traditional pharmaceuticals, EMF exposure from our devices, fasting strategically, and they give advice on what biomarkers we should be looking at and how to get them. And of course, we can’t leave out gut health! Want to know some amazing free biohacks? There are SO many hidden gems in this episode! Too many hacks to list. Have a listen and leave with some actionable tips to start on the road to listening to your body, because you are a unique bio-individual!

Biohacker Babes Links:

The Biohacker Babes Podcast

The Biohacker Babes Website

The Biohacker Babes Instagram

Lauren's Instagram

Renee's Instagram

Dminder App

(00:02:41) Introducing Renee Belz and Lauren Sambataro, the Biohacker Babes

(00:02:07:04) How Renne and Lauren’s upbringing and health challenges led them to biohacking

(00:05:14) The frustration of being diagnosed with a chronic syndrome

(00:06:04) How to convince ourselves there is no one size fits all wellness or “best” approach

(00:10:40) How to ease some of the anxiety that comes with exploratory health

(00:15:21) The difficulty of sitting in mindfulness in your body in the modern world

(00:20:07) Microdosing as a mental health hack and wearables feedback

(00:29:34) People unknowingly struggling with their circadian rhythms and what to do

(00:39:07) EMF exposure and some of the most common practices to give a second thought  

(00:49:28) Specific biomarkers and what we should ask our doctors to be looking for

(00:55:52) A look at gut health because disease begins in the gut

(00:57:44) Where to find the Biohacker Babes

https://www.speakpipe.com/TheThickThighsSaveLivesPodcast

CVG Links:

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Home sweet home. Sometimes it’s just more economical or convenient to stay home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still take steps to feeling more alive than you ever have from the comfort of home. Today we are talking about hot and cold therapy, but not the gel pack you put in your microwave or freezer. Come on, this is Part 4 of the biohacking series! In today’s episode, Rachael gets steamy in her garage and dilates her blood vessels in a portable sauna and Kelsea cools down in a portable cold plunge tub in her yard.

A special thanks goes out to Community member Heather for asking us how to go about using the sauna and cold plunge together for maximum benefits. We got you! Alternating between hot and cold water to provide physical and mental benefits is a thing! And it’s called contrast therapy. Want to know more? Listen to Kelsea and Rachael’s honest reviews of the wallet friendly SaunaBox and Cold Plunge Bundle.

REMEMBER: ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY NEW HOT/COLD THERAPY TECHNIQUES

SaunaBox Website

SaunaBox and/or Cold Plunge Tub CODE:  TTSL

(00:02:08) Back to Biohacking and all its layers!

(00:12:15) Speak to your doctor before trying hot and cold therapy because you are unique.

(00:13:15) What is contrast therapy, how do you do it, and what are the benefits?

(00:20:33) Importance of meeting your threshold for effective hot and cold therapy.

(00:28:15) Kelsea’s honest review of the cold plunge tub by SaunaBox

(00:31:14) Cold plunge tub set up, mobility, value, space, convenience, stability

(00:40:45) What you want to look for when searching for a cold plunge tub and other options

(00:45:30) Rachael’s review of the SaunaBox steam sauna 

(00:49:10) SaunaBox setup, settings, temperature, materials, safety, cleanliness

(00:59:50) The SaunaBox and cold plunge tub bundle for contrast therapy and a discount code

CVG Related Links:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The CVG Nation app, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iPhone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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One of our most asked questions is: How do I stop stress eating? We have the answer! But we also have the anti-answer. Confused? Stress eating is absolutely a behavior that we can exhibit in an unbalanced way, but it's also NOT an unnatural behavior or something that makes you broken. Guess what..turning to food as a form of comfort or joy is completely NORMAL! Let’s identify our individual feelings instead of putting them all in the stress bucket. Only then can we use our tools to deal with them instead of reaching for that bag of chips every time. 

Are you stressed? Or are you bored, or sad, or angry or anxious? You can plan for these emotions and respond with go-to tools. Food can certainly help but don’t let it be your only response. And there are several players in this game: gender, genetics, social conditioning, metabolism, gut health, to name a few. So stop blaming your willpower! It’s not that simple. And remember: you always deserve food. If you make it a big deal in your mind that’s FAR more damaging than what you binged. So be kind and serve yourself a healing helping of coping mechanisms.

