Welcome to The Weight Loss Collab! In today’s episode, Dr. Dovec and Hannah Schuyler sit down with a very special guest, Christie Woodard, a patient who’s not only transformed her life through bariatric surgery, but is also a passionate advocate for breaking the stigma around weight loss and GLP-1 medications.

Christie shares her personal journey: from years of struggling with weight, health challenges, and self-doubt, to making the pivotal decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery, and later to openly embracing the use of GLP-1 medications as part of her ongoing treatment. Along the way, she discusses the emotional highs and lows, the reality of post-surgical weight regain, and the powerful impact of finding community and support throughout the process.

You’ll hear insightful discussion around the myths and realities of GLP-1 medications, the importance of seeing obesity as a treatable disease rather than a personal failing, and how shame and judgment have hijacked the weight loss conversation for too long. Plus, Christie’s inspiring story of running half marathons in all 50 states (and how her healthier lifestyle made it possible!) will motivate anyone considering a transformative step in their own journey.

Join the BodyByTransformation Retreat: The Butterfly Effect May 1st and 2nd in Orlando, FL to hear more about Christie's incredible journey!

Whether you’re curious about the medical side of weight loss, looking for motivation, or just want to hear real talk from people who get it, this episode offers honest insights, candid stories, and a dose of hope for anyone fighting to reclaim their health.

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Betsy Dovec and Hannah Schuyler, RD are diving into one of the most important topics on everyone’s mind: how to live a longer, healthier life. They’ll break down what longevity really means, not just adding years to your life, but making sure those years are full of energy, good health, and happiness.

Get ready for practical tips rooted in science, as Dr. Dovec and Hannah discuss how your metabolic health, daily nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, and even social connections can have a huge impact on longevity. Whether it's demystifying “skinny fat,” busting myths about diet and exercise, sharing quick wins to improve your daily routine, or getting real about the role of community and mental health, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

If you’re looking to understand the small but powerful habits that can lead to more good years (not just more years), this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to start living younger, right now. So grab your coffee, take notes, and let’s unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life together!

Feeling excited and terrified before bariatric surgery? In this episode, bariatric surgeon Dr. Betsy Dovec breaks down exactly how to prepare your mind, body, and home so you can not only survive surgery, but truly thrive afterward. You’ll learn what to eat (and drink), how to handle gas pain and fatigue, which vitamins are non-negotiable for life, and why community support matters more than you think. If you’re in the pre-op stage or need a post-op reset, this is your game plan.