Our Sleeved Life Podcast

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 recovery!

https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1

 

🌟 IN THIS EPISODE:

 

We dive into the core differences between Lipedema (an abnormal, painful accumulation of diseased fat tissue) and Lymphedema (an obstruction of the lymphatic channels causing fluid retention). Dr. Beidas explains why lipedema is highly resistant to diet and exercise, how hormonal changes like puberty and menopause trigger it, and why it is so frequently misdiagnosed as regular obesity or fibromyalgia.

 

We also explore the mental health side of chronic swelling, Ashlyn’s personal journey with lipedema and PMOS, realistic expectations for lipedema liposuction (it is a treatment, not a cure!)

 

How to find a real, board-certified plastic surgeon certificationmatters.com

 

JOIN THE DISCUSSION:

 

Do your legs or arms feel heavy and painful when pressed? Have you ever had a doctor dismiss your swelling as simple weight gain? Share your experience in the comments below—your story might help another woman find her diagnosis!

 

🔗 CONNECT & RESOURCES:

 

🙋‍♀️ Connect with Mel:

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

 

👥 Connect with Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD FACS:

 

Website: https://www.adventhealth.com/doctors/omar-beidas-md-facs-1184919102

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbodycontouring/

 

🧠 Connect with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW:

 

Find a vetted specialist: https://www.findabariatrictherapist.com

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynchange4life2012

 

🔍 Verify Your Surgeon’s Credentials:

 

Is your doctor actually a board-certified plastic surgeon? Check here: https://www.certificationmatters.org

 

🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

 

The Cutting Edge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuttingedgepod_

 

OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

 

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

 

#Lipedema #Lymphedema #SuperMicrosurgery #MassiveWeightLoss #TheCuttingEdgePodcast #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricRecovery #BodyContouring #LipedemaLiposuction

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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 raw, transparent, and inspiring bariatric success stories! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

After coping with severe childhood bullying and the tragic loss of both of her parents in her 30s, Brenda reached a peak weight of 488lbs. She was diagnosed with severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an enlarged heart, and an enlarged spleen with doctors warning her that she wouldn't survive another five years.

Brenda chose to fight. She underwent Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) in Australia with Dr. Garth McLeod, went on to lose 310lbs (reaching a low of 176lbs, and completely resolved her fatty liver disease.

In this episode, she opens up about:

The Reality of High-Risk VSG: Spending 3 days in the ICU post-op and managing the slow transition phases of recovery.

Massive Skin Removal: Waking up from a 9 hour, 360 lower body lift and Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty that required over 800 sutures and removed 20lbs of hanging skin.

Confronting Bariatric Regain: Honestly discussing her recent 44lbs regain due to severe joint injuries (including a recent knee replacement) and how she is actively working with a supportive lifestyle coach to lose it.

Mental Healing: Overcoming deep "mom guilt," cutting off toxic energy, and finding healing by writing her newly published book, Weight Loss Saved My Life.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION:

Did you or a family member struggle with fatty liver disease before weight loss surgery? Have you ever dealt with "mom guilt" or bariatric weight regain? Share your story in the comments below—let's support each other!

Get Brenda’s Book & Connect:

Website: https://www.brendalangford.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendasavedherlife

Connect with Mel:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

🎙️ The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuttingedgepod_

OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

Website: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com

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 #MassiveWeightLoss #FattyLiverDisease #FleurDeLisAbdominoplasty #SkinRemovalSurgery #WeightRegain #BariatricRecovery #OurSleevedLifePodcast #WeightLossSavedMyLife

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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 recovery and plastic surgery! https://www.youtube.com/c/OurSleevedLifePodcast?sub_confirmation=1

IN THIS EPISODE: We tackle the ultimate "drain debate." While "drainless tummy tucks" are highly marketed on social media, Dr. Beidas explains the surgical science of why drains remain the gold standard especially for extreme weight loss patients who are prone to seromas (fluid collections) and undergo extensive liposuction. We also bust common myths surrounding drain removal pain, outline how to safely live your life with a drain (without staying trapped at home!), and discuss the real benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) therapy.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Did you have drains during your skin removal surgery?

