Feeling excited and terrified before bariatric surgery? In this episode, bariatric surgeon Dr. Betsy Dovec breaks down exactly how to prepare your mind, body, and home so you can not only survive surgery, but truly thrive afterward. You’ll learn what to eat (and drink), how to handle gas pain and fatigue, which vitamins are non-negotiable for life, and why community support matters more than you think. If you’re in the pre-op stage or need a post-op reset, this is your game plan.

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In today’s episode, bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine expert Dr. Dovec is diving deep into the world of GLP-1 medications—those popular injectables like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro that everyone’s been talking about. Whether you’re fresh out of bariatric surgery, struggling with weight plateaus, have a lower or higher BMI, or you’re just curious if these meds might be right for you, Dr. Dovec breaks down exactly how GLP-1s work, who benefits most, potential side effects, and how to personalize your treatment for the best results. Plus, she compared options like phentermine and Contrave, and gives real talk about surgery versus medication. If you’re looking for up-to-date, honest guidance on weight loss medications and a supportive community cheering you on, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice!

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Betsy Dovec and Hannah Schuyler, RD are joined by the fabulous stylist, Chrissy Godwin, for a deep dive into the transformative power of personal style, confidence, and embracing your unique journey—no matter what size or life phase you’re in. Chrissy walks us through her story from dreamer with a pop-up boutique vision to successful stylist with years of retail experience under her belt, helping everyday people and celebs alike curate wardrobes that feel authentic and empowering.

Together, the trio discusses the emotional aspects of closet clean-outs, the tips and tricks of building a capsule wardrobe, the importance of investing in staple pieces, and how styling can boost confidence throughout life’s changes, whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, on a weight loss journey, or just looking to rediscover your mojo. With plenty of laughs, insider advice on tailoring and shopping, and real talk about breaking free from the trap of focusing on clothing sizes, this episode is all about showing up for yourself, finding fun in fashion, and stepping into your best self, one outfit at a time.

So grab your favorite coffee, settle in, and get inspired by Chrissy’s energy and expertise as we chat about all things style, self-love, and making your closet work for your real life. And don’t miss out on Chrissy’s appearance at the upcoming Body by Transformation Butterfly Effect retreat—one lucky guest will even win a personal styling session! Let’s get started.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Weight Loss Collab Podcast! This week, your co-hosts Dr. Dovec and dietitian Hannah Schuyler are coming to you from their new, upgraded podcast studio at the surgery center—complete with luxurious vibes and lots of positive energy. In this episode, they kick things off by recapping their recent BodyByMindset retreat, which brought together patients and community members for a weekend of connection, growth, and transformation despite a few behind-the-scenes weather hiccups.

You'll hear candid reflections about the power of community events—from a rain-soaked setup that transformed into a magical Florida sunset, to meaningful icebreakers and transformative activities focused on breaking free from shame. Dr. Dovec and Hannah dive into their own retreat presentations on food guilt, mindset shifts, and the deeply personal journeys that shape their professional paths.

But that's not all—they're also unveiling exciting plans for their next big event, BodyByTransformation: The Butterfly Effect, coming May 2026 in Orlando. If you’re seeking motivation, practical strategies, or a sense of belonging on your weight loss and wellbeing journey, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and encouragement. Plus, expect some fun personal news, a peek into their event planning process, and the ways you can get involved and take your own transformation to the next level.

Tune in for expert advice, authentic stories, and the latest updates from the passionate duo behind Body by Bariatrics and The Weight Loss Collab!

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In today’s episode, co-host Hannah Schuyler dives into a powerful and rarely discussed topic—food and shame. We’re used to hearing about macros, micros, and nutrition science, but what about the emotional weight we carry every time we make a food choice? Hannah invites listeners to reflect honestly on moments of guilt, secrecy, and shame around eating, challenging the deeply rooted messages that tie morality to what we put on our plates.

With humor and personal stories (including an honest admission about sour cream and cheddar chips in the Aldi parking lot!), Hannah explores how food has no morality—eating a certain way doesn’t make you “good” or “bad.” Instead, she encourages everyone to focus on what truly makes a person kind, compassionate, and generous—qualities that have nothing to do with food choices. This episode is a fresh reminder that enjoying food, sharing meals with friends, and letting go of shame can help us savor life—and our weight loss journeys—a whole lot more. So, get comfortable and join us as we break down the unnecessary baggage of food guilt and embrace being perfectly, beautifully human.

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dr. Dovec opens up like never before, pulling back the curtain on her journey through shame, self-doubt, and ultimately—radical self-acceptance. Recorded live at a groundbreaking retreat, Dr. Dovec shares heartfelt stories of perseverance, from professional setbacks to the confetti-filled highs and vulnerable lows at the grand opening of the Surgical Institute of Central Florida.

You'll hear about friendship, the power of community, and the invisible weight of shame that so many carry—especially in the world of weight loss and bariatric surgery. Dr. Dovec tackles tough topics, from infertility and body image to breaking free from the expectations of others and building a practice that's uniquely her own. Along the way, she offers wisdom on why shedding shame is every bit as important as losing pounds, and how real transformation is rooted in connection and authenticity.