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:13:36) The shame, disassociation and misinformation surrounding stress eating

(00:19:22) Normalizing food as comfort and making sure it’s not the only tool for stress relief

(00:24:16) Pause to identify your feelings and the discomfort you are looking to avoid

(00:29:30) The science behind why people stress eat

(00:37:42) Identifying balanced coping mechanisms when dealing with stressful events

(00:40:20) The role gender, genetics and social conditioning plays

(00:49:20) Mindful eating, the experience of food and dopamine

(00:54:54) Rachael’s set it and forget it tools for responding to her named feelings

(01:02:18) Kelsea’s challenge to you right now to identify your coping mechanisms

CVG Related Links:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The CVG Nation app, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iPhone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Welcome to Part 3 of our journey into biohacking. If you missed parts one and two, no worries, this isn’t about a distant galaxy far, far away, it’s all about YOU! Today we focus on a topic relevant to women under 50, and women over 50: Menopause. (And not just women approaching 50, you should know this at ANY AGE!) We have a remarkable guest on the podcast, Zora Benhamou, a gerontologist, biohacker, host of the Hack My Age Podcast, and advocate for women’s health during the menopause journey, which may begin much earlier than you think. 

Zora speaks 6 languages and has traveled to more than 50 countries in her quest to answer the question: What does it mean to biohack menopause? She’s with us today to squash some myths surrounding menopause, clarify the stages, discuss hormones and hormone therapy and the most beneficial workout for women in their journey. Do you know your baseline? Want to take responsibility for your health? Don’t wait. Now is the time to do it. 

Zora’s links:

Website: https://hackmyage.com/

Hack My Age Podcast https://hackmyage.com/podcast/

(00:00:00) Introducing Zora Benhamou, gerontologist and host of Hack My Age Podcast

(00:02:50) Why tip-toeing around the topic of aging for women is detrimental to us

(00:04:30) What is biohacking and what does it mean to biohack menopause?

(00:09:00) Introducing things to explore perhaps you and your doctor have never heard of

(00:11:15) Myths about menopause that have to die

(00:15:17) The stages of menopause and how you know if you’re in them 

(00:21:34) The need for every women to get a routine bone density scan

(00:25:13) Perimenopause and optimizing your health markers at an early age

(00:32:14) Estrogen and the myth that taking hormones is dangerous

(00:39:11) Diet and lifestyle practices to protect our bones, heart and brains

(00:41:35) CVG community questions answered on workouts, HIIT, cardio and cortisol 

(00:46:25) The importance of protein consumption and building muscle 

(00:50:20) How listeners can find Zora

CVG Related Links:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The CVG Nation app, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iPhone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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As always, YOU are the star of this podcast. That’s why we asked for YOUR questions. And hey, thanks for SO MANY great ones! Of course, we couldn’t get to all of them in one episode. And some questions will be the focus of entire upcoming podcasts. Today we focus on a handful including a discussion on BCAAs, how to tighten loose skin on the stomach area, and we take a look behind the curtain at CVG! Want a peek?

(00:00:00) Introduction

{00:00:42) Questions from our Facebook group Fitness Programming by CVG and the CVG Nation App

{00:02:28) Revisiting the viral alone in the woods with a man or bear question

{00:11:04) Look out for a foam rolling video

{00:13:32) First question: BCAAs – Yes or No?

{00:20:31) How to separate when someone's just trying to sell you something and when it actually has health benefits

{00:22:29) Taking caution with BCAAs to avoid decreasing serotonin levels

{00:26:51) Top advice for supplementing BCAAs 

{00:27:19) Looking at your baseline and more is not more

{00:28:36) Sources of BCAAs including those not animal-based

{00:36:01) An inside look at CVG

{00:38:06) How we decide on prints and the creative process

{00:42:49) Unreleased and one-of-a-kind leggings

{00:45:48) Upcoming releases and working in the future

{00:47:50) How many people work on the designs

{00:50:06) Transparency and fear of failure

{00:57:49) The best exercises to tighten loose skin on the stomach area

{00:59:31) A look at vitamins and collagen

{01:00:16) Honoring the struggle and reframing loose skin is difficult

{01:01:45) Why we highly recommend resistance training, weight training and strengthening

{01:04:43) Focus on hydration, vitamins that increase collagen production and goop

{01:08:28) Non-surgical options like ultrasound treatments, radio frequency treatments, etc

CVG Related Links:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The CVG Nation app, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠iPhone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Constantly Varied Gear's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Workout Leggings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