Our Sleeved Life Podcast

In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Ana sits down with us to share the REAL side of bariatric surgery, weight loss, emotional eating, food addiction, CrossFit, bodybuilding, and everything in between. 💜 This conversation got deep fast. Ana opens up about struggling with obesity her entire life, dealing with PCOS and hypothyroidism, emotional eating, family trauma, and how food became both comfort and coping. She shares the moment she realized she needed help, what led her to gastric sleeve surgery, the scary complications she faced afterward, and how she fought her way back physically and mentally. And honestly? Her story is going to hit home for a LOT of people. We talk about:✨ food noise and food addiction✨ emotional eating and binge cycles✨ weight regain fears after bariatric surgery✨ CrossFit and rebuilding confidence✨ losing over 140 pounds✨ body dysmorphia and learning to love your body✨ DEXA scans, muscle gain, and body recomposition✨ bodybuilding after weight loss surgery✨ how tracking macros changed everything✨ learning how to fuel your body instead of punish it One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is this:Weight loss surgery is NOT the easy way out. It’s a tool. The real work happens mentally, emotionally, and physically every single day. If you’ve ever struggled with obesity, emotional eating, food addiction, PCOS, hypothyroidism, bariatric surgery, regain, or just feeling alone in your journey… this episode is for you. And if nobody has told you lately:You are NOT broken. You are NOT failing. And you do NOT have to figure this out alone. 💜 If you ever need support, have questions about bariatric surgery, CrossFit after weight loss surgery, macros, emotional eating, or just need people who get it — message us. Seriously. That’s why this community exists. 📩 Reach out anytime. We’re all figuring this out together. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it today. #BariatricSurgery #GastricSleeve #WeightLossJourney #FoodAddiction #EmotionalEating #CrossFitTransformation #BodybuildingJourney #PCOSWeightLoss #Hypothyroidism #WeightLossTransformation #BariatricCommunity #FoodNoise #DEXAScan #BodyRecomposition #OurSleevedLife

Epi 352 What autoimmune disease REALLY does to your body goes far beyond occasional fatigue or inflammation. In this episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we sit down with resilience coach and medical professional Nikolett Demeter from Pop Recovery to have an honest conversation about chronic illness, lupus, gut health, bariatric nutrition, inflammation, and what it actually feels like to live in a body that’s constantly fighting itself. We talk about why autoimmune diseases like lupus, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ disease, and other chronic illnesses can leave people exhausted, struggling with brain fog, digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, and flare-ups that impact everyday life. Nikolett explains how inflammation works inside the body, why sleep and hydration matter more than most people realize, and how nutrition, protein intake, omega-3s, gut health, and stress management can help support healing and recovery. This conversation also dives into bariatric surgery recovery, vitamin deficiencies, immune system health, anti-inflammatory foods, hormone balance, and the powerful connection between the gut microbiome and overall wellness. Whether you’re personally dealing with autoimmune disease or supporting someone who is, this episode is full of practical advice, emotional support, and real conversations about resilience and health. If you’ve been searching for ways to reduce chronic inflammation naturally, improve gut health, manage autoimmune symptoms, recover after bariatric surgery, or simply better understand chronic illness and fatigue, this episode is for you. 💙 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who may need encouragement or support on their health journey. #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicInflammation #LupusAwareness #GutHealth #ChronicIllness #BariatricSurgery #AntiInflammatoryDiet #HealthPodcast #ImmuneHealth #WellnessJourney

Epi 21: She got illegal injections… and years later, everything changed In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we expose the truth about black market plastic surgery, silicone injections, and “biopolymer” fillers that can lead to serious complications. If you’re thinking about a BBL, fillers, or cosmetic surgery, this is something you NEED to hear first. ⚠️ In This Episode: * The dangers of illegal silicone & biopolymer injections * What happens when your body reacts years later * Why some patients need multiple corrective surgeries * The risks of Botox/filler parties & unlicensed providers * How to choose safe, legal plastic surgery options 💡 Real Talk: Not everything labeled “medical” is safe, and not every provider is qualified. 🎯 Call to Action: * 👍 Like this video if this shocked you * 💬 Comment: Did you know this was happening? * 🔔 Subscribe for real, unfiltered plastic surgery conversations * 📌 Share this – it could save someone from a huge mistake 📌 Hashtags: #PlasticSurgery #BBL #PlasticSurgeryRisks

Epi 20 Perfectionism is silently ruining more weight loss journeys than you think… If you’ve ever felt like you had to be “perfect” to succeed after bariatric surgery or plastic surgery, this episode is going to hit HARD. In this powerful conversation, we dive into the hidden connection between perfectionism, weight loss, and body image and how it can actually hold you back from seeing your progress, appreciating your body, and enjoying your results. From obsessing over the scale to chasing unrealistic results after body contouring, tummy tuck, or skin removal surgery, we break down why the “all-or-nothing” mindset is one of the biggest obstacles in long-term success. 💬 Do you struggle with perfectionism on your journey? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it. You’re not alone. 👍 If this episode helped shift your perspective, like & subscribe for real, honest conversations about weight loss, plastic surgery, and mindset. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes with expert insights and real patient experiences. 📲 Share this video with someone who needs to hear this, especially if they’re being too hard on themselves.

