Our Sleeved Life Podcast

Unlock the secrets to achieving quality skin and understanding excess skin in our latest episode of the Cutting Edge Podcast! Join host Mel Gottfried, along with Dr. Omar Beidas and Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW, as they dive deep into the complexities of skin quality and the impact of weight loss on your body.

Key takeaways:

Discover the difference between quality skin and excess skin.

Learn about innovative techniques like radio frequency tightening and fat grafting.

Understand the importance of choosing the right surgeon for your body contouring needs.

Explore the...

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 sto...

Can you get plastic surgery if you have poor skin elasticity or a connective tissue disorder like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, host Mel sits down with bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas to break down the critical role skin quality plays in body contouring success.

If you are a massive weight loss patient considering skin removal surgery, struggling with joint hypermobility, or wondering how smoking and nicotine affect your surgical recovery, this deep-dive discussion delivers essential medical facts!

👇 SUBSCRIBE for transparent, expert-led conversations on...

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 stori...

Are you curious about the latest innovations in body contouring, breast lifts, and cellulite treatments? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, host Mel (@melunfiltered.vsg), bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes (LCSW), and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas (MD FACS) discuss cutting-edge techniques fresh from international medical conferences!

From the truth about "Internal Bras" and dissolvable P4HB breast mesh to the surgical science behind Avali cellulite release, $360$ lower body lifts, and avoiding vertical Fleur-de-Lis scars, this episode covers everything you need to know about modern plastic surgery.

👇 SUBSCRIBE for more transparent, expert-led advice on...

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...

The Cutting Edge #26

Are you currently taking a GLP-1 medication (like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound) and planning for plastic surgery or general anesthesia? In this critical episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, host Mel sits down with bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas to unpack the medical, psychological, and surgical risks every patient must know.

If you are navigating weight loss surgery, post-bariatric skin removal, or GLP-1 therapy, this video explains why stopping your injection before surgery isn't optional—it could literally save your life.

👇 SUBSCRIBE for trans...

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, bar...

Are your legs painful, heavy, and constantly swelling? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, Mel, Ashlyn, and Dr. Beidas break down the medical and emotional realities of Lipedema and Lymphedema.

Whether you are a bariatric patient dealing with post-op swelling, a woman who suspect she has lipedema but has been dismissed by doctors, or someone researching advanced lymphatic surgery options, this comprehensive guide will help you understand your body and advocate for your health!

👇 SUBSCRIBE for more transparent, expert-led medical and mental health advice on bariatric and plastic surgery recov...

Can you completely reverse severe fatty liver disease and reclaim your life after being told you have less than 5 years to live? In this incredibly inspiring episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel sits down with Brenda Langford (known as @brendasavedherlife) to discuss her jaw-dropping 310lbs massive weight loss journey.

If you are navigating bariatric surgery (VSG or bypass), dealing with emotional eating and grief, or researching complex skin removal surgeries like a Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty, Brenda’s story of hope and resilience is exactly what you need to hear!

SUBSCRIBE for more ra...

Are you terrified of plastic surgery drains or wondering if a drainless tummy tuck is right for you?

In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, bariatric patient Mel, bariatric therapist Ashlyn, and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas pull back the curtain on everything you need to know about post-op drains. If you are a massive weight loss patient planning your body contouring journey, dealing with recovery anxiety, or researching how to manage fluid collection (seromas) after skin removal surgery, this deep-dive guide is for you!

SUBSCRIBE for more transparent, expert-led conversations on bariatric...

💜 From hiding in men's jeans as a teenager to losing 130+ pounds and embracing her unique style, Jodi's bariatric journey is one of transformation, confidence, and self-acceptance.

In this episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel sits down with Jodi (@remaking_jodi) to discuss her experience with gastric bypass surgery, body image, excess skin removal, food noise, GLP-1 medications, and the emotional realities of life after massive weight loss.

Jodi shares what it was like growing up as a plus-size teen in the 80s and 90s, why she chose gastric bypass over the sleeve, how she...

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 Body by Bariatrics.

Together, they 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...

What does it truly take to reverse severe sleep apnea, throw away your CPAP machine, and drop nearly 200 pounds? In this incredibly raw and inspiring patient story, your host Mel sits down with Arthur Shadwick @mypurposefit to talk about what life is really like on both sides of bariatric surgery. Arthur opens up about growing up as a heavy child, hitting his highest weight of 440 pounds, and making the life-saving decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

This conversation dives straight into the nitty-gritty things nobody warns you about from pushing through the liquid and pureed phases to...

Choosing a plastic surgeon can feel overwhelming—but did you know that not everyone performing cosmetic procedures is actually a board-certified plastic surgeon? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, we break down the critical differences between board-certified plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, why those distinctions matter, and how they can impact your safety, results, and overall surgical experience.

If you're considering a tummy tuck, liposuction, BBL, body contouring, breast surgery, or any cosmetic procedure, this conversation could help you avoid costly mistakes and make a more informed decision about who you trust with your care.

Can you transition from bariatric surgery to a competitive bodybuilding stage? In this episode, host Mel sits down with Jessica Shock @jessica__shock to explore her mind-blowing 170-pound weight loss transformation following RNY gastric bypass surgery. From navigating a complex medical history including childhood cancer, a traumatic brain injury, and a post-op Crohn’s diagnosis to winning "Overall Transformation" in competitive bodybuilding, Jessica proves that weight loss surgery isn't the "easy way out."

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

The Reality of RNY Gastric Bypass: Jessica shares her raw experience of the first five days post...

