Former Fat Friend

Doing the Head Work of Bariatric Surgery: A Deep Dive with Expert Lora Grabow, LMSW

Episode 24: Today, Kasey and Lisa have a fantastic guest that Lisa never stops gushing about. They're thrilled to introduce you to Lora Grabow, a bariatric therapist with over 20 years of experience helping folks just like us navigate the mental maze of weight loss surgery.
Lora shares her insights on "head work," the often missing piece in bariatric treatment. Kasey, Lisa and Lora dig deep into emotional eating, setting boundaries, and the infamous "phantom fat." Get ready to explore the mental side of your weight loss journey with someone who's been a pillar in the bariatric community.
Whether you're considering bariatric surgery, are freshly post-op, or just curious about the mental hurdles of weight loss, this episode is packed with wisdom and real talk. Plus, Lora gives us the lowdown on her resources and how you can join her supportive communities. 🎉
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Thanks for being here and supporting us! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and maybe even leave a comment. We'd love to hear from you!More details about Lora’s offerings: 
Discover the MISSING Piece: Headwork™ Use code: FFF30 (discount code for your listeners  good for 30 days).
Barination: Your ultimate destination for empowerment through community and expert guidance on your bariatric journey!
Project Reset: Ready to experience a program that goes beyond the basics? It’s not just about resetting habits—it’s about creating deep, meaningful connections within a supportive community
Monthly Headwork Matters Newsletter: Sign up on loragrabow.com
If you'd like to follow Lora on Socials, you can here: @Bariatric.Therapist 
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Chatting about Body Image after Weight Loss, GLP1 Boosters, and Relationship Dynamics

Episode 23: This week, Allie and Kasey are getting cozy with flannel pajamas as they chat about the ever-complicated topic of body image before and after weight loss and surgery. They discuss how body image doesn't magically improve with weight loss and how external factors like workouts and clothes can play a huge role.
They also touch on relationships post-weight loss and the challenges that come with such a significant life change. It's not always easy, and sometimes the journey can be a bumpy ride for both partners.
Lastly, they delve into the latest social media controversy about GLP-1 boosters, discussing the ethics and responsibility of influencers in promoting these products. They raise important questions about the long-term treatment plans for bariatric patients and the need for accessible and effective solutions.
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Thanks for being here and supporting us! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and maybe even leave a comment. We'd love to hear from you!
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Unlocking the Mind: Bariatric Psychology with Dr. Steve

Episode 22: Welcome back to the Former Fat Friend Podcast. It's Kasey here, and I'm beyond excited to have a truly special guest joining us today. Meet Dr. Steven Reyes, or as many know him, Dr. Steve – a bariatric psychologist with nearly two decades of experience helping people transform their lives through weight loss surgery.
In this episode, we dive into Dr. Steve's journey into bariatric psychology and explore the fascinating psychological aspects of weight loss surgery. We chat about the importance of community, overcoming weight loss stigma, and preparing for long-term success as a bariatric patient. Plus, Dr. Steve shares some incredible insights on emotional eating, body image, and setting realistic goals.
Dr. Steve is a wealth of knowledge and compassion, and I can't wait for you to hear his unique perspective on the bariatric life. Whether you're considering surgery, have already undergone it, or just want to understand more about this transformative journey, this episode is packed with valuable advice and encouragement.
So grab a cozy spot, and let's get inspired together. And don't forget to check out Dr. Steve's upcoming book, The Bariatric Code, for more amazing insights!If you want to follow Dr Steve on Social Media, you can find him @dr.stevenreyes 
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Navigating Life, Love, and Laughter: A Candid Catch-Up with the Former Fat Friends

Episode 21: This week, we're diving into everything from new relationships to health journeys, and even some unexpected wardrobe adventures!
Lisa's got a boyfriend (cue the squeals!), and she's learning the ins and outs of sharing her life on the internet with him. From vulnerability hangovers to the joys of wearing your partner's clothes, she's navigating it all with humor and heart.
Meanwhile, Allie's tackling some back pain woes, but she's finding new ways to stay active and keep her spirits up. She's been hitting the Peloton hard and sharing her adventures in parenting and fashion along the way.
And Kasey? She's taking on a new challenge with a personal trainer and embracing the idea of gaining muscle instead of losing weight. It's a whole new world, and she's ready for it!
Join us for a laid-back chat that feels like you're sitting down with old friends. We're talking life, love, and everything in between, with a side of laughter and a dash of real talk. Can't wait to catch up with you!
 