In this episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we sit down with Shea (@growwithshea) to talk about her journey with bariatric surgery (vertical sleeve gastrectomy), PCOS, fertility struggles, and everything that comes after. Shea shares what led her to choose gastric sleeve surgery, what the first 24 hours were really like, and how the experience changed not just her body but her mindset, relationships, and daily life. We also get into: Living with PCOS and weight gain Deciding if weight loss surgery is right for you The reality of recovery after gastric sleeve How bariatric surgery can impact marriage and personal growth Learning to trust your body again after surgery If you’re thinking about bariatric surgery, dealing with PCOS, or just want to hear a real, honest story from someone who’s been through it this episode is for you. 💬 Have questions about bariatric surgery or PCOS? Drop them in the comments we’d love to hear from you! 👍 If this helped you, don’t forget to like & subscribe for more real bariatric journeys and support.

Struggling with weight regain after bariatric surgery or curious about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and semaglutide? In this episode, Dr. Eric Ibegbu explains why weight regain is biology—not failure and how GLP-1 medications help control appetite, metabolism, and fat loss. Learn the truth about: Weight loss plateau & metabolism slowdown GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, semaglutide, tirzepatide) Non-surgical weight loss options How to stop weight regain long-term 👉 Connect with Dr. Ibegbu for medical weight loss options @iamthedoctorking 👉 Follow OSLP (Our Sleeved Life Podcast) for more real weight loss journeys & expert insights

Epi 16 Many people believe plastic surgery after weight loss is a one-and-done procedure—but that’s rarely the reality. In this episode of the Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we break down the truth about staging plastic surgery and why many patients need multiple surgeries to achieve their final results. If you’ve experienced massive weight loss, had bariatric surgery, or are researching skin removal surgery, body contouring, tummy tuck, breast lift, arm lift, or lower body lift, this episode will help you understand how surgeons plan procedures safely and why staging is often necessary. Our experts discuss how post weight loss plastic surgery works, why some procedures cannot be performed in one operation, and what patients should expect during their body contouring journey. We also talk about the emotional and mental health side of the process—because for many patients, the biggest challenge isn’t just surgery, it’s helping others understand why the process takes time. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ What staging in plastic surgery actually means✨ Why skin removal surgery after massive weight loss often requires multiple procedures✨ The most common combinations for body contouring surgery✨ How surgeons decide what can safely be done together✨ Why procedures like tummy tuck, breast lift, and lower body lift may need separate stages✨ How skin quality and anatomy affect surgical planning✨ What to ask during your plastic surgery consultation Whether you're considering excess skin removal, comparing body lift vs tummy tuck, or researching the best plastic surgery options after bariatric surgery, this episode provides real insight into the process. Thinking about plastic surgery after weight loss? Watch this episode before scheduling your consult so you can better understand how surgeons plan post weight loss body contouring and why staging often leads to safer procedures and better results. 👍 Like this video if you want more honest conversations about plastic surgery💬 Comment below: Did you know many patients need multiple surgeries after massive weight loss?🔔 Subscribe for more expert discussions about plastic surgery, bariatric life, mental health, and body transformation

