Our Sleeved Life Podcast

Can weight loss surgery completely reverse infertility caused by PCOS? In this fun, raw, and inspiring episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel sits down with bariatric community pillar, author, and mom of five, Rissa (@rissarecharged)! Whether you are navigating weight loss surgery as a couple, dealing with PCOS and metabolic dysfunction, or curious about surprise pregnancies post-op, Rissa’s journey offers invaluable advice, humor, and lived experience. SUBSCRIBE for more raw, transparent, and inspiring bariatric stories and recovery tips! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 IN THIS EPISODE: Mel and Rissa dive into the wild realities of bariatric life, relationship dynamics, and post-op fertility: The Metabolism Trap: Why skipping meals all day to "save calories" wrecks your metabolism and contributes to weight gain. Living with Undiagnosed PCOS: How polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome causes fertility struggles, irregular cycles, and stubborn weight gain. Couples Bariatric Surgery: How Rissa and her husband Chris (@bariatricbro) decided to get Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) together—and how a little healthy spousal competition kept them accountable! Surviving Pre-Op Chaos: High blood pressure scares, family loss, career promotions, and flying across the country to relocate to California just 8 days post-op. The Surprise "Tulum Baby": Naturally conceiving a miracle baby at age 37 after years of fertility treatments, and navigating a high-risk bariatric pregnancy. Post-Op Fertility Boom: Why rapid weight loss causes periods to return, hormone levels to surge, and fertility to spike. 👩‍💼 ABOUT OUR GUEST & BARIATRIC SOCIETY: Rissa (@rissarecharged) is a bariatric advocate, author, career woman, and mother of five. After undergoing Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) in 2019 alongside her husband, she transformed her health, reversed her PCOS-related infertility, and authored ebooks guiding others through bariatric recovery and post-op pregnancy. Today, through Bariatric Society, she creates supportive spaces and community events empowering bariatric patients across every stage of their journey. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Did you experience a surprise surge in fertility or a pregnancy after weight loss surgery or starting GLP-1s? Have you and your partner ever gone through a health transformation together? Share your story in the comments below! CONNECT & RESOURCES: Connect with Rissa & Bariatric Society: Website: https://www.rissarecharged.com Website: https://www.bariatricsociety.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rissarecharged Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bariatricsociety TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rissarecharged TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bariatricsociety Connect with Mel Gottfried: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg 🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP): Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com Join our Newsletter for freebies & bariatric perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast 🎟️ JOIN US AT AN UPCOMING BARIATRIC MEETUP! Looking to connect with fellow bariatric patients in person and build lasting community support? Don't navigate your post-op journey alone! Join Rissa and the Bariatric Society family at one of our upcoming in-person meetups and events: 👉 Find & Register for Upcoming Bariatric Meetups: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/bariatric-meetups-by-bariatric-society-4825374 #VSG #BariatricSurgery #BariatricPregnancy #PCOS #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricCouples #WeightLossJourney #GastricSleeve #FertilityAfterVSG #BariatricCommunity #BariatricSociety #RissaRechargedCan weight loss surgery completely reverse infertility caused by PCOS? In this fun, raw, and inspiring episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel sits down with bariatric community pillar, author, and mom of five, Rissa (@rissarecharged)! Whether you are navigating weight loss surgery as a couple, dealing with PCOS and metabolic dysfunction, or curious about surprise pregnancies post-op, Rissa’s journey offers invaluable advice, humor, and lived experience. SUBSCRIBE for more raw, transparent, and inspiring bariatric stories and recovery tips! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 IN THIS EPISODE: Mel and Rissa dive into the wild realities of bariatric life, relationship dynamics, and post-op fertility: The Metabolism Trap: Why skipping meals all day to "save calories" wrecks your metabolism and contributes to weight gain. Living with Undiagnosed PCOS: How polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome causes fertility struggles, irregular cycles, and stubborn weight gain. Couples Bariatric Surgery: How Rissa and her husband Chris (@bariatricbro) decided to get Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) together—and how a little healthy spousal competition kept them accountable! Surviving Pre-Op Chaos: High blood pressure scares, family loss, career promotions, and flying across the country to relocate to California just 8 days post-op. The Surprise "Tulum Baby": Naturally conceiving a miracle baby at age 37 after years of fertility treatments, and navigating a high-risk bariatric pregnancy. Post-Op Fertility Boom: Why rapid weight loss causes periods to return, hormone levels to surge, and fertility to spike. 