Former Fat Friend

Lisa's Plastic Surgery Update: Thigh Lift and Mastopexy after Major Weight Loss

On this episode, Lisa shares about her recent thigh and breast lift surgeries, offering a transparent look at the plastic surgery process post-massive weight loss.
Diving deep into the details, Lisa recounts her surgical experience, including the challenges and triumphs of recovery and the personal motivations behind her decision to address loose skin. The conversation explores the psychological impact of surgery, the differences between expectation and reality, and how these procedures have changed Lisa's perception of her own body.
Perfect for anyone navigating similar journeys or curious about the realities of weight loss and skin removal surgeries, Lisa's story provides rich insights into the physical and emotional aspects of such transformative experiences. Listen in to learn about the specifics of surgical procedures, the recovery process, and the importance of setting realistic expectations. This episode is both informative and inspiring, providing comfort and guidance to listeners embarking on their own weight loss journeys.

Athena's Weight Loss Journey: From Gastric Band to Gastric Sleeve

Episode 33: In this episode of the Former Fat Friend podcast, host Kasey sits down with the inspiring Athena Lamire, who shares her compelling journey through weight loss and bariatric surgery. After undergoing gastric band surgery at the age of 28 and losing over 175 pounds, Athena faced significant challenges when complications led to the removal of her band in 2023. She then transitioned to gastric sleeve surgery, continuing her pursuit of understanding the root causes of her weight gain.
 
Athena opens up about her early experiences with weight, including the influence of her dietitian mother and her struggles with self-image. As she reflects on her long-term relationship with obesity, she discusses the mental and emotional aspects of her journey, including the freedom she found with the gastric band and the challenges she faced after its removal.
 
Throughout the conversation, Athena emphasizes the importance of nourishing foods and understanding how to prepare them for optimal health. She shares her commitment to aging well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, focusing on micronutrients and the impact they have on her overall well-being.
 
Join us for this enlightening discussion that highlights the complexities of weight management, the significance of mental health, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Athena's story serves as a powerful reminder that success in weight loss is not solely defined by numbers but by how we feel and function in our daily lives.
 
Feel free to get in touch with Athena by emailing her here: athenab_2000@live.ca
 
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Eating in Abundance for Long Term Success After Weight Loss Surgery with Zoe Schroeder, MS, RDN, CSCS

In this episode of the Former Fat Friend podcast, we welcome Zoe Schroeder, MS, RDN, CSCS the lead dietitian at the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Program. Zoe shares her extensive experience in helping bariatric patients and individuals on GLP-1 medications achieve long-term weight loss success through practical and simplified nutrition approaches.
Learn about Zoe's journey into the field of dietetics and how her personal experiences fuel her passion for supporting others. We discuss the unique challenges faced by bariatric patients compared to general weight loss populations, and Zoe provides valuable insights into the mental aspects of weight loss.
Discover the Pound of Cure program's unique philosophy of focusing on whole, unprocessed foods while adding more nutritional elements rather than restricting. We also explore the integration of GLP-1 medications for weight management and how they complement bariatric treatment plans.
Throughout the conversation, Zoe highlights the importance of building sustainable habits and the mental shift needed to maintain success in long-term weight management. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring insights for anyone on a weight loss journey.
Find more about Zoe and the Pound of Cure weight loss program here: https://poundofcureweightloss.com/
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Linda's Journey: A Mother’s Perspective on Weight Loss, GLP1s, and Family Dynamics

Episode 31: In this deeply personal episode of Former Fat Friend, host Kasey is joined by her inspiring mom, Linda, who shares her remarkable weight loss journey and the transformative impact of GLP-1 medication. After losing an impressive 90 pounds over the past two years, Linda opens up about her lifelong struggles with weight, the emotional toll of dieting, and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace this new chapter of her life.Kasey and Linda reflect on their unique mother-daughter dynamic, discussing the challenges of navigating weight issues in a family setting, and how their experiences have shaped their perspectives on health and body image. Linda shares her candid thoughts on the various diets and weight loss programs she tried throughout the years, as well as her initial hesitance towards weight loss surgery before ultimately supporting Kasey through her own bariatric journey.As they delve into the role of GLP-1 medication in Linda's weight loss success, she emphasizes how this treatment has changed her relationship with food, allowing her to enjoy meals without the constant obsession over calories. The discussion highlights the importance of community, support, and self-acceptance in the ongoing journey of weight management.Join us for this heartfelt conversation that underscores the message that it's never too late to make a change and that weight loss is not just a physical transformation, but an emotional and mental journey as well.
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Breaking the Cycle: Weight Loss & Transfer Addiction with Katie Yurow

Episode 30: In this heartfelt episode of Former Fat Friend, we welcome the courageous Katie Yurow, who shares her transformative journey following gastric sleeve surgery in 2021. After losing 100 pounds, Katie opens up about her experiences with weight regain and the steps she's taking to address it, including her recent introduction to GLP-1 medication. Her candid reflections on the emotional and mental challenges of long-term weight management provide invaluable insights into the complexities of obesity.
Join us as Katie recounts her journey from being the "fat friend" to navigating the emotional rollercoaster that often follows significant weight loss. She discusses the importance of community support, the challenges of food addiction, transfer addiction and the necessity of ongoing therapy in maintaining a healthy mindset. Katie's story highlights the reality that weight loss is not just a physical transformation but a profound emotional journey that requires continuous self-reflection and growth.
As we dive deeper into her experiences, Katie reveals the role of GLP-1 medications in her recovery and how they have helped her manage cravings and regain control over her relationship with food. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is multifaceted, and finding the right resources and support is essential in the ongoing battle against obesity.
Follow Katie on social media: @ladykatie_vsg & @ladykatie_hair
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Dr. Eric Smith on Robotic Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Medicine, and Transforming Lives

