“I couldn’t even walk around the block.” That’s what Frank said before he had gastric sleeve surgery.

Now? He’s down over 100 pounds, mentally stronger than ever, and finally reclaiming his life. 💪

In this brutally honest and often hilarious episode, Frank returns to give us the raw truth about life after bariatric surgery — the wins, the struggles, and everything in between.

🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

His biggest mental battles after the sleeve

What nobody talks about in men’s weight loss journeys

How he's dealing with social pressure, dating, and body image as a man over 40

The surprising "aha" moment that changed how he views food and fitness

And yes — we wrap it up with a hilarious, revealing game segment 😆

Frank isn’t a fitness influencer. He’s a real guy doing the work.
If you're navigating:

Gastric sleeve surgery recovery

Men’s health over 40

Emotional eating, shame, or self-sabotage

Or you just need proof that change is possible…

This episode is your sign to keep going. 💥

🎯 Don’t forget to subscribe to My YouTube Channel - Click Here
✔️ Like the video
✔️ Drop a comment (Frank replies!)
✔️ Subscribe for more raw & real health journeys

#MensHealthOver40 #BariatricTransformation #GastricSleeveUpdate #WeightLossJourney #BariatricMen #FrankUnfiltered #SleevedLife

💥 Looking for a non-surgical, safe, and highly effective weight loss solution?

In this episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, we explore the future of bariatric care — the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) — with renowned interventional gastroenterologist Dr. Rohit Dhingra of Forward Wellness, Albany.

Dr. Dhingra breaks down everything you need to know about ESG: how it works, who it’s for, recovery time, cost considerations, and how it compares with traditional surgeries like VSG and Roux-en-Y (RNY). Plus, he shares what real ESG patients are experiencing — from dramatic weight loss to improved gut health and reduced heartburn.

💬 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

⚖️ ESG vs. VSG vs. RNY: Key Differences

🧠 How ESG avoids common post-surgery complications (like GERD)

🧬 The impact of ESG on insulin resistance and GLP-1 medications

🏃‍♀️ Recovery time, aftercare, and expected results

💡 How ESG can revise older surgeries and manage weight regain

❤️ Why gut health and mental wellness matter in weight loss

📆 How to book your ESG consultation — no incisions required!

🎙️ Host Testimonial:
“After 10 years post-VSG, I know the journey isn’t linear. ESG offers a powerful alternative — especially for those seeking minimal downtime, fewer risks, and lifelong support.”

📲 Connect with Dr. Rohit Dhingra:
Website: 4wardwellness.com
📞 Phone: 518-533-5005
🌍 Telehealth available nationwide
📸 Instagram: @rdhingra.md

🏥 ESG is more than a procedure — it’s a reboot.
Whether you're new to weight loss or looking to revise your VSG or RNY, this episode is packed with actionable insights and encouragement.

🚨 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and hit the bell to stay informed with real stories and expert advice on weight loss, bariatrics, gut health, and living your best life.

#EndoscopicSleeveGastroplasty #ESGProcedure #WeightLossOptions #ForwardWellness #DrDhingra #NonSurgicalWeightLoss #ObesityMedicine #BariatricRevision #VSGRecovery #RNYSupport #GutHealthMatters #GLP1Alternatives #AlbanyGastroenterology

She kept her weight loss surgery a secret—even from her kids. Now she's down 140 lbs and living life on her terms. In this powerful new episode of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, co-host Mel (@melunfiltered.vsg) sits down with Staci Renee (@stacirenee82)—a hilarious, fierce, and inspiring single mom of 3 from Kentucky who shares her raw and real VSG transformation story. 💬

🎙️ Our Sleeved Life Podcast is your go-to space for authentic conversations about bariatric surgery, self-worth, mental health, and life after weight loss. With episodes that spotlight real people and their journeys, this show is about empowering the weight loss surgery community—one voice at a time.

💥 In this episode, Staci opens up about:

Why she chose vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) after years of being denied coverage

Navigating motherhood and nursing school while recovering from surgery

Her experience with the 6-week post-op recovery, liquid diet, gas pain, and fear of complications

The unexpected emotional challenges of losing 140+ pounds, body image shifts, and “pretty privilege”

The truth about friendships that faded and the drama of dating over 40

Building community and confidence through TikTok and the Just Be You Bariatric Awards (JBY)

How she balances bariatric nutrition, uses protein water hacks, and stays strong without carbonation

💖 Whether you’re researching bariatric surgery, struggling to feel seen in your journey, or just need a boost of realness—you’ll walk away feeling inspired, empowered, and not alone.

