How to Navigate Thanksgiving After Weight Loss Surgery

Epi 5Think you're ready for plastic surgery? Think again.In this eye-opening episode of the Cutting Edge Podcast, Mel sits down with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes and Dr. Omar E. Beidas (MD, FACS) to reveal the raw truth about post-op recovery — the stuff you won’t hear during a consult.Whether you're prepping for lipo 360, skin removal, or bariatric plastic surgery, this is the real talk you need. 💬 🔍 What You’ll Learn:The shocking truth about depression after surgery 😔Why protein loading changes everythingThe dark side of compression garments (Fajas) 😮Which supplements & meds to stop pre-op (GLP-1s, Ozempic, etc.)Smoking & surgery — it’s riskier than you think 🚭How to prepare if you’re traveling for surgery ✈️Why your support system can make or break your recovery 💬 Real Talk, Real People:With doctor-backed advice and first-hand patient insight, this episode breaks down myths, gives you honest expectations, and prepares you for a safer, smoother recovery. 🔗 Check out BariatricWarriorSupport.com or licensed post-op nurses & travel help.📢 Comment below: What shocked you most in this episode? Or what’s your top post-op tip? #PlasticSurgeryRecovery #PostOpTips #CompressionGarment #FajaLife #BodyContourHealing #BariatricRecovery #CuttingEdgePodcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 338In this powerful episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Jefe shares his raw and unfiltered story — from battling trauma and unhealthy food habits to reclaiming his health after gastric sleeve surgery. 💪 This is more than a weight loss story. It's a transformation of mindset, lifestyle, and self-love.🎙️ Whether you’re considering bariatric surgery, navigating pre-op weight loss requirements, or in the middle of a post-op stall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the WLS (Weight Loss Surgery) community.🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Jefe chose gastric sleeve surgery after his wife’s transformationHow childhood trauma, emotional eating, and food as a coping mechanism shaped his weight gainThe REALITY of doing a 4-week liquid diet pre-op (yes, it was brutal)Overcoming toxic masculinity and the "I can do it alone" mindsetHow support systems — spouse, friends, and community — can make or break your bariatric journeyManaging food cravings post-op and learning to love high-protein, low-carb mealsHonest talk on mental health, body image, and navigating life after weight loss surgery🔗 Helpful Resources:💻 Watch more WLS journeys: Our Sleeved Life Playlist🛍️ Shop Bariatric Essentials: Our Favorite Tools & Snacks📱 Follow Jefe's food hacks & journey: @@jefesway219 on TikTok👉 If you’re ready to rewrite your story, subscribe and join our bariatric community today. 🎧 New episodes weekly!#GastricSleeve #WLSJourney #OurSleevedLifePodcast #WeightLossSurgery #EmotionalEating #MenInWLS #ChubbyGang #VSGLife #BariatricSupport #BeforeAndAfter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 4Considering plastic surgery after major weight loss? Not sure where to start or what procedures actually give the best results? In this episode of The Cutting Edge Podcast, host Mel dives deep with expert plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas, MD FACS and licensed clinical social worker Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW, to unpack the essential truths about body contouring, extended tummy tucks, 360 procedures, muscle repair, and avoiding regret after surgery.You’ll learn:✅ How to choose the right plastic surgery for your body goals✅ What surgeons should be telling you (but often don’t)✅ Extended vs. standard tummy tuck: which is best for massive weight loss?✅ Why lipo is underrated and cool sculpting is often a waste✅ Real talk on insurance, dog ears, belly buttons, and scar placement✅ The dangers of choosing unqualified cosmetic surgeons✅ The surprising role of visceral fat and how it impacts your surgery planWhether you're prepping for surgery or already navigating revision procedures, this episode is packed with value, lived experience, and expert clinical insights that will save you time, money, and heartache.👂 Tune in and take notes — your future body will thank you!🔗 Connect with us:→ Mel Gottfried: melunfiltered.vsg→  Dr. Beidas: drbodycontouring→ Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW: ashlynchange4life2012 🙌 Subscribe for more honest conversations around plastic surgery, nutrition, and life after weight loss! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 337 In this value-packed episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel welcomes licensed dietitian Melanie Crum from Pop Recovery Systems to dive deep into strategies for surviving (and thriving!) during the holiday season after weight loss surgery. From emotional eating triggers to smart holiday portion control, they share powerful advice for anyone navigating Thanksgiving after gastric sleeve, bypass, or bariatric revision. 