About me, Reeger Cortell, FNP-C


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Hello and Welcome!

10/15/2021 UPDATE: The WLSPodcast has reached its creative conclusion. I will keep all the content, seven years of this labor of love, up and fully accessible to you. In kindness, Reeger

I launched this podcast in June of 2013 because I felt there was more to talk about when it comes to bariatric surgery. Even though I have been working in bariatric surgery since 2007, I had questions and I knew you had questions too. So, what better way to ask questions and get answers (or at least opinions) than to launch a podcast?!

This podcast exists to tell the stories of obesity and bariatric surgery one episode at a time.

My work, the podcast, and this website are:
1) Dedicated to YOU, on your bariatric surgery journey, in all your glory; your honesty; your vulnerability; your amazing, incredible, regular ol’ humanness
2) Driven by evidence-based, bariatric surgery-focused education
3) Here to support, motivate, and encourage you
4) My way of relating my unwavering belief in you
5) My creative way of saying you are brave, strong, and incredible, and I know that life can be messy, confusing, and challenging, but far from impossible and in the end we all get what we put into it, so let’s put a lot!

What this website and the Weight Loss Surgery Podcast are not:
Replacement for any version of your medical care. There are rules and regs about this sort-of thing. I value and respect you. I also value and respect my FNP license. You deserve and need a licensed medical provider who meets you in person, physically examines you, diagnoses any health-related issues you may be having, and prescribes a treatment. This website and the podcast are NOT those things. If you need more lawyerly clarification on how serious I am about this issue I refer you to the disclaimer at the end of my podcast or my disclaimer page.

Again, I am SO glad you are here. I hope you keep coming back and stay in even closer contact by signing up for my email list (currently located on my home page).

In Peace and with Connection, 

Reeger Cortell, FNP-C

 

{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }

Connie Stapleton August 28, 2013 at 3:31 am

Reeger –

I am so glad I had the chance to meet you. I have listened to all of your podcasts and have learned a great deal – in spite of having worked in the weight loss surgery community for a decade! Thank you for sharing medical information in a way lay people can understand it. And thank you for sharing so much of yourself and your passion for people and for life through your work!

Connie

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reeger August 28, 2013 at 3:50 am

Connie,

Thank you so much for your feedback. It means a great deal to me. Really. And thank you for your work. We share very similar passions for this amazing group of (WLS) people. I, like you, am inspired by them every day.

Reeger

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Suzie Farthing September 15, 2013 at 7:10 pm

Reeger,
You are doing a fabulous job inspiring and educating bariatric patients and clinicians with your Weight Loss Surgery podcast! Keep up the good work!
Plus, it is so nice to be acquainted with another nurse podcaster. May our numbers continue to increase!
Suzie

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reeger September 25, 2013 at 3:01 am

Suzie,

Thank you for your kind words and the same right back at you! I have really enjoyed meeting everyone in the podcasting community but most especially you, a fellow podcasting nurse.

Reeger

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Jacqui Walton December 12, 2013 at 8:29 am

Dearest Reeger
I have only recently found your podcast. I am 1 year and 8 months post Roux-en-y gastric bypass. I am at that place where I have started to put on a little weight and it is so easy to let all the things I should be doing slide.
Thankyou so much for this podcast. It is inspiring and motivating and thought provoking.
The tools and information that you share are invaluable – will continue to listen to your podcasts from now on and will not hesitate to recommend it to fellow patients who have shared this saame journey with me here in Sunny South Africa.
Much thanks and appreciation
Jacqui

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reeger December 12, 2013 at 2:56 pm

Dear Jacqui,
You are so very welcome! Life after weight loss surgery can be challenging in ways many people did not anticipate before surgery. Luckily, it also rewarding in more ways than a person can count. Is it easy? Heck no! But that which is worthwhile is rarely attained easily. It take daily commitment, dedication, and determination. As Cari De La Cruz, from A Post-Op & A Doc, says, “Every day when I put my feet on the ground I make a commitment to my health.”

Keep doing your part, surround yourself with supportive and loving people, and never forget that you deserve to be healthy and happy!