👩‍💼 ABOUT OUR GUEST & BARIATRIC SOCIETY: Rissa (@rissarecharged) is a bariatric advocate, author, career woman, and mother of five. After undergoing Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) in 2019 alongside her husband, she transformed her health, reversed her PCOS-related infertility, and authored ebooks guiding others through bariatric recovery and post-op pregnancy. Today, through Bariatric Society, she creates supportive spaces and community events empowering bariatric patients across every stage of their journey. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Did you experience a surprise surge in fertility or a pregnancy after weight loss surgery or starting GLP-1s? Have you and your partner ever gone through a health transformation together? Share your story in the comments below! CONNECT & RESOURCES: Connect with Rissa & Bariatric Society: Website: https://www.rissarecharged.com Website: https://www.bariatricsociety.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rissarecharged Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bariatricsociety TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rissarecharged TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bariatricsociety Connect with Mel Gottfried: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg 🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP): Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com Join our Newsletter for freebies & bariatric perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast 🎟️ JOIN US AT AN UPCOMING BARIATRIC MEETUP! Looking to connect with fellow bariatric patients in person and build lasting community support? Don't navigate your post-op journey alone! Join Rissa and the Bariatric Society family at one of our upcoming in-person meetups and events: 👉 Find & Register for Upcoming Bariatric Meetups: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/bariatric-meetups-by-bariatric-society-4825374 #VSG #BariatricSurgery #BariatricPregnancy #PCOS #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricCouples #WeightLossJourney #GastricSleeve #FertilityAfterVSG #BariatricCommunity #BariatricSociety #RissaRecharged

Are GLP-1 medications replacing bariatric surgery, or is the entire approach to weight loss evolving? In this enlightening episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel sits down with veteran bariatric and metabolic surgeon Dr. Eric Smith to discuss why his practice completely eliminated traditional bariatric seminars in favor of comprehensive "Obesity Consults." If you are navigating weight loss choices, struggling with GLP-1 dosage escalation, battling cravings, or wanting to master sustainable habits without restrictive diets, Dr. Eric drops invaluable wisdom on the science of metabolic health! 👇 SUBSCRIBE for weekly transparent conversations, bariatric success stories, and evidence-based health tips! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: Dr. Eric Smith breaks down why only 1% of the population with obesity historically sought surgical treatment and how offering unbiased, full-spectrum care (from GLP-1 medications to bariatric surgery and whole-food nutrition) is revolutionizing patient outcomes. We also take a deep dive into: Real-World GLP-1 Data vs. Clinical Trials: Why real-world medication weight loss drops to 7--8 compared to 20% in clinical trials due to long-term compliance challenges. "Chemical Noise" vs. "Food Noise": Why "food noise" is largely a pharmaceutical marketing term and how processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and diet sodas chemically trigger brain cravings. Whole-Food Nutrition on a Budget: Why whole foods (beef, fruit, sourdough, potatoes, vegetables) eliminate brain fog, restore natural fullness signals, and stop food fixation without starving yourself. Controlling the Controllables: How sleep hygiene, sunlight exposure, cortisol management, and muscle preservation dictate long-term metabolic success far more than quick-fix interventions. 💬 JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Do you prefer a clinic that offers both medication and surgical options under one roof? Have you noticed a difference in cravings when cutting out processed foods and artificial sweeteners? Share your experience in the comments below! 🔗 CONNECT & RESOURCES: 👥 Connect with Dr. Eric Smith: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorericsmith/ Website: https://www.drericsmith.com 🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg 🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com Join our Newsletter for freebies and community perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter #DrEricSmith #BariatricSurgery #GLP1 #ObesityMedicine #ChemicalNoise #WholeFoods #WeightLossJourney #OurSleevedLifePodcast #GastricSleeve #MetabolicHealth