🎯 Topics Covered: What to eat on Thanksgiving after bariatric surgery Mindful holiday eating without guilt Tips for dealing with family pressure & food pushers Why smaller plates = better post-op control Alcohol and WLS: what you need to know Emotional resilience during the holidays How to plan ahead for success & stay aligned with your “why” 🍽️ Whether you’re weeks post-op or 10 years out, this episode will support your long-term success with real-life tools for bariatric holiday success. 🎁 BONUS: Book your FREE 1:1 Consultation with POP today Click Here — no pressure, just personalized support. Join POP community Link 🔔 Subscribe for more WLS advice, mindset breakthroughs, and bariatric community inspiration. 💬 Drop your biggest Thanksgiving food temptation below! #BariatricLife #ThanksgivingAfterWLS #GastricSleeveSupport #WeightLossSurgeryHelp #BariatricPodcast #OurSleevedLife #HolidayEatingTips #PostOpSupport #MindfulEating #EmotionalEatingHelp #VSGCommunity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 336What’s the real secret to sustainable fitness, flexible nutrition, and body confidence—without losing your mind or social life? 🤯 In this powerful episode, we sit down with Truth Body Systems, the sibling-led coaching powerhouse helping real people transform their health—for good. 💥Meet:👩‍⚕️ Parris Strouthos, B.Sc., PN1, CPT, CCPE👩 Courtney Strouthos, B.A., PN1, NASM-CPTWhether you’re post-bariatric surgery, tired of yo-yo dieting, or just want true transformation without restriction, this episode is packed with tools, truth, and takeaways you can use TODAY. 🎯🔥 What You’ll LearnHow to create a sustainable fitness routine (even through the holidays 🎄)What flexible nutrition looks like IRL (no off-limit foods 🍕)The mindset shifts that lead to lasting weight loss 💭How Truth Body Systems empowers clients to OWN their health journey🎧 Explore More from Truth Body Systems🌐 Website: Truth Body Systems📸 Instagram: @truthbodysystems👩‍🏫 Courtney’s IG: @courtney_truth🧠 Parris’ IG: @parris_truth📘 Facebook: Truth Body Systems🎥 YouTube: Truth Body Systems 🎙️ Podcast: • Spotify – Truth Talks • Apple Podcasts – Truth Talks📋 Want to Refer a Coaching Client?Fill out the custom application form to help us track referrals from you and OSLP 💕👉 Coaching Referral Form🔗 Subscribe for more weight loss real talk@OurSleevedLifePodcast 🎙️ New episodes weekly! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 3Welcome back to The Cutting Edge! In this episode, Mel sits down with Dr. Omar Beidas, MD FACS (Plastic Surgeon) and Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW (Bariatric & Trauma Therapist) for a deep dive on one of the most overlooked steps in plastic-surgery readiness after weight loss: protein intake, healing nutrition, and how your body actually recovers after surgery.If you’re preparing for skin removal surgery, tummy tuck, arm lift, back lift, breast lift, lipo, or ANY post-weight-loss plastics… this episode is your new bible.We cover the exact protein targets, why low protein causes wound-healing complications, how seromas form, how drains work, why compression affects blood pressure, and why your surgeon keeps yelling “Get your protein in!”Plus: weird protein sources, vegetarian struggles, bug-based protein (yes, really), GLP-1 nausea tips, food noise vs cravings, and why bariatric patients struggle with solid protein.🩺 Why Protein Matters Most Before Plastic SurgeryMost complications in post-weight-loss plastic surgery happen because patients:• aren’t eating enough protein• don’t preload before surgery• rely only on shakes instead of food• aren’t aware of how healing actually worksDr. Beidas explains EXACTLY why protein reduces:• wound openings• seromas• swelling• delayed healing• prolonged drains• muscle breakdown (yes, you can lose lean mass while healing)And Ashlyn breaks down the mental health side — perfectionism, overwhelm, food noise, sensory issues with solid protein, and GLP-1 adjustments.🥗 Best Protein Sources We Cover• Chicken breast• Shrimp cocktail (the unexpected hero)• Salmon• Greek yogurt• Cottage cheese ranch• Lean meats• Tofu & beans• Hemp hearts• Eggs• Crispy protein snacks (like Crisp Power)• Protein puddings• Casein ice cream (“Creamey” recipes)• AND… grasshoppers, crickets & mealworms (seriously)Drop your questions in the comments! What plastics are YOU preparing for?Need help with protein? Want a plastics prep checklist? ASK BELOW!And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on bell notifications so you never miss the next Cutting Edge episode.Your dream body deserves your best prep. Let’s get you healing strong, recovering faster, and stepping into plastics with confidence.Come hang out with us on IG and stay connected. Mel (Host) – @melunfiltered Dr. Omar Beidas (Plastic Surgeon) –  @drbodycontouring  Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes (Therapist) – @ashlynchange4life2012 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 2Are you truly ready for plastic surgery after weight loss?In this powerful episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we sit down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Omar Beidas and therapist Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW to answer the biggest post-op question:👉 “How do I know I’m ready for skin removal or body contouring surgery after WLS?”Whether you’re months or years out from your gastric sleeve or bariatric surgery, this episode breaks down the physical, mental, and financial signs that it might be the right time for plastic surgery. 