In peace and with connection,
Reeger

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Emily February 11, 2014 at 4:41 pm

Hello Reeger,

I have just found your podcasts and find then extremely informative! I have a few questions for you. First, a little backstory on my self. I was banded in December 2008. I was a self pay patient here in Tampa Florida. I began my journey at 264. Initially I feel like I received lots of support from my doctor and his team for the first year. However after that it was more like they would get me in the office for a quick fill. Over the first. 3 years I list 83 pounds. The last 40 were due to lots of PBing and eating around the band. I thin had an unfill and gained 25 pounds before be Becoming pregnant. I managed to maintain my weight throughout the pregnancy and only gained 10 pounds. After the birth of my daughter I was inexplicably right to the point I couldn’t drink water so I had another unfill and gained 26 more pounds. Since then I have been trying to get on track but I feel like I lack the support from my doctor. What I am trying to do is get educated and weed through the diet and exersise myths and use my lap bad as the tool it really is.

I have a few questions. During your 2nd podcast about the lap band you talk about how to determine if some one needs a fill. One thing you talk about is eating whole foods. What are some examples of whole foods, what should be the average portion size if a meal, and should one eat snacks or just 3 meals a day? Also, you talk about exersise. There are so many options for exersise. In your opinion what is the best mix of cardio, strength training, and stretching? What is the optimal about of time for each, the optimal amount of days a week and the intensity I should be working out to achieve weightless.

I would appreciate your feedback if possible.

Thank you

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reeger February 12, 2014 at 5:55 am

Hi Emily,

I am very glad you find the podcast helpful, that is my intention! And congratulations on having a daughter. I have two of them myself : )
As far as your questions, as I am sure you understand, I cannot advise you specifically as I am not your medical provider. I strongly encourage you to return to your Lapband provider with specific questions in-hand as to what you are struggling with and what questions you seek answers for. I know when patients bring in questions for me, that they have taken the time to write down, I always take the time to answer them.

To your question about “whole foods,” thank you for asking for clarification. I mean healthy, whole foods that did not require a lot of science to create them. Their main ingredient list is sun, water, and dirt, grains that are fed to them, or creatures they eat in their watery homes. These are food that are not very processed. They are foods that are close to how nature intended them when they grew from the earth, or fell from a tree, or grazed in a field, or swam in a body of water: Whole vegetables, fruits, meats (including birds and eggs), and fish. These are foods one buys from the outer circle of the grocery store, follow the periphery, do not go down isle, and for the most part one will be choosing “whole foods.” Whole foods are healthier, have more nutrients, more fiber, and more vitamins, and other good stuff our bodies need. And in a properly adjusted band they provide more satisfaction at the time of the meal and between meals.

As far as portion sizes: this is a hard question to answer in any one person. If you have access to a dietician they can better answer this for you in particular. There is the general literature that recommends 1/2 cup to 1 cup per meal for people with a band. But that does not consider how dense the foods are: 1 cup of salad is not a lot of food but one cup of cheesy lasagna is very dense. For my patients I usually prefer they eat lower fat proteins (fats cut off and cooked without frying) and salads or vegetables.

Some of my patents eat 3 meals a day, some eat 4-5 smaller meals more often. If depends on each individuals needs and physical hunger levels.

Regarding exercise: What do you like or what can you at least “get out of you own way” to do most days a week for at least 30 min, ideally 60min? There is no magic, “do this, not that” kind of exercise recipe. The best exercise for any anyone is the one they will do and ultimately enjoy enough over time that they feel better when they do the activity than when they do not. For many people who do not have a history of regular movement, aka exercise, they often need to bite the bullet and just have faith that if they keep at it, one day they will get to the point of KNOWING they enjoy how they feel when they move their bodies more than how they feel when they do not move. Have you listened to my interview with LapBandGal? Episode 7. She would be the first person to tell you that she was not someone who enjoyed exercising. At first. But she worked up to it and now sees how critical it is for her. Check out her blog at http://lapbandgalsjourney.blogspot.com. You might want to look at her post from 12/3/2009. 😉

Also, in general I hope you have listened to my interview with Dr John Dixon. We talked a lot about the band. I think (I hope) you find that conversation helpful.

I hope this helps. Keep listening, because I will keep posting shows about every 2 weeks.