Join us for an episode that's not just about weight loss, but about betting on yourself, defying gravity, and finding the courage to live unapologetically. If you've ever felt held back by shame, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In today’s episode, co-hosts Dr. Dovec and Hannah Schuyler, RD sit down with Dr. Irene Tower of BodyByBeauty for an in-depth conversation about body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. Whether you’re a bariatric patient considering surgery or just curious about the journey from massive weight loss to newfound confidence, this episode is packed with insight.

You’ll hear first-hand stories of patients who’ve transformed their bodies—and their lives—thanks to post-weight loss procedures, and learn why the process can be truly “mind-blowing.” Dr. Tower walks us through every step: from the importance of nutritional prep and achieving the right BMI, to setting expectations for healing, assembling your recovery support team, and the role of lymphatic massage in smoother recoveries.

We’ll also dig into the emotional and mental prep needed for the best possible results, why timing matters for surgery, and how their community-built support systems, including in-person groups and online resources, make the difference for patients navigating this big decision.

If you’ve ever wondered about the realities of post-weight loss body transformation, today’s episode is loaded with practical advice, real talk, and the positive energy that makes The Weight Loss Collab such a supportive and inspiring place to be. Let’s get started!

Welcome to The Weight Loss Collab! In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Betsy Dovec and dietitian Hannah Schuyler are taking a deep dive into the many “eras” of a bariatric patient’s journey. From childhood and adolescence, through adulthood, pregnancy, menopause, and all the lifestyle shifts in between, they explore the complex experiences that lead people to consider bariatric surgery and what happens after.

With candid stories and a dose of pop culture (hello, Taylor Swift and Travis!), Dr. Dovec and Hannah walk listeners through the emotional and practical stages of weight loss and maintenance. They discuss the identity shifts that come with surgery, the pressure and relief of the “bariatric era,” how to navigate support and noise from loved ones, and what it really takes to make lasting change, not just in eating habits, but in mental and emotional well-being.

Whether you’re just starting your journey, deep in the “honeymoon phase,” facing maintenance, or looking for support in getting back on track, this episode offers encouragement, expert tips, and a sense of community at every stage. Tune in as the hosts remind you that being a bariatric patient is only one small part of your life story, and the best era is still to come!

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In this special episode, hosts Dr. Betsy Dovec and registered dietitian Hannah Schuyler, are joined by bariatric therapist Lora Grabow for an exciting announcement—the launch of the very first "Body by Mindset" retreat in Orlando, Florida on September 12 & 13, 2025. With over 20 years of experience supporting patients through obesity medicine and bariatric surgery, Lora shares her passion for helping people move beyond the surface of weight loss and dive deep into the work of breaking free from shame.

Listen in as the team discusses the importance of community, the power of in-person connection, and what makes this retreat different from anything they’ve done before. From the agenda’s actionable mindset tools to the supportive, judgement-free environment they’re creating, you’ll hear all about why this retreat is perfect for anyone on a weight loss journey, regardless of where you’re starting. Plus, they share how they’ve made this transformative event accessible, fun, and welcoming for everyone.

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by internal shame or have longed for deeper conversations and connections in your health journey, this episode, and the retreat itself, are for you. Get ready to meet your community, challenge your mindset, and discover that you are enough exactly as you are.

Interested in coming to the BodyByMindset retreat? Get all the information and register here: https://bodybybariatrics.com/bodybymindset/

Find us on Instagram!

• Lora: https://www.instagram.com/bariatric.therapist/
• Dr. Dovec: https://www.instagram.com/drdovec/
• Hannah: https://www.instagram.com/hannahschuyler.rd/
• The Weight Loss Collab: https://www.instagram.com/theweightlosscollab/
• BodyByBariatrics: https://www.instagram.com/bodybybariatrics/

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab, where we unite passionate voices from around the world to tackle the global obesity crisis and reimagine what effective, compassionate care looks like. In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Jarryd Walkley, a bariatric coordinator from Austin Health—one of the largest public hospitals in Australia—who joins us all the way from Melbourne. Together with co-hosts Hannah Schuyler and Dr. Dovec, Jarryd shares an inside look at how Australia’s public healthcare system is meeting the challenges of obesity treatment, what it means to build meaningful patient relationships in the face of stigma, and the innovative ways her team has managed to drastically cut down wait times for bariatric surgery.

You’ll hear stories of resilience—patients who waited years for life-changing procedures, and the joy of witnessing their victories, both on and off the scale. We'll also unpack the value of global collaboration, as Jarryd discusses lessons learned from her travels to leading bariatric centers across the world, and how different systems approach access, innovation, and patient-centered care.

If you’re ready to be inspired by a truly international perspective, discover what’s possible when creative minds bridge continents, and learn why the future of weight loss treatment is all about teamwork, curiosity, and “just doing it,” then you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s jump in!