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...

Men get plastic surgery too… but nobody really talks about it 👀

In this episode of the Cutting Edge Podcast, we’re having a conversation that honestly feels long overdue. From loose skin after massive weight loss to gynecomastia, body contouring, high-definition liposuction, and even the mental side of body image this episode dives into what men actually experience after bariatric surgery and weight loss.

Dr. Omar Beidas breaks down the most common plastic surgery procedures for men, including tummy tucks, lower body lifts, chest contouring, male BBLs, fat transfer, and skin removal surgery after weight loss. B...

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, d...

From Dialysis to VSG Success | Bariatric Surgery After Kidney Transplant 💙

In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Heather shares her incredible journey through chronic kidney disease, dialysis, organ transplants, and VSG bariatric surgery. Diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder primary hyperoxyluria as a child, Heather battled kidney stones, kidney failure, dialysis, and eventually underwent both a kidney transplant and liver transplant before finding hope through gastric sleeve surgery.

This episode dives deep into:
✨ Living with chronic kidney disease
✨ What dialysis recovery is really like
✨ Kidney and liver transplan...

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 & unlice...

Epi 351

If you're struggling with weight loss after bariatric surgery, this episode is a MUST-watch. In this powerful conversation, Coach Rob shares how he went from 365 lbs and a life-threatening diagnosis to building a successful coaching business helping others lose weight, keep it off, and stay consistent long-term.

We break down the REAL reasons people regain weight, why summer is the most dangerous time for bariatric patients, and how to build habits that actually stick. If you’ve ever asked yourself “why can’t I stay consistent?” or “how do I maintain weight loss after surgery?”...

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...

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 confidenc...

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

...

Epi 18

What do you actually need after plastic surgery… and what are people forgetting to tell you?

In this episode of the Cutting Edge Podcast, we break down the real-life essentials for plastic surgery recovery—from must-have supplies to unexpected things that can make or break your healing process.

If you’re preparing for body contouring after weight loss, a tummy tuck, breast surgery, or any cosmetic procedure, this episode will help you feel prepared, confident, and ahead of the game.

We’re joined by ex...

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 wei...

Epi 17

What really happens to your belly button and nipples after plastic surgery… and why is nobody talking about it?

In this episode of the Cutting Edge Podcast, we’re getting into the real conversations people are afraid to ask during their consultations. From blood supply and healing risks to sensation changes and surgical staging, this is the unfiltered truth about body contouring after massive weight loss.

If you’ve ever worried about losing sensation, having complications, or just want to understand what surgeons are actually looking for during procedur...

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...

Epi 348

What happens when you hit 601 pounds and realize your life may depend on changing everything?

In this powerful episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Adrian shares the moment that forced him to face reality—when hospital staff couldn't weigh him normally and had to use a laundry scale in the ER. That moment became the turning point that started his life-changing weight loss journey.

Adrian opens up about his experience with morbid obesity, hitting over 600 pounds, struggling to walk just 88 steps, and the emotional toll that came with it. After years of...

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...

Epi 348

Scared of plastic surgery pain? You’re not alone.

For many people considering a tummy tuck, body lift, or post-weight-loss skin removal, fear of pain is the #1 thing holding them back.

In this episode, a board-certified plastic surgeon and licensed bariatric therapist explain what recovery really feels like — including drains, swelling, muscle repair, Exparel, narcotics, and realistic pain expectations.

We cover:• How bad is plastic surgery pain really?• What drain removal feels like• How pain is managed safely• Why most patients never hit 10/10 pain•...

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 VS...

Epi 13

Can you die from plastic surgery? In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we break down the real death risk of plastic surgery, including tummy tuck, liposuction, and anesthesia complications.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD, FACS and therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes explain:

✔️ The actual plastic surgery mortality rate

✔️ Can anesthesia kill you?

✔️ Blood clots (DVT) after tummy tuck

✔️ What really causes surgical deaths

✔️ Bariatric vs cosmetic surgery risk

✔️ How to reduce complications before elective surgery

If you’re res...

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 blu...

Epi 11

Let’s talk about the fear that no one wants to admit out loud — the fear of dying under anesthesia, waking up during surgery, or something going horribly wrong 😳

In this unfiltered episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Ashlyn sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas to talk about the truth behind anesthesia in plastic surgery — especially for patients undergoing tummy tucks, skin removal, BBLs, or body contouring after extreme weight loss.

From stats to red flags to funny fears (yes, pooping is mentioned 💩), this conversation is real, informative, and totally...

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 b...

Epi 345

Welcome back to Our Sleeved Life Podcast! In this episode, host Mel sits down with Jaylin (MSN, RN), a resilience coach and nurse (and POP expert) to talk about the real reason New Year motivation fades and how to keep showing up for yourself long after the “new year, new me” energy is gone.

If you’ve been feeling burnt out, stuck in all or nothing thinking, overwhelmed by ADHD productivity spirals, or frustrated because the scale isn’t moving, this conversation is for you. Jaylin breaks down how to reframe burnout, build small habits t...

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 plannin...

Epi 344

What if the real transformation after weight loss surgery isn’t physical — but mental? In this deeply honest and empowering episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, therapist and bariatric patient Kristen French reveals the emotional side of WLS no one talks about — and how to retrain your brain after surgery.

If you’ve ever struggled with emotional eating, self-sabotage, or feeling disconnected from your post-op body — this episode is for you.

🎙️ Kristen shares science-backed tools on:

Therapy after weight loss surgery

How to use neuroplasticity for mindset change

Managing e...