In peace and with connection,
Reeger

PS Don’t forget to sign up for my WLSPodcast newsletter. It is on the side bar to the right ;0)

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Emily March 31, 2014 at 3:59 pm

Thank you Reeger for responding back to my post. I love the advice. I have discovered the power of whole foods and lots of protein. It has taken a lot of learning to disregard low fat and fat free processed foods. I am not counting calories but concentrating on nourishing my body and listening for huger queues and also listening to my band. I have to say that protein, vegetables, and fruit in there whole form has kept me more full then any pre packaged frozen low calorie meal. Since my last post I have dove head first into learning about ingredients in our food, what to avoid and how to prepare whole foods. I have lost 5 pounds and feel great with out feeling deprived.

It is still a struggle with exercise. It’s very hard to find a good time of day and something I would enjoy enough to make part of my daily life. I am now researching different methods that would work for me. I will keep you updated as I feel that consistent exercise is my missing link. Please continue to do your podcasts they are highly motivational and informative. Without them I don’t think I would have ever done as much research on nutrition as I have and probably would have still been sitting here eating something highly processed feeling hungry and miserable!

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reeger March 31, 2014 at 7:33 pm

Dearest Emily,
You are whole-heartedly welcome. I am so happy for you! And thrilled I may have had the honor of playing a small part. Regarding the exercise, keep trying to find a form of movement that feels right. It is out there. The important thing is to keep trying, and even re-trying things. Our bodies were built to move and the more you do, the better you will feel, the more you will do. I promise!

Sincerely,
Reeger

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reeger April 1, 2014 at 2:53 am

PS: Did you know that I created a podcast episode based on your questions and questions I got from another listener? It is episode 19 Titled: Your Questions Answered. If you have not heard, take a listen and let me know what you think! 🙂

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Brandi June 16, 2014 at 9:58 am

I really appreciate your podcast Reeger!! I also appreciate your kind and tender heart for folks.

I wanted to say I also appreciated your talking about lab stuff. I have a ferritin puzzle that even the hematologist I went kind of just shrugs and says “meh, its not causing problems” and that kind of makes my hair stand up on my neck (hemoglobin and hematocrit are fine, ferritin is crazy low). Nobody ever even pulled my ferritin until I asked.

Anyway, I find it encouraging that you watch trends. I have compiled my labs for the last 5 years and watch trends and try and tweak to make better, because I too think its better to tweak, than have to dig myself out of a ditch!

Anyway, I thank you for all the episodes I have heard so far, but wanted to specifically comment on the information about the labs.

Thank you for your time and your kind heart!!

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reeger June 16, 2014 at 1:16 pm

Dear Brandi,

You are very welcome! I created this podcast for you, for all the reasons you stated.

Stay proactive with your labs! Stay educated. A persons ability to absorb certain vitamins after WLS is not the same as before WLS. The extent of change in absorption varies depending upon the type of WLS. For example, a person with LapBand has complete anatomical ability to absorb vitamins. Whereas a person with biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch has very altered ability to absorb certain vitamins. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy fall somewhere in between.

Anatomy aside, in general all people after WLS should take bariatric formulated vitamins for no other reason than they are on a very calorie restricted diet and need additional vitamins to compensate. If a medical provider is not trained in care after WLS then they might not appreciate the difference of the person in front of them who has had WLS compared to another person who has not had WLS. In these cases, the person with WLS may need to educate the provider on their surgery and their after care. As always, start with the practice where you had surgery. They are your best resource and ally.

Kindly,
Reeger

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Carolyn Slaughter April 14, 2016 at 9:23 pm

Dear Reeger,
I am in the early stages of preparing for my gastric bypass surgery-getting all the clearance from the doctors. I came across your podcasts and find them very helpful as I am nervous and scared, yet excited. I sit and listen while at work and it sure passes the time so Thank You for that !

Keep them coming!
Carolyn in Chicago!

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reeger April 17, 2016 at 8:21 pm

Hi Carolyn, I am so glad you found the podcast and find it to be helpful. That is always my hope with each and every episode! And I am honored I am able to keep you company while at work : ) Kindly, Reeger

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John August 2, 2016 at 4:38 am

Hello,

I live in Canada, I was wondering what your thoughts were on Weight loss surgery in mexico ?

