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.

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In today’s episode, bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine expert Dr. Dovec is diving deep into the world of GLP-1 medications—those popular injectables like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro that everyone’s been talking about. Whether you’re fresh out of bariatric surgery, struggling with weight plateaus, have a lower or higher BMI, or you’re just curious if these meds might be right for you, Dr. Dovec breaks down exactly how GLP-1s work, who benefits most, potential side effects, and how to personalize your treatment for the best results. Plus, she compared options like phentermine and Contrave, and gives real talk about surgery versus medication. If you’re looking for up-to-date, honest guidance on weight loss medications and a supportive community cheering you on, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice!

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Betsy Dovec and Hannah Schuyler, RD are joined by the fabulous stylist, Chrissy Godwin, for a deep dive into the transformative power of personal style, confidence, and embracing your unique journey—no matter what size or life phase you’re in. Chrissy walks us through her story from dreamer with a pop-up boutique vision to successful stylist with years of retail experience under her belt, helping everyday people and celebs alike curate wardrobes that feel authentic and empowering.

Together, the trio discusses the emotional aspects of closet clean-outs, the tips and tricks of building a capsule wardrobe, the importance of investing in staple pieces, and how styling can boost confidence throughout life’s changes, whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, on a weight loss journey, or just looking to rediscover your mojo. With plenty of laughs, insider advice on tailoring and shopping, and real talk about breaking free from the trap of focusing on clothing sizes, this episode is all about showing up for yourself, finding fun in fashion, and stepping into your best self, one outfit at a time.

So grab your favorite coffee, settle in, and get inspired by Chrissy’s energy and expertise as we chat about all things style, self-love, and making your closet work for your real life. And don’t miss out on Chrissy’s appearance at the upcoming Body by Transformation Butterfly Effect retreat—one lucky guest will even win a personal styling session! Let’s get started.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Weight Loss Collab Podcast! This week, your co-hosts Dr. Dovec and dietitian Hannah Schuyler are coming to you from their new, upgraded podcast studio at the surgery center—complete with luxurious vibes and lots of positive energy. In this episode, they kick things off by recapping their recent BodyByMindset retreat, which brought together patients and community members for a weekend of connection, growth, and transformation despite a few behind-the-scenes weather hiccups.

You'll hear candid reflections about the power of community events—from a rain-soaked setup that transformed into a magical Florida sunset, to meaningful icebreakers and transformative activities focused on breaking free from shame. Dr. Dovec and Hannah dive into their own retreat presentations on food guilt, mindset shifts, and the deeply personal journeys that shape their professional paths.

But that's not all—they're also unveiling exciting plans for their next big event, BodyByTransformation: The Butterfly Effect, coming May 2026 in Orlando. If you’re seeking motivation, practical strategies, or a sense of belonging on your weight loss and wellbeing journey, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and encouragement. Plus, expect some fun personal news, a peek into their event planning process, and the ways you can get involved and take your own transformation to the next level.

Tune in for expert advice, authentic stories, and the latest updates from the passionate duo behind Body by Bariatrics and The Weight Loss Collab!

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In today’s episode, co-host Hannah Schuyler dives into a powerful and rarely discussed topic—food and shame. We’re used to hearing about macros, micros, and nutrition science, but what about the emotional weight we carry every time we make a food choice? Hannah invites listeners to reflect honestly on moments of guilt, secrecy, and shame around eating, challenging the deeply rooted messages that tie morality to what we put on our plates.

With humor and personal stories (including an honest admission about sour cream and cheddar chips in the Aldi parking lot!), Hannah explores how food has no morality—eating a certain way doesn’t make you “good” or “bad.” Instead, she encourages everyone to focus on what truly makes a person kind, compassionate, and generous—qualities that have nothing to do with food choices. This episode is a fresh reminder that enjoying food, sharing meals with friends, and letting go of shame can help us savor life—and our weight loss journeys—a whole lot more. So, get comfortable and join us as we break down the unnecessary baggage of food guilt and embrace being perfectly, beautifully human.

Welcome back to The Weight Loss Collab! In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dr. Dovec opens up like never before, pulling back the curtain on her journey through shame, self-doubt, and ultimately—radical self-acceptance. Recorded live at a groundbreaking retreat, Dr. Dovec shares heartfelt stories of perseverance, from professional setbacks to the confetti-filled highs and vulnerable lows at the grand opening of the Surgical Institute of Central Florida.

You'll hear about friendship, the power of community, and the invisible weight of shame that so many carry—especially in the world of weight loss and bariatric surgery. Dr. Dovec tackles tough topics, from infertility and body image to breaking free from the expectations of others and building a practice that's uniquely her own. Along the way, she offers wisdom on why shedding shame is every bit as important as losing pounds, and how real transformation is rooted in connection and authenticity.

Join us for an episode that's not just about weight loss, but about betting on yourself, defying gravity, and finding the courage to live unapologetically. If you've ever felt held back by shame, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.