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Weight Watchers and GLP1s: AshleyTracks Shares Her Inspiring Journey

Episode 20: This episode is a special one. All three of us, Kasey, Lisa, and Allie, are back together, and we’ve got an amazing guest, Ashley, joining us. Ashley is a mom of three who has faced some tough challenges, including losing both parents to cancer. Despite all this, she's lost 70 pounds and is now sharing her journey with us.
We dive into how Ashley and Kasey connected through their weight loss journeys on Instagram and the ups and downs they've faced. Ashley opens up about her struggles with binge eating and how she found support through Weight Watchers and later, a GLP-1 medication. She's all about keeping it real and relatable, and we love her for it!
Ashley shares how her approach to weight loss has changed over the years and how she's learned to adapt to life's curveballs. It's a conversation full of honesty, resilience, and a whole lot of inspiration. So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let's chat it out with Ashley!
If you want to follow Ashley on Social Media, you can find her @AshleyTracks
 
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The Boyfriend Episode: A Candid Chat on Weight Loss Surgery, Plastics, Social Media, and More

Episode 19: This episode of the podcast is extra special because Kasey is joined by her boyfriend, Bill, for a heartfelt conversation right from their cozy home studio. It's Bill's first time on a podcast, and he's got a cocktail in hand to ease the nerves! 🍹
They dive into everything from how they met on the volleyball court, to Kasey's transformative weight loss journey, and how it felt for Bill to learn about her bariatric surgery. They even chat about living together, getting a new puppy, and the challenges and joys that come with sharing a life.
If you've ever wondered how to support a partner through weight loss, or what it’s like to date after such a personal journey, this episode is for you. Bill shares his candid thoughts on everything from social media fame to household routines, and even tackles some juicy audience questions. 💬
So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join us for this intimate and fun episode. You won't want to miss it!
 
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Surviving the First 6 Months After Weight Loss Surgery: Tips, Tricks, and Truths

Episode 18: Welcome back to another episode of the Former Fat Friend Podcast! Join Kasey and Lisa as they dive deep into the early days, weeks, and months following bariatric surgery. With Allie taking the night off, Kasey and Lisa reminisce about their own experiences and offer invaluable advice for those in the early stages of their weight loss journey.
From discussing the diet progression—liquids, pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually regular foods—to sharing personal stories of what worked and what didn’t, this episode is packed with insights. Kasey shares how she documented her journey on Instagram, helping her remember the reality of those early days, while Lisa talks about her friend who just had gastric bypass surgery and the questions she’s been fielding.
They also tackle the challenges of eating out, attending social functions, and the importance of planning ahead. Whether you're newly post-op or just curious about the process, this episode provides a comprehensive look at navigating the early stages of life after bariatric surgery.
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Navigating Bariatric Sports Nutrition with Kim Tirapelle, MS, RD, CSSD

Episode 17: Welcome to another exciting episode of the Former Fat Friend Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to introduce Kim Tirapelle, a registered bariatric sports dietitian.
Kim shares her incredible story, from playing soccer at the University of Illinois to becoming a leading expert in bariatric nutrition. She offers invaluable insights on merging sports nutrition with bariatric guidelines, addressing common misconceptions, and the importance of personalized approaches.
Ever wondered how much protein your body can really handle? Or why you might need more carbs when training for that marathon? Kim breaks it all down, along with the latest research on protein absorption and the significance of resistance training for women. Plus, she tackles the tricky topic of intuitive eating and how to truly listen to your body's cues post-surgery.
Whether you're looking to fuel your workouts better, understand the role of protein supplements, or find new ways to measure success beyond the scale, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical tips. Don't miss out!
Follow Kim at @activebariatric on Instagram. 
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Chatting About Pouch Resets, Body Positivity, Social Media Bullies, and BMI

Episode 16: Welcome back to another episode of the Former Fat Friend Podcast. Join Kasey, Lisa, and Allie as they dive into the nitty-gritty of their weight loss journeys, totaling a whopping 370 pounds lost! This week, we're launching into our favorite "chatting about" series where we air out grievances, share some laughs, and discuss everything from bariatric surgery to the controversial world of social media influencers.
We're talking about pouch resets, the mixed feelings around body positivity and weight loss, and how sometimes the people closest to us just don't get it. Plus, we tackle the hot topic of BMI and whether it's really a fair measure of health. Spoiler alert: it's complicated!
So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and join us for an episode full of real talk, support, and maybe a few laughs along the way. We can't wait to share it with you!
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From Fat Friend to Fitness Coach: Rob's Journey

Episode 15: Welcome back to the Former Fat Friend Podcast. It's your favorite trio, Kasey, Lisa, and Allie, here to share more insights from our weight loss journeys. Collectively, we've shed over 370 pounds and today, we're bringing you a super inspiring episode!
We're thrilled to have a special guest, Rob DiMedio, join us. Rob is a bariatric patient and the CEO of Busy Bariatrics. He’s here to share his incredible transformation story, including his journey from 365 pounds to becoming a fitness coach. Rob dives deep into his experiences, offers invaluable advice for both men and women in the bariatric community, and even shares some hot takes on common misconceptions.
We also chat about the importance of taking immediate action, the role of habit formation, and the balance between nutrition and fitness. Plus, Rob is generously offering our listeners exclusive access to his meal planning guide and six months of meal plans when you sign up for his email list here!
So, whether you're just starting your journey or looking for that extra push, this episode is packed with motivation and practical tips. Tune in, get inspired, and let's keep pushing towards our goals together! 💪
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