If you have ever wondered whether bariatric surgery could be right for you, this episode of The Weight Loss Collab is the perfect place to start. Dr. Betsy Dovec and registered dietitian Hannah Schuyler break down the basics of weight loss surgery and answer the questions patients ask most before taking that first step.

Who qualifies for bariatric surgery? Is BMI the only factor that matters? How do gastric sleeve and gastric bypass compare, and how much weight can you realistically expect to lose? We also explain insurance requirements, self-pay options, preoperative testing, nutrition visits, psychological evaluations, and what the timeline from consultation to surgery actually looks like.

You will also learn where GLP-1 weight loss medications fit into the conversation, how bariatric surgery can affect your health and body, and what long-term support looks like after surgery.

If weight loss surgery has even crossed your mind, this episode will help you understand your options, know what questions to ask, and decide what your next step might be.

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In today’s episode, we’re putting the spotlight on one of the most underrated yet essential nutrients for weight loss and overall health: fiber. Hannah Schuyler, our resident dietitian, and Dr. Dovec break down everything you need to know about fiber, from what it actually is, why it matters, and how it can help you with gut health, blood sugar management, satiety, and shedding those stubborn pounds. Whether you think fiber is boring or have always connected it solely to gut health, you’re about to discover why it’s “that girl” in your nutrition plan.

We’ll dive into the different types of fiber, the best food sources (spoiler: chia seeds and beans get some major love), how to increase your intake safely, and the critical role fiber plays in keeping you fuller for longer, especially if you’ve had bariatric surgery or are on a weight loss medication. Grab your grocery lists and get ready to rethink your next meal. Fiber is having a moment, and you’ll learn how to make it work for you!

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 BodyByBariatrics and The Weight Loss Collab.

Together, we 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!

In this episode, we're honored to share a moving and deeply personal presentation from Amber Sena-Diaz, the PA at Body by Bariatrics. Recorded at the Body by Transformation retreat in May 2026, Amber opens up about her unexpected journey as a 28-year-old facing breast cancer. From the moment of her diagnosis through chemo treatments and life-altering challenges, she reflects on the power of resilience, the importance of living intentionally, and the ways hardship can shape us for the better.

With insight drawn from her cultural roots and a candid look at both grief and gratitude, Amber invites listeners to find light even in the darkest moments, to be present, and to pursue transformation in every season of life. Get ready for an inspiring episode filled with hope, authenticity, and a reminder that even when life doesn’t go as planned, it can still be beautiful.

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In this special episode, Dr. Betsy Dovec takes center stage as she shares her inspiring presentation from the Body by Transformation retreat in Orlando. She dives into what it truly means to feel alive—exploring those exhilarating moments when fear and hope collide, and discussing how to move from mere survival to intentional living. Dr. Dovec opens up about her own transformative experiences, from panic attacks to triumphs, and invites us all to identify the times we've felt most alive in our own lives. Whether you're standing on the edge of big change, striving for growth, or searching for more meaning in your day-to-day, this episode is packed with stories, encouragement, and a powerful call to live with intention. Don’t forget: you can catch Dr. Dovec in her fabulous pink dress on our YouTube channel for the full presentation!

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In this episode, hosts Dr. Betsy Dovec and Hannah Schuyler are joined by special guest Rob Dimedio, CEO and founder of Busy Bariatrics, and a bariatric patient himself. Together, they take a deep dive into Rob's powerful origin story: from battling severe sleep apnea and the wake-up call that pushed him toward life-changing bariatric surgery, to building a business that now supports others on their weight loss journeys. The conversation explores the real challenges of long-term weight management after surgery, the pitfalls of “quick-fix” weight loss solutions, the current role of GLP1 medications, and the importance of long-term lifestyle change and ongoing support.

Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming Body by Transformation retreat in Orlando! You'll hear about the unique experiences, expert panels—including Rob Dimedio on the CEO panel—and practical workshops that promise to empower and educate every attendee. Whether you’re a patient, provider, or just curious about the bariatric world, this episode is packed with honest insight, practical advice, and inspiration for anyone ready to take charge of their health. Check out the links below to get connected with Busy Bariatrics!

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Welcome to The Weight Loss Collab! In today's episode, "Emotional Eating with Lora Grabow," hosts Hannah Schuyler and Dr. Betsy Dovec sit down with renowned bariatric therapist Lora Grabow for a deep dive into the complex world of emotional eating. Together, they explore what emotional eating truly means, why it affects everyone—not just those struggling with obesity—and how our habits, emotions, and even food science play a role in why we turn to food for comfort, celebration, or simply out of boredom.