Episode 29: In this enlightening episode of Former Fat Friend, we welcome the esteemed Dr. Eric Smith, a pioneer in bariatric and robotic surgery. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Dr. Smith shares his profound insights into the evolution of obesity medicine and the transformative impact of bariatric surgery. As the Chief of Surgery at Georgetown Community Hospital and Medical Director of the Kentucky Bariatric Institute, Dr. Smith has performed over 5,000 robotic cases, making him a leader in the field. He is also known for his role on the TLC show 1000 Pound Sisters and as co-host of the Pop Culture podcast.
Join us as Dr. Smith delves into his journey from training in Dayton, Ohio, to becoming a prominent figure in obesity treatment. He discusses the challenges and breakthroughs in bariatric surgery, the significance of patient trust and support, and the critical role of mental health in achieving successful outcomes. Dr. Smith also sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding bariatric surgery, the importance of muscle maintenance for long-term weight loss, and the potential of GLP-1 medications.
This episode offers a comprehensive look at the future of bariatric surgery and obesity medicine, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to treating obesity. Dr. Smith's dedication to patient care and his innovative work with Pop Recovery Systems exemplify his commitment to improving health outcomes for those struggling with obesity. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges traditional views and inspires hope for a healthier future.
Learn more about the work Dr Smith is doing here: https://kentuckybariatricinstitute.com 
Learn more about Pop Recovery Systems here: https://www.poprecoverysystems.com 
Listen to the Pop Culture podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pop-culture-podcast/id1775983707 
 
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Sara (FatGirlTalking) on Gastric Bypass, GLP1s, and Reclaiming Life at 50

Episode 28: In this episode of Former Fat Friend, we sit down with the vibrant and candid Sara, known on Instagram as FatGirlTalking. Sara shares her transformative journey after undergoing gastric bypass surgery nearly three years ago, resulting in a remarkable weight loss of over 200 pounds. She opens up about how adding a GLP-1 medication to her regimen has impacted her progress and her life. Sarah's story is one of resilience, humor, and a relentless pursuit of a fuller life beyond the confines of obesity.
 
Dive into Sara's past, from her early struggles with weight that began in childhood to the pivotal decision to undergo bariatric surgery at age 50. Discover how societal perceptions and personal experiences shaped her journey and how she overcame the shame and stigma often associated with obesity. Sara's insights into the mental and physical challenges of weight loss, the role of humor in healing, and the newfound freedom she experiences are both inspiring and enlightening.
 
Join us for this engaging conversation as Sara and Kasey discuss the complexities of weight loss, the importance of self-compassion, and the evolving landscape of obesity treatment. This episode is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the impact of community support in navigating life's challenges.
 
Follow Sara on social media: @fatgirltalking
 
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Jamie Mills (The Sleeved Dietitian) on GLP1s and Pregnancy After Major Weight Loss and Plastic Surgery (Part 2)

This week, we dive into part two of Jamie Mills' extraordinary journey. In this episode, Jamie candidly shares her insights on using GLP-1 medications for weight management, her experiences transitioning off and back on after childbirth, and how these medications complement her bariatric surgery. Jamie also opens up about her series of plastic surgeries, detailing her experiences and how these choices have impacted her life before and after pregnancy. This episode offers a heartfelt conversation about navigating weight loss, stigma, support systems, and empowering personal health decisions.
 
Follow Jamie on social media: @thesleeveddietitian
Learn more about Jamie's TRIBE membership program: https://thesleeveddietitian.com/the-tribe-membership/
 
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Jamie Mills (The Sleeved Dietitian) on Bariatric Surgery, Body Positivity, and Becoming a Mom (Part 1)

Join us for an insightful episode as we welcome our incredible guest, Jamie Mills, known on social media as The Sleeved Dietitian. Jamie, an award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist and a best-selling author, shares her extraordinary journey from struggling with weight and PCOS to undergoing bariatric surgery in 2017. This decision led her to lose over 135 pounds and transform not only her own life but also the lives of countless others.
In this first part of a two-part episode, we delve into Jamie's inspiring story. Jamie shares about dealing with PCOS and childhood obesity, having bariatric surgery, and pursuing a career as a dietitian focused on helping pre- and post-op bariatric patients. She discusses use of GLP1s in her journey and what is what like experiencing pregnancy and motherhood. She also shares candidly her thoughts on the bias and stigma surrounding obesity and body positivity within the dietetics community.
Tune in to hear Jamie's unique insights, the challenges she faced in her personal and professional life, and her passion for making a difference in the lives of bariatric patients. Don't miss this engaging and empowering conversation, and make sure to join us for part two of Jamie's story next week.
 
Follow Jamie on social media: @thesleeveddietitian
Learn more about Jamie's TRIBE membership program: https://thesleeveddietitian.com/the-tribe-membership/
 
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Regain after Major Weight Loss: Risk Factors, Predictors of Success, and the Power of Social Support

Today, Kasey is diving into a hot topic: regain after major weight loss and bariatric surgery. With her background in cognitive neuroscience and social psychology, Kasey dives into the science of obesity, focusing on the hot topic of weight regain. She breaks down the research on bariatric surgery, comparing it to other weight loss methods, and explores factors predicting success and challenges like regain.
Kasey shares her personal experience with weight regain, offering empathy and insights into how she navigated this challenging phase. She discusses the importance of realistic expectations, patient adherence, and the role of social support in long-term success. The episode is packed with valuable information and encouragement for anyone on a weight loss journey, emphasizing that you're not alone and there's always hope for a healthier future.
Join Kasey as she continues to explore the complexities of weight loss and the power of community in achieving lasting change.
 
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