How long did they stay in, and what was your experience with MLD?

Leave a comment below sharing your experience helps ease the anxiety of someone else pre-op!

CONNECT & RESOURCES:

Connect with Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melunfiltered.vsg

Connect with Dr. Omar E. Beidas, MD FACS:

Website: https://www.adventhealth.com/doctors/omar-beidas-md-facs-1184919102

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbodycontouring/

Connect with Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW: Find a vetted specialist: https://www.findabariatrictherapist.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynchange4life2012

The Cutting Edge Podcast / Our Sleeved Life Podcast (OSLP):

The Cutting Edge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuttingedgepod_

OSLP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oursleevedlifepodcast

Become a Benchie today: https://www.patron.com/oslp

Join our Newsletter for freebies and community perks: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/

 

#PlasticSurgeryDrains #DrainlessTummyTuck #BodyContouring #TummyTuckRecovery #MassiveWeightLoss #Seroma #LymphaticDrainage #TheCuttingEdgePodcast #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BariatricRecovery

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💜 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 prepared for surgery months in advance, and the surprising mental challenges that came after losing more than 130 pounds.

One of the most powerful moments? Jodi talks about wearing men's Guess jeans in high school because the women's sizes didn't fit—and how those experiences stayed with her for decades. This episode is a reminder that weight loss isn't just physical; it's deeply emotional too.

✨ In This Episode:

• Growing up plus-size in the 80s and 90s

• Choosing gastric bypass surgery

• Losing 130+ pounds and maintaining it

• Body dysmorphia after weight loss

• Skin removal surgery and confidence

• Food noise and GLP-1 medications

• Style, self-expression, and taking up space

• Bariatric support groups and community

• Non-scale victories that changed everything

• Long-term success after bariatric surgery

Whether you're considering bariatric surgery, navigating maintenance, struggling with regain, or learning to love yourself at any size, this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and hope.

Follow Jodi: @remaking_jodi

Follow Our Sleeved Life: @oursleevedlifepodcast

🎙 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#GastricBypass #BariatricSurgery #WeightLossJourney #WeightLossTransformation #GLP1Journey #FoodNoise #BodyDysmorphia #SkinRemovalSurgery #BariatricCommunity #WeightLossSupport #OurSleevedLifePodcast #GastricBypassSuccess #ObesityAwareness #BariatricLife #TransformationStory

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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 Hannah share how their patient-first, 100% virtual private practice is completely disrupting hospital-employed healthcare models by slashing 6-month wait times down to just one week. Plus, we explore the powerful, synergistic relationship between bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications, why insurance hoops are fundamentally broken, and whether or not there’s an age limit to reclaiming your vitality.

If you’ve been suffering in silence or beating yourself up over your post-op struggles, this episode is a must-watch masterclass on reclaiming your health, your quality of life, and your anatomy!

✨ Take action on your health today! Go to https://www.bodybybariatrics.com and click "Get Started Now" to verify your insurance or explore virtual consult options.

💬 CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS

Hannah: https://www.instagram.com/hannahschuyler.rd/

Betsy: https://www.instagram.com/drdovec/

BodyByBariatrics: IG https://www.instagram.com/bodybybariatrics/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bodybybariatrics

The Weight Loss Collab: https://www.instagram.com/theweightlosscollab/

https://bodybybariatrics.com/

https://bodybybariatrics.com/bodybynutrition/

💊 OSLP EXCLUSIVES & SPONSORS

Support your bariatric journey and stay healthy! Use code OSLP to save on your ProCare Vitamins or shop Dr. Dovec's specialized vitamin lines.

Remember the golden rules: Get your water, prioritize your protein, stay moving, never skip your sleep, and look out for your mental health through therapy.

🔔 SUPPORT THE SHOW

Enjoyed this deep dive? Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the channel, click the LIKE button, and drop a comment below sharing your own experiences with the honeymoon phase, acid reflux, or GLP-1s! Let's keep the community strong.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

#BariatricSurgery #GastricSleeve #GastricBypass #WeightLossRegain #GLP1 #AcidReflux #BariatricRevision #OSLP #OurSleevedLifePodcast #BodyByBariatrics

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