Epi 15 I spent $5,000 on CoolSculpting… and it didn’t go how I expected.In this episode, we break down the truth about CoolSculpting vs liposuction, non-surgical fat reduction, Kybella injections, Emsculpt, radio frequency skin tightening, and when surgery is actually the better option. If you’re considering CoolSculpting, fat freezing, or any non-surgical body contouring treatment, this honest conversation may save you thousands of dollars. 💸 Here’s What We Cover: • Why CoolSculpting doesn’t work for most weight loss patients• How paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) can make fat grow instead of shrink• Why providers often recommend multiple treatment sessions• CoolSculpting cost vs liposuction cost• When liposuction is “one and done”• Why removing fat can actually make loose skin worse• How to know if you're a good candidate for non-surgical fat reduction 🚨 Myth-Busting Moments: • Cellulite has NOTHING to do with being overweight• There is no cream that removes stretch marks• Kybella does NOT tighten loose skin• Non-surgical treatments cannot replace significant skin removal• If a clinic only offers one device, that’s what they’ll sell you 💉 We Also Discuss: • Emsculpt for muscle building and toning• Radio frequency skin tightening (Renuvion / BodyTite)• Injectable fillers vs a surgical facelift• Why 14 syringes of filler can cost as much as a facelift• The dangers of illegal butt injections• Why silicone injections can turn necrotic 🎯 The Big Takeaway: Don’t walk into a consultation asking for a machine.Walk in explaining your goal. The right treatment depends on: Skin quality Fat volume Weight loss history Realistic expectations Non-surgical plastic surgery can work — but only for the right patient. 🎙 Hosted by Our Sleeved Life Podcast👨‍⚕️ Featuring Dr. Omar Beidas, MD, FACS🧠 With Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Epi 347 Gastric sleeve surgery can change your life — but no one talks about the dark side. In this raw and powerful episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we uncover the truth about gastric sleeve surgery (VSG / vertical sleeve gastrectomy) that many bariatric patients experience but rarely discuss. From extreme weight loss to emotional eating, trauma stored in the body, eating disorder risks, loose skin, body dysmorphia, mental health struggles, and rebuilding strength after surgery — this is the side of bariatric surgery that deserves attention If you’re considering bariatric surgery, preparing for VSG surgery, or navigating life after gastric sleeve, this episode will give you the real, unfiltered truth. 🎙 In This Episode We Discuss: What doctors don’t always explain about gastric sleeve surgery The mental health impact after bariatric surgery Eating disorder behaviors after rapid weight loss Emotional eating and food funerals Loose skin after massive weight loss Skin removal surgery after bariatric surgery InBody scans vs DEXA scans Strength training and muscle building after gastric sleeve Rebuilding confidence after extreme transformation This is not just a “before and after” story. It’s a conversation about what happens after the scale moves. Like this video Subscribe for honest bariatric conversations Share this with someone considering weight loss surgery Comment below What has been the hardest part of your gastric sleeve journey?

Epi 12 Welcome back to The Cutting Edge Podcast with host Mel featuring Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD, FACS (plastic surgeon) and Ashlyn Douglass Barnes, LCSW (therapist and post weight loss patient). In this episode of our Fear Series, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles before body contouring and plastic surgery after major weight loss: the fear of the unknown and the fear of regret. You’ll hear what regret actually looks like in real life (hint: it’s far less common than the fear of it), how unrealistic expectations can fuel anxiety, why “post op blues” can happen even when everything is going well, and what you can do before surgery to feel grounded, prepared, and confident. We also talk about how people treat you differently in a smaller body, how confidence can impact relationships, and why choosing the right procedure (and the right provider) matters if you want results you won’t second guess. If you’re researching tummy tuck, skin removal surgery, body contouring after weight loss, 360 lipo, breast lift or breast augmentation, or you’re navigating the mental side of transformation, this one is for you. Watch nextIf you’re new here, start the Fear Series from the beginning and then work your way through the topics in order for the full picture. What you’ll learn in this episode • Why fear of regret is more common than actual regret• The top reasons people feel regret after plastic surgery (and how to avoid them)• How swelling, pain, recovery fatigue, and needing help can trigger “blues”• How to set realistic expectations for healing and final results• Why non invasive “skin tightening” options usually do not solve loose skin after major weight loss• How weight stability affects long term results• How body changes can shift attention, confidence, and relationships• How to choose the right procedure and avoid “internet validation” traps• What board certification and proper training really mean in aesthetics Chapters 0:18 Intro and Fear Series focus: fear of the unknown1:07 Fear of regret vs actual regret3:07 What plastic surgery means after major weight loss4:19 Post op blues, swelling, recovery expectations6:19 Surgery day realities and “the flip” discussion12:21 Picking the wrong procedure and online trends14:20 Beware unqualified aesthetic providers15:18 Loose skin facts after major weight loss18:04 Fear of social judgment and relationship changes21:46 How people treat you differently after weight loss27:47 Chasing perfection vs unrealistic expectations31:27 The viral “RGB implant” moment and internet misinformation35:26 Implant sizing and why many people wish they went bigger39:53 Weight stability, timing, and how surgeons “read” readiness44:49 Fear of regret and decision making styles Featured experts Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonFellowship trained in plastic surgery after massive weight lossInstagram: @drbodycontouring Ashlyn Douglass Barnes, LCSWTherapist and plastic surgery patient after major weight lossInstagram: @ashlynchange4life2012 Host: MelHost of Our Sleeved Life Podcast and Creator of Just Be You AwardsInstagram: @oursleevedlifepodcastWebsite: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com DisclaimerThis episode is for education and support only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your surgeon and healthcare team for personalized guidance.

