In the Season 5 finale of The Confidence Doc, Houston-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Eric Smith, a board-certified general, bariatric, and robotic surgeon, to explore the world of weight loss surgery. Dr. Smith shares how his surgical journey began, from performing open bariatric procedures to mastering laparoscopic techniques, and why he founded his own bariatric surgery program. They discuss the critical role of Centers of Excellence in bariatrics, including what it takes to achieve certification and why these standards matter for patient safety and outcomes.

Dr. Smith explains how robotic surgery has revolutionized bariatrics and how AI is beginning to assist surgeons in delivering better, more precise results. He opens up about his decision to join TLC’s 1,000-Lb Sisters, initially hesitant about the portrayal of obesity and weight loss on television, but ultimately embracing the opportunity to change the narrative. Dr. Smith also introduces his supplement line, BariBalance, and shares the launch of Protein Water—created to support long-term wellness after weight loss surgery, but beneficial for anyone looking to meet their daily protein and vitamin needs.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Smith’s journey from general surgery to bariatrics
• The evolution of open to laparoscopic and robotic surgery
• What a Bariatric Center of Excellence is and why it matters
• How AI is transforming surgical precision
• Navigating public narratives through 1,000-Lb Sisters
• Supplements and protein water tailored for weight loss patients

Listen for Dr. Smith’s insights on how surgical innovation, robotic technology, and AI are transforming bariatric procedures, and how personal commitment and patient support play a vital role in long-term weight loss success.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith:
Kentucky Bariatric Institute: https://kentuckybariatricinstitute.com/
Instagram @doctorericsmith_
Dr.Smith’s Protein Water:https://drsmithsproteinwater.com/
BariBalance: https://baribalance.com/

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Dr. Kristy Hamilton, a Houston-based board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Dr. Hamilton shares her journey into plastic surgery, beginning with a childhood injury that introduced her to the field. She explains the concept of preservation breast augmentation, a technique gaining popularity in the U.S., and how it benefits active women by placing implants in front of the muscle, often complemented by techniques like fat grafting.

Dr. Hamilton also breaks down the undetectable facelift, and why she prefers the deep plane facelift technique for natural, long-lasting results. She explains why Motiva breast implants are her preferred choice and how they complement her surgical approach. She also touches on emerging innovations like AlloClae, a donor-derived fat product currently being explored as a future option for body contouring. Dr. Hamilton discusses the challenge of learning the business side of medicine and the importance of asking colleagues about their experiences.

Key Topics Covered:

• Preservation breast augmentation and fat grafting techniques
• Benefits of going over the muscle with breast implants
• Deep plane facelifts vs. traditional facelifts
• Why Dr. Hamilton prefers Motiva breast implants
• Future of plastic surgery with AlloClae
• Navigating the business side of medicine

Tune in to hear Dr. Hamilton’s insights on innovative surgical techniques, implant choices, and what’s next in the evolving world of plastic surgery.

Follow Dr. Kristy Hamilton:
Instagram: @drkristyhamilton
Facebook: @drkristyhamilton
TikTok: @drkristyhamilton
Website: www.drkristyhamilton.com

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)

In this episode of The Confidence Doc, Dr. Rukmini Vinaya Rednam sits down with Whitney Ray Di Bona, a former personal injury lawyer turned holistic health coach. Whitney shares her experience representing clients affected by mesothelioma from cosmetic products and botched plastic surgery, highlighting the risks of choosing unlicensed providers or underqualified med spas. They discuss the key difference between board-certified plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, and why doing your research is crucial before any aesthetic procedure.

Whitney also talks about the dangers of unregulated recovery homes and the impact of lack of oversight on patients. Whitney opens up about her own transformation, leaving the legal field after motherhood to become a certified coach and business owner. She now helps moms grow their brands on social media and navigate career transitions with confidence. Together, she and Dr. Rednam reflect on personal growth and the meaning of coaching.

Key Topics Covered:

• Legal risks in cosmetic procedures and med spa treatments
• Why board certification matters in plastic surgery
• The dangers of unlicensed recovery homes
• Career reinvention after motherhood
• Starting a business and coaching with purpose
• How social media empowers women in transition

Listen for a powerful conversation on reclaiming identity, protecting your body, and building a career that aligns with your season of life.

Follow Whitney Ray Di Bona:
Low Tox Lawyer: www.lowtoxlawyer.com
Instagram: @lowtoxlawyer
Podcast: The Wellness Verdict

Request your consultation here:
Contact Rukmini Rednam, MD in Houston TX and The Woodlands (drrukminirednam.com)