You'll hear practical strategies for identifying emotional hunger versus physical hunger, tips for breaking the cycle of all-or-nothing thinking, and creative ways to soothe yourself without reaching for the snack drawer—like building your own "emotional eating emergency box." Plus, the team discusses the ways modern treatments, such as bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications, influence our relationship with food, and why the journey toward lasting weight loss is as much about mindset as it is about nutrition.

Whether you’re just beginning your weight loss journey or looking for new tools to manage emotional eating, this episode is packed with insights, real-life examples, and actionable tips to help you show up for yourself with more kindness and awareness. So grab your headphones and get ready to feel seen, heard, and empowered on your path to transformation!

If you want to hear more on this topic, be sure to attend the BodyByTransformation Retreat May 1st & 2nd in Orlando, FL where Lora will be a featured speaker! More information can be found at www.bodybybariatrics.com/bodybytransformation

Welcome to The Weight Loss Collab! In today’s episode, “Pre Op Patient Interview,” co-hosts Hannah Schuyler and Dr. Dovec sit down with their special guest, Neshia K. , just days before her bariatric surgery. This heartwarming and insightful conversation dives deep into Neshia K. ’s lifelong journey with weight struggles, bullying, self-acceptance, and her motivations for choosing surgery, not just for herself, but for her children and her future.

Throughout the episode, Neshia K. opens up about being a plus-size child, confronting unrealistic societal expectations, and learning to love herself along the way. She shares honest reflections about the stigma around weight, failed diets, and the emotional impact of bullying both in her youth and as a mother. Together, the hosts and Neshia K. discuss her decision to embrace bariatric surgery, what it means for her identity as a body-positive influencer, and her hopes for a healthier, more vibrant life.

You’ll also hear about the powerful role of community and support, both online and in real-life connections with other patients, plus a preview of upcoming events and how Neshia K. ’s journey will be documented every step of the way. Whether you’re considering weight loss surgery yourself or simply looking for inspiration, this episode promises raw honesty, practical insight, and hope for anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood on their wellness journey.

Use offer code NESHIA for 10% off tickets to the BodyByTransformation Retreat! Find Neshia on all platforms @itsneshiak

Welcome to another episode of The Weight Loss Collab! Today, we’re thrilled to have Kristin Willard, one of the most influential dietitians in the bariatric space, joining Dr. Dovec and Hannah Schuyler for a value-packed conversation. In this episode, Kristin shares her journey from a dietitian intern to cookbook author and creator of the Bariatric Meal Prep Academy. The trio digs into the realities of meal prepping after bariatric surgery, balancing real-life schedules, and finding the foods and routines that work for each person.

Kristin brings practical tips from her best-selling cookbook “Bariatric Meal Prep Made Easy,” and opens up about building an online community, developing approachable recipes, and the importance of making healthy eating realistic and attainable. Whether it’s swapping pie crusts for wonton wrappers or prepping mason jar salads, Kristin’s advice is all about taking the stress out of nutrition and helping listeners live their healthiest lives. Tune in for helpful ideas you can put into action right away, and get inspired by the collaborative spirit that makes The Weight Loss Collab such an empowering resource for anyone on a weight loss journey.

Welcome to The Weight Loss Collab! In today’s episode, Dr. Dovec and Hannah Schuyler sit down with a very special guest, Christie Woodard, a patient who’s not only transformed her life through bariatric surgery, but is also a passionate advocate for breaking the stigma around weight loss and GLP-1 medications.

Christie shares her personal journey: from years of struggling with weight, health challenges, and self-doubt, to making the pivotal decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery, and later to openly embracing the use of GLP-1 medications as part of her ongoing treatment. Along the way, she discusses the emotional highs and lows, the reality of post-surgical weight regain, and the powerful impact of finding community and support throughout the process.

You’ll hear insightful discussion around the myths and realities of GLP-1 medications, the importance of seeing obesity as a treatable disease rather than a personal failing, and how shame and judgment have hijacked the weight loss conversation for too long. Plus, Christie’s inspiring story of running half marathons in all 50 states (and how her healthier lifestyle made it possible!) will motivate anyone considering a transformative step in their own journey.

Join the BodyByTransformation Retreat: The Butterfly Effect May 1st and 2nd in Orlando, FL to hear more about Christie's incredible journey!

Whether you’re curious about the medical side of weight loss, looking for motivation, or just want to hear real talk from people who get it, this episode offers honest insights, candid stories, and a dose of hope for anyone fighting to reclaim their health.