Epi 10 Planning a surgery-cation? 👙✈️Before you book that flight to Mexico, Colombia, or the Dominican Republic for a tummy tuck, BBL, or skin removal surgery — STOP and watch this first. Seriously. 🛑 In this juicy episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Ashlyn and Mel sit down with Dr. Omar Beidas, a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in post-weight loss body contouring — and they’re asking the real questions you NEED answered. From sketchy $3,000 surgeries to safety risks you’ve never even heard of, we break it ALL down. Whether you're chasing deals or just confused by all the options, this is your plastic surgery travel reality check. 💬 💉 In this episode, we spill the tea on: ✅ Is traveling abroad for plastic surgery actually safe?✅ Why super cheap BBLs and tummy tucks can be super dangerous 😳✅ What fat embolisms are — and why they’re life-threatening✅ The HUGE difference between “cosmetic” surgeons and board-certified plastic surgeons✅ Why some patients don’t even meet their surgeon until surgery day (yes, really 😱)✅ What to ask before traveling for surgery overseas ✈️✅ Safe ways to pay: CareCredit, Cherry, & more✅ Ashlyn’s honest take on navigating all the confusion as a post-op patient 💬 🧠 If you’ve searched: "Is surgery in Mexico safe?" "Cheap tummy tuck after weight loss" "Plastic surgery abroad horror stories" "How to afford skin removal surgery" "Is BBL safe in the Dominican Republic?" This episode is your must-watch. 👀 👩‍⚕️ About Our Host: Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD, FACS 💎 Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon ✨ Fellowship-trained in plastic surgery after massive weight loss Instagram → @drbodycontouring Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW - Bariatric Patient and Plastic Surgery Patient after extreme weight-loss Instagram → @ashlynchange4life2012 Mel -Hosts of Our Sleeved Life Podcast and Creator of Just Be You Awards Follow us on IG → @oursleevedlifepodcast Website → https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com 💳 Resources Mentioned: CareCredit → https://www.carecredit.com Cherry Financing → https://www.withcherry.com More Episodes → https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com 💬 Join the Conversation: Would you travel for plastic surgery? Have a success or horror story? Drop it below ⬇️ — We are reading all your comments and might shout you out in a future ep! 💌

Epi 9 Struggling with loose skin or body changes after major weight loss? 💪 Wondering how to pay for plastic surgery like tummy tucks, arm lifts, or skin removal? In this episode, we break down real costs, insurance coverage options, and financing tools like CareCredit, Cherry, and payment plans. ✅ Learn what insurance might cover (like panniculectomy or breast reduction)✅ Understand what’s usually not covered — and how to prepare✅ Discover how to apply for financing without wrecking your budget✅ Hear expert tips from a board-certified plastic surgeon✅ Get advice on saving, loans, credit, and smart planning If you’ve had weight loss surgery, use GLP-1 meds, or lost weight naturally — this is your guide to navigating post-weight loss plastic surgery without going broke 💳 🔗 Mentioned in This Video:CareCredit → https://www.carecredit.comCherry Financing → https://www.withcherry.comDr. Omar Beidas → https://www.drbeidas.com 🎙️ Follow @oursleevedlifepodcast for real talk on life after weight loss surgery.

Epi 8 In this powerful episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, Mel and Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes (LCSW & bariatric + skin removal patient) sit down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar E. Beidas to talk about the things no one prepares you for after massive weight loss and plastic surgery. 💬 We dive deep into: ✅ What real support looks like after plastic surgery ✅ Mental health, compression, lymphatic care & mindset ✅ Building a care team: therapist, PCP, CNA, plastic surgeon ✅ What to do when your partner or workplace isn’t supportive ✅ Lymphedema vs. Lipedema, and how to manage them ✅ How to emotionally and physically thrive during recovery This episode is raw, real, and full of the truth about what happens after the transformation. Whether you're prepping for skin removal surgery, just had bariatric surgery, or feel alone in your journey — this one’s for you. 💛 📲 Follow Us & Our Guest 🎙️ Podcast IG: @oursleevedlifepodcast 💛 Ashlyn: @ashlynchange4life2012 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Beidas: @drbodycontouring 💬 Comment Below: What was your biggest challenge after surgery? Let's talk about it 👇 📢 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real conversations on body image, healing, and living life after weight loss! #SkinRemovalSurgery #PlasticSurgeryRecovery #BariatricSupport #OurSleevedLife #PostOpSupport #MentalHealthHealing #WLSJourney