🎯 Topics We Cover:When is the right time for skin removal after weight loss?Emotional & mental health considerationsBMI and weight stability before surgerySurgeon consultation tips (from Dr. Beidas!)How to avoid financial traps & “shark loans”Support systems: who should be in your corner? Whether you're exploring plastic surgery after VSG, or just curious if your body transformation is complete — this is the real talk you need!💜 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE if this resonated with your journey!  ➕ New episodes every week — always real, always raw, always The Cutting Edge!Sponsored by Findabariatrictherapist.com - Which is an online directory that helps people who’ve had weight loss surgery connect with therapists who specialize in bariatric care.#PlasticSurgeryAfterWLS #SkinRemovalJourney #WeightLossSurgery #OurSleevedLife #DrOmarBeidas #BariatricSurgeryCommunity #PostOpPlastics #WLSRecovery #WLSMentalHealth #BodyAfterWLS #EmotionalReadiness #BariatricSupport Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 335New from Our Sleeved Life PodcastWelcome to the newest episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast! Today, we sit down with Josie Wilson, a bariatric patient who’s 3.5 years post-op — and she’s keeping it real about life after surgery.This isn’t the before-and-after fantasy. This is what happens when the honeymoon phase ends — and the emotional, physical, and mental battles begin.🎯 If you’ve ever felt:Like you're silently struggling with regainTriggered by food you used to controlEmotionally overwhelmed and unsure who to turn to...Josie’s story will speak to your soul.In This Episode:✅ What regain looked like for Josie after 3 years✅ Her biggest trigger foods and how she faced them✅ The surprising role mental health therapy played in her healing✅ Real talk on daily struggles & what’s helped her get back on track✅ Tips Josie wishes she knew earlier — and advice she’d give YOU👤 Guest: Josie Wilson — 3.5 years post-op, mental health advocate, bariatric warrior🎧 Host: MelUnfiltered🔔 Subscribe for more real stories from the bariatric world!💬 Drop your questions for Josie or share your story in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!📅 Join our LIVE Q&A — every last Monday of the month. Let’s connect and grow together. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 1Welcome to the first episode of our NEW series on The Sleeved Life Podcast!If you've had bariatric surgery, are considering plastic surgery after weight loss, or struggling with mental health during your transformation — this is for you. 💪Join hosts Mel, Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW, and Dr. Omar Beidas, MD, FACS as they share unfiltered stories, professional insight, and expert advice on: ✅ The truth about weight loss surgery recovery✅ Skin removal surgery: what to expect, how to prepare✅ Why mental health must be part of your transformation journey✅ Real-life mistakes and lessons from experienced bariatric patients✅ What questions to ask your plastic surgeon (but no one tells you)✅ The role of protein intake, compression garments, and MLD✅ Ashlyn’s rare journey: VSG, plastic surgery, and GLP-1 meds 🔍 Whether you’re just beginning or years post-op, this episode breaks down what most people skip: the real, raw experience behind every stage of massive weight loss and reconstruction. We believe education + empathy = empowerment 🧠💛Let’s get real. Let’s talk healing. Let’s support each other. 💬 Drop your questions in the comments – we’ll answer them in our LIVE monthly Q&A on the last Monday of every month! 🛎️ Don’t forget to Subscribe & hit the bell to follow this powerful new series. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Epi 337 In this value-packed episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, host Mel welcomes licensed dietitian Melanie Crum from Pop Recovery Systems to dive deep into strategies for surviving (and thriving!) during the holiday season after weight loss surgery.From emotional eating triggers to smart holiday portion control, they share powerful advice for anyone navigating Thanksgiving after gastric sleeve, bypass, or bariatric revision. 🎯 Topics Covered:What to eat on Thanksgiving after bariatric surgeryMindful holiday eating without guiltTips for dealing with family pressure & food pushersWhy smaller plates = better post-op controlAlcohol and WLS: what you need to knowEmotional resilience during the holidaysHow to plan ahead for success & stay aligned with your “why”🍽️ Whether you’re weeks post-op or 10 years out, this episode will support your long-term success with real-life tools for bariatric holiday success. 🎁 BONUS: Book your FREE 1:1  Consultation with POP today Click Here — no pressure, just personalized support.Join POP community Link🔔 Subscribe for more WLS advice, mindset breakthroughs, and bariatric community inspiration.💬 Drop your biggest Thanksgiving food temptation below! #BariatricLife #ThanksgivingAfterWLS #GastricSleeveSupport #WeightLossSurgeryHelp #BariatricPodcast #OurSleevedLife #HolidayEatingTips #PostOpSupport #MindfulEating #EmotionalEatingHelp #VSGCommunity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.