Is VSG worth it? Honest reflections 3 years post-op

How to get your insurance to cover weight loss surgery

Bariatric surgery recovery tips (real talk from a nurse & mom)

Coping with identity shifts after major weight loss

The link between mental health and weight loss

How TikTok VSG creators are reshaping bariatric visibility

Tips for thriving in a supportive bariatric community

📲 Follow Staci on TikTok for sassy, real-life VSG content: @stacirenee82
💬 Follow Mel for daily bariatric motivation: @melunfiltered.vsg
🎧 Subscribe to Our Sleeved Life Podcast for new weekly episodes that celebrate real people with real journeys.

👉 Like, Comment & Subscribe if you loved Staci’s story or relate to this journey.

#VSGJourney #BariatricSurgerySupport #OurSleevedLifePodcast #WeightLossTransformation #SingleMomWeightLoss #TikTokVSG #JBYAwards #VSGRecovery #BariatricCommunity #StaciRenee #LifeAfterVSG

Thinking about plastic surgery after weight loss? Wondering if you're mentally ready for the change?
In this powerful episode of Bari Connected, host Mel sits down with Dr. Ashley Steinberg, a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon from Houston, to dive into everything you NEED to know before going under the knife post-bariatric surgery.

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Steinberg shares personal insights from 14+ years in the OR—and her own experiences with plastic surgery, mental health, and how to truly support patients beyond the operating table.

💡 The Truth About Plastic Surgery Results – Why it's not instant and what realistic healing timelines look like

🧠 Mental Health & Body Image After Weight Loss – Navigating "phantom body" syndrome & post-op depression

📆 Guidelines for Bariatric Patients Seeking Plastic Surgery – From stable weight goals to protein intake

💉 Common Surgical Risks & Red Flags to Avoid

💬 Why Communication With Your Surgeon is Everything

💪 Nutrition Tips for Better Healing – Complete proteins, hydration, and her favorite travel-friendly snacks!

🛑 Debunking Myths – High-def lipo, BBL regrets, facial implants, and more

Whether you're planning a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, liposuction, or just researching your options, this episode is packed with real talk, medical facts, and laughs along the way.

Dr. Ashley Steinberg, MD
📍 Houston-based Plastic Surgeon
🩺 Board-Certified in General & Plastic Surgery
📱 Find her on Instagram: @dr.ashleysteinberg
🌐 Website: www.drsteinberg.com

✨ Become an OSLP Patron & Join the BENCHIEs Club!
Love the show? 💬 Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access, bonus episodes, discounts, and more by becoming a patron of Our Sleeved Life Podcast! Your support helps us keep it real, raw, and ridiculously fun every week 💕
🎁 Join now at patreon.com/oslp and be part of a community that gets it.
We’ve got laughs, deep talks, early drops, and all the tea ☕. What are you waiting for?

Bariatric regain is real—and it's time we talk about it. In this raw and relatable episode of the Our Sleeved Life Podcast, Mel sits down with a bariatric therapist Ashlyn Douglass Barnes to unpack the emotional rollercoaster that follows weight loss surgery (WLS).

🎙️ Whether you're struggling with regain, processing change after surgery, or dealing with grief and food addiction, this episode is your safe space to feel seen, supported, and informed. We discuss:

How Mel lost 53 lbs again after a regain

The power (and pain) of GLP-1 meds like Ozempic & Wegovy & Mounjaro

Divorce, dopamine, and why food addiction isn’t what you think

Why grief shows up even after “good” changes

Therapy tools for navigating emotional eating & self-worth

💬 Plus: Tips to reconnect with your post-op “why,” how to find a bariatric therapist, and the link between trauma, family systems, and healing.

📌 Helpful Links:
🧠 Therapist Directory: FindABariatricTherapist.com
📸 Follow Mel: @melunfiltered.vsg
🧰 Download your FREE Swag & Resources: JBY Swag Bag

🛑 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more mental health & WLS insights!

Welcome back, OSLP Family! 🎙️

Today, Mel sits down with the AMAZING Scott Bagwell — star of 1000-lb Best Friends and your favorite bariatric brother! 💙 From nearly 600lbs to walking Six Flags and THRIVING post-DS surgery, Scott shares it all — the good, the real, and the string cheese addiction that went viral! 😂🧀

We chat about: ✨ How weight loss surgery saved his life
🏥 His journey with Dr. Proctor and Beltline Health
💪 Going from food addiction to fitness
🧠 The real mental work behind transformation
🌈 Living authentically and showing up for others
🙌 Non-scale victories, crazy DMs, and TV life behind the scenes!