Thank you for your time
John

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reeger September 11, 2016 at 3:57 am

Hi John, This is tricky. There are very qualified surgeons all over the world, including Mexico. However, I worry about the long-term follow-up. If a person has a plan for who will follow them and their insurance will cover that care then Mexico could potentially be a good fit for someone. Do your research as much as possible and talk with your home-based medical care team to be sure they will follow along with you once you return home. Kindly, Reeger

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Oneway September 14, 2016 at 2:15 pm

Reeger,

Thanks for all you do! I count on you to give the most up to date, data backed information out there. I had a VSG Sept. 2. I have listened to most of your podcast. Your latest with Dr. Medlin was very timely. I would love to hear information on teaming with my general practitioner after post op. How often should I see her, what type of blood work should she be doing etc. Thank you for all you do for US.

Kelley
Arkansas

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reeger September 19, 2016 at 3:55 am

Hi Kelley, Thanks for reaching out and I am glad you are enjoying and learning from the podcast. Thanks for your suggestion on a future episode. In general the guidelines recommend post-op, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, then at least annually after that for life. As far as what labs to check I refer you to my episode called Clinical Practice Guidelines way back in episode 10. These CPGs are still current as of 2016. Hope this helps and take care! Reeger

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Mary Ann April 29, 2017 at 3:11 am

Thank you so much!!! I just listened to your podcast about RH. I have been struggling with this since my surgery 7 years ago. :(. At first I was told it was “dumping”, but one day I checked my blood sugar during an episode and it was 42. I see an endocrinologist in the Boston area, but he isn’t familiar with bariactric surgery. I do take Metformin (500/day) still for PCOS. I can not take drugs like Byetta (I had severe pancreatitis before my surgery.) I have a quick question: what are the dietary recommendations YOU give your patients? (Calories, carbs, proteins, fats). By the way, Acarbose doesn’t work for me during the day… if you understand what I mean…. I am a teacher…. 🙂 I did not lose my “goal weight” and gained 12 pounds back (constant hunger and snacking!) and had to have an iron infusion last month, so I am constantly looking for help and suggestions!

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reeger May 27, 2017 at 8:14 pm

Hi Mary Ann, I am glad you found the RH episode to be helpful. I think Post Bariatric (RYGB) surgery RH is a really important topic that needs to be talked about as much as possible. As far as recommendations, there is no magic, our program follows the usual recommendations of following a healthy, whole foods based nutrition plan with protein first, non-starch produce next, complex carbs in limited amount and only if tolerated, and no “junk” food. As far as how many calories- that is very individualized to each person- and over the years I have come to not “trust” calories very much because the science is not very exact and human beings are not Bomb Calorimeters (the device that determines the energy stored in food that we call calories). Kindly, Reeger

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Anisa May 21, 2017 at 5:25 pm

Reeger,

Thank you! Two very small words that hold an overwhelming amount of gratitude for what you are providing to so many of us in the WLS community. I am 15 years post-op RNY and have a background in addictions. I have listened to almost all of your podcasts since finding you just a couple of months ago. Actually stumbled across the podcast when I googled Nicole Avena! I have been hooked and have passed the information on to my clients! Again I thank you! Respectfully, Anisa Grantham

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reeger May 27, 2017 at 8:07 pm

HI Anisa,
Thanks for reaching out and letting me know. I am glad you find the podcast helpful! And yes, talking about addiction as it may relate to a person affected by obesity is very important. Perhaps you would like to share your story on the podcast? email me if so, reeger@weightlosssurgerypodcast.com Kindly, Reeger

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Zoe Belle June 7, 2017 at 7:31 am

Hi Reeger! I’m listening to your Rambling podcast as I type this; I like the format! It’s very motivating for me to listen to you (as a 6 year veteran, I need the inspiration right now). And thank you for the comment in the beginning on how to donate a one time donation. Very helpful.

Queen of Crop

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reeger June 20, 2017 at 4:15 am

Hi Zoe, I am glad you enjoy my ramblings. And Thank You for the donation!! Kindly, Reeger

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Matt Roylance July 24, 2017 at 8:43 pm

Hi Reeger,
Your wonderful voice (yes, you have a sexy voice) has been added to my commute for the past few weeks. I’m not even sure how I found you, but I’m glad I did. What a valuable service this podcast is! I even posted a link to it on my WLS group’s FB page. Such good content! Such great guests!
I’m a WLS patient, approximately 1.5 yrs out from VSG surgery. I think I found you because I’ve hit the proverbial wall, and I’ve stopped losing, and I’m hunting for info to get me back on track. I’m a 49 yr old male. My highest weight before surgery was 450 lbs, and I lost 163 lbs in my first year, and got down to 287. That was right after Thanksgiving last year. Since then, I’ve put approximately 25 lbs back on, and I am not happy about it.
I will say that I’m a medical tourism patient. While I have good insurance, and it has good coverage for most things, it does not cover any sort of WLS. So, the only way I could afford it was to go out of the country. My experience was good. The surgeon and team were competent, and did a very good job. My surgeon has been featured in Newsweek magazine (so without mentioning him, you may know who he is). And while they do have a good FB support group, I do miss having a local ‘program’ where I can go to check in and monitor my progress. By listening to your podcasts, I’m beginning to see how important that is. My personal Dr. is/was supportive of my decision, but we have to be careful about how we order labs and such, because no obesity related expenses are covered – which is challenging.
I’m learning a lot from your podcasts. I especially like the ones with Dr. Seely. I’m a bio-medical engineer by trade. I work in R&D for renal care devices. A lot of what he says resonates with me. I’ve always been tall and big. I’m 6’4″, and I’ve always bristled at the ‘one size fits all’ approach to weight loss. His approach (as well as others) only show that its not just size that matters, but also genetics, environment and so much more.
I just got through listening to your latest podcast with Elizabeth Anderson. It was very good. I get so confused, with so many experts out there. So much conflicting info. A well known bariatric website/company says to totally eliminate all carbs, while many nutritionists (such as Ms. Anderson) advise moderation, and that good carbs are ok. I just don’t know where to turn sometimes.
So, there’s a lot more I could ‘ramble on’ about, but I’m just glad I found you. I’m a work in progress. I’m still 75-100lbs away from where I want to be. I was not a model patient with my diet post-op (I wasn’t horrible either), and I think it caught up with me pretty fast. I’m grateful to have lost what I’ve lost so far, but deathly scared of the regain. I want the scale to start moving again, and I’ve cleaned up my eating in the last 2 weeks, and gotten back to the gym, but the stubborn scale just doesn’t want to move. ~sigh~
Anyway, thanks for doing the podcast. I want you to keep going, so I signed up to donate at Patreon. I know that this likely involves a fair amount of sacrifice for you – and God bless you for it.
Thanks for being on my commute with me.
Regards,
Matt

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reeger August 26, 2017 at 3:57 am

Hi Matt,
Sorry it has taken me a month to respond to you. I am honestly not in the habit of checking my website for people who comment here as much as I am in the habit of looking at my email for the podcast. Non-the-less I am very glad you found the podcast and that it is helping you. I just hit publish tonight on my most recent episode which covers a lot of territory including VSG through medical tourism. At the end I share some concluding thoughts that I think you will understand regarding the pros and cons of medical tourism. Also, I gave you a shout-out for your patronage! 😉 Let me know what you think of the episode by emailing me at reeger@weightlosssurgerypodcast.com. In Kindness, Reeger

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Margaret Grimes August 2, 2017 at 8:51 pm

Hi Reeger: I’ve been listening to your podcasts and am on #46. I am getting gastric sleeve in 2 weeks and I have found your podcasts so very helpful. A lot of my fears and questions and feelings were addressed. I feel much more prepared for what’s to come. I am 64 years old and wonder if it’s going to be worth it with all the flabby skin I’ll have after. I am planning on hiring a coach for exercise and I have 2 lb. weight to begin to use for my arms while recovering. Actually, starting now. Everything you have said about what needs to be in place for the client is in place for me at my surgeon’s office. That makes me feel better too. Thanks again. I am continuing to listen. Keep up the great work you are doing.

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reeger August 26, 2017 at 3:48 am

Hi Margaret
Congratulations on your sleeve surgery! I