How do you lose 300lbs and maintain it after reaching a peak weight of 500lbs? In this deeply moving and psychological episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel sits down with psychologist Stasia Bowen (@500tofreedom) to break down how rewiring her brain saved her life after Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). If you are struggling with severe emotional eating, bariatric recovery, trauma, or toxic dating dynamics, Stasia’s story of neuroplasticity, extreme weight loss, and mental healing will transform how you look at your weight loss journey! 👇 SUBSCRIBE for weekly transparent conversations, bariatric success stories, and mindset tools!https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 🌟 ABOUT THIS EPISODE: After coping with severe childhood trauma, high school speed/diet pill addiction (where she rapidly lost 150lbs at 16years old, and toxic relationship dynamics like fat fetishism and feederism, Stasia reached a peak weight of 500lbs When a terrifying physical moment of breaking through her shower floor woke her up to reality, she committed to fighting for her life. She underwent Gastric Sleeve (VSG) surgery and went on to shed over 300lbs not just by changing her diet, but by completely rewiring the mental neuro-pathways that kept her trapped in obesity. In this episode, Stasia shares: The "Zebra vs. Gazelle" Mindset Trick: How using neuroscience and psychological reframing helped her stop emotional food binging. The Reality of Gastric Sleeve at 500lbs: Why 80% stomach removal leaves a 500lbs patient with a "grapefruit-sized" stomach instead of a "golf ball," and how surgical math affects restriction. Hitting Absolute Rock Bottom: The traumatic moment her shower floor broke beneath her at 500lbs and how it became her "click moment." Dark Dating Dynamics & Trauma: Unpacking feederism, fat fetishism, low self-worth, and how unhealed trauma impacts relationships. Neuroplasticity & Identity Shift: Why real weight loss happens when you stop focusing on shedding weight and start shedding the identity that kept you heavy. 💬 JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Have you struggled with emotional eating or feeling like your mindset is holding you back from reaching your weight loss goals? What was your personal "click moment"? Drop a comment below—let's support each other! 🔗 CONNECT & RESOURCES: 🧠 Connect with Stasia Bowen: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/500tofreedom/ 🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg 🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP): Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com Join our Newsletter for freebies, bariatric resources, and community perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast 🛍️ SPONSOR DISCOUNT & FAVORITES:This episode is proudly sponsored by ProCare Health—maker of premium, third-party tested, once-a-day bariatric vitamins. Save on your ProCare Health order! Use Code: OSLP at checkout. Shop here: https://procarenow.com #VSG #WeightLossJourney #500LbsTo200Lbs #BariatricSurgery #GastricSleeve #MindsetShift #OurSleevedLifePodcast #ExtremeWeightLoss #EmotionalEating #Neuroplasticity

Have you ever wondered what actually happens inside your abdomen during a bariatric revision? In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel (@melunfiltered.vsg) sits down with board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Betsy Dovec to watch and review actual 4K high-definition video footage of Mel’s Gastric Sleeve (VSG) to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY) revision surgery! 11 years after her original sleeve gastrectomy, Mel was dealing with chronic pressure, reflux, and weight plateaus. Dr. Dovec reveals the mind-blowing findings inside Mel’s abdomen including a corkscrewed/twisted stomach pouch, a large Type 3 Paraesophageal hiatal hernia suctioned up into her diaphragm, an un-dissected retained fundus that was 3x wider than normal 75mm vs 35mm, and incidental endometriosis! Whether you are navigating bariatric regain, researching revisional surgery, or recovering post-op, this transparent surgical breakdown provides critical medical insights and validation for bariatric patients everywhere. SUBSCRIBE for more honest, expert-led conversations on bariatric recovery and life after weight loss surgery! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 IN THIS EPISODE: Dr. Betsy Dovec takes us step-by-step through Mel's revisional surgery: Incidental Pelvic Findings: Identifying uterine fibroids and "cigarette ash" endometriosis spots that cause severe menstrual pain. Visceral Fat & GLP-1 Impact: Showing how 11 years of sleeve lifestyle combined with GLP-1 medications eliminated nearly all intra-abdominal visceral fat in the omentum. Preventing Complications: Demonstrating how closing the mesenteric defect (Petersen's space) with permanent Ethabond sutures prevents future internal hernias and bowel obstructions. The Twisted Sleeve & Hiatal Hernia: Uncovering why Mel experienced chronic chest pressure, and showing how repairing the diaphragm crura causes referred left shoulder pain. Resizing the Pouch: Dissecting the retained fundus off the spleen and re-sleeving the 75 mm stomach down to a optimal 32 mm pouch over a calibration tube. Post-Op Recovery & Safety: Distinguishing normal gas pain from dangerous leak symptoms, and reviewing safe diet progressions from liquids to soft foods. OIN THE DISCUSSION: Have you ever experienced reflux, pressure, or regain years after a gastric sleeve? Did watching this surgical video help ease your fears about revisional surgery? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Connect with Mel Gottfried: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg Connect with Dr. Betsy Dovec, MD FACS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbetsydovec/ Connect with Hannah Schuyler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahschuyler.rd/ Connect with BodyByBariatrics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodybybariatrics/ 🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP): Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com Join our Newsletter for freebies & bariatric perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast #GastricBypass #GastricSleeveRevision #VSGtoRNY #BariatricSurgery #HiatalHernia #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricRecovery #RevisionalSurgery #SleeveGastrectomy #DrBetsyDovec #BariatricRegain Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Can a GLP-1 medication like Zepbound help you break through severe bariatric weight regain years after surgery? In this episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel celebrates her 11years bariatric anniversary by sitting down with Jenny Espino (@jennyloseswithzep). After undergoing gastric bypass surgery 20 years ago, Jenny lost 112lbs built a family, and welcomed four boys. But after a debilitating back injury and COVID-19 lockdowns, she found herself back in her 270lbs . Discover how Jenny utilized Zepbound (tirzepatide) to lose 25 lbs, rebuild her metabolism, and step confidently into maintenance! 👇 SUBSCRIBE for weekly transparent conversations, bariatric success stories, and GLP-1 resources! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: Jenny opens up about the emotional and physical reality of bariatric regain, navigating severe spinal injury rehab, and why traditional extreme calorie deficits stopped working in her late 30's. In this episode, we cover: Gastric Bypass to Zepbound: Combining bariatric habits with GLP-1 therapy to restore restriction and quiet food noise. Overcoming Bariatric Regain: How a herniated disc injury and COVID isolation led to gaining back weight, and how she found the path forward. Breaking Weight Stalls with TDEE: Why undereating sabotages loss and how using a TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) calculator unlocked her 125lbs weight loss. Daily Nutrition Hacks: Hitting 130--150 g of protein, 120oz of water, and implementing the 30-30-30 morning routine. Life in Maintenance & NSVs: Sizing down from a size 10 childhood frame to a size 4 adult, resizing wedding rings, homeschooling four boys, and shifting mindsets after a lifetime of dieting. 💬 JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Have you experienced weight regain years after bariatric surgery? Have you considered or used a GLP-1 medication like Zepbound or Ozempic to help get back on track? Share your story in the comments below! 🔗 CONNECT & RESOURCES: 👥 Connect with Jenny Espino: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyloseswithzep/ 🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg 🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP): OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com Join our Newsletter for freebies and community perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/newsletter 🧮 Tools Mentioned in This Video: Calculate your calorie baseline: https://tdeecalculator.net #Zepbound #GLP1 #GastricBypass #BariatricRegain #OurSleevedLifePodcast #WeightLossJourney #TDEE #HighProtein #BariatricSurgery #Tirzepatide Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 19 Plastic surgery won’t fix everything… and that’s the truth most people aren’t prepared to hear. If you’re considering plastic surgery after weight loss, bariatric surgery, or procedures like liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), or body contouring, this video will completely change how you think about the journey. In this episode, we break down the biggest myths about plastic surgery, including the belief that it’s the final step or a permanent solution. The reality? Plastic surgery is not a weight loss solution, not a shortcut, and not a guarantee of confidence or long-term results. Drawing from real patient experiences and expert insights, we explore what actually happens after procedures like VASER liposuction 360, Renuvion skin tightening, arm lift surgery, breast reduction, and lower body lift. 💬 Have you considered plastic surgery or already gone through it? Share your experience in the comments — your story could help someone else on this journey. 👍 If this video gave you clarity, like & subscribe for real, honest conversations about weight loss, plastic surgery, and body confidence. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss expert insights, real patient stories, and myth-busting episodes. 📲 Share this video with someone who’s thinking about surgery — it might change their perspective.