This conversation is full of laughter, truth bombs, and heart. Scott is raw, unfiltered, and ALL about helping others feel less alone on their bariatric path.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date with all things OSLP!
💬 Let us know below: What’s your biggest NSV so far?

Our Sleeve Life Podcast (OSLP) is dedicated to empowering the bariatric community by providing education, support, and inspiration—all while challenging misconceptions about weight loss surgery.

Exclusive OSLP Discount Codes:

•ProCare Health: Use code OSLP for 15% off

•POP Recovery Systems: Use code OSLPTA

•American Dream Nut Butter: Use code OSLP

•Ate App: Link ONLY

•Dive Bar Nutrition: Use code OSLP

•Built Bar: Use code OSLP

•Devotion Nutrition: Use code OSLP5

Thank you for supporting the OSLP community and being part of the journey!

🎙️ WELCOME BACK OSLP FAM! 🎙️

This week’s episode is PACKED with heart, laughs, and REAL talk as Mel aka melunfiltered.vsg flies solo and welcomes the amazing Travis Lee — aka @Travmc — to share his 10-year bariatric journey. From high school firework shenanigans to post-op revelations, Travis opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a gay bariatric patient in the Midwest, the power of community, and learning how to live life FULLY after weight loss surgery. 💪🌈

Mel and Travis both celebrate a DECADE post-op, and they’re diving deep into everything from gas pain and first bites, to dating, skin insecurity, regain, and building sustainable routines (spoiler alert: Travis is up at 4am 🕓 and thriving!).

✨ BONUS: We’re just DAYS away from the Just Be You Bariatric Awards Show! 🎉 If you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet — what are you waiting for?! Come surround yourself with people who GET IT.

💬 TOPICS WE COVER:

Travis’s 179 lb weight loss journey 💥

Life-changing bariatric moments & firsts

Dealing with regain and getting back on track

How community keeps us accountable

Tips for early post-op struggles

And why routines are EVERYTHING 🙌

🎧 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date with all things Our Sleeved Life Podcast! Let’s grow this incredible bariatric community together.

👇 LINKS & RESOURCES 👇
🎟️ Get Your JBY Tickets Now: Buy Now!
📲 Follow Travis: @Travmc
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms!
📌 Follow us on IG: @oursleevedlifepodcast
👕 Shop JBY Merch (available for 60 days only!): Shop Here!

Our Sleeve Life Podcast (OSLP) is dedicated to empowering the bariatric community by providing education, support, and inspiration—all while challenging misconceptions about weight loss surgery.

Exclusive OSLP Discount Codes:

•ProCare Health: Use code OSLP for 15% off

•POP Recovery Systems: Use code OSLPTA

•American Dream Nut Butter: Use code OSLP

•Ate App: Link ONLY

•Dive Bar Nutrition: Use code OSLP

•Built Bar: Use code OSLP

•Devotion Nutrition: Use code OSLP5

Thank you for supporting the OSLP community and being part of the journey!

🎧 13 Unspoken Rules of Bariatric Life and it is just the beginning—here’s what nobody tells you.

Join Mel & Kellie from Our Sleeved Life Podcast as they spill the real talk on what truly happens after bariatric surgery. This empowering episode dives into the 13 unspoken rules every WLS warrior should know—touching on everything from regain realities and food relationships to mental health and body changes.

💬 Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ Why comparison steals joy from your journey
✅ What to expect with loose skin and how to embrace it
✅ The lifelong rule of protein, water & vitamins
✅ How to recognize head hunger vs. actual hunger
✅ Why mental health & therapy are game changers
✅ Navigating unsupportive people & setting boundaries
✅ Why regain is normal—and not a failure
✅ How your bathroom habits, food tolerance & taste buds may change

🎁 The JBY Digital Swag Bag is OPEN! Click the link in the description to grab your goodies!
🎟️ Some tickets still available—grab yours now at jbyawards.com
💸 Use code JBY2025 for $20 OFF your ticket! Don't wait—limited spots left!

👯‍♀️ Brought to you by Our Sleeved Life Podcast
Follow us on IG:
✨ Mel → @melunfiltered.vsg
✨ Kellie → @sleevedfromtheashes
🧡 Sponsored by ProCare Health

#OurSleevedLife #13RulesOfBariatrics #BariatricSupport #WeightLossSurgeryJourney #WLSCommunity #PostOpLife #WLSRealTalk #HeadHunger #BariatricMentalHealth #LooseSkinJourney #RegainIsReal #ProteinWaterVitamins #WLSPanel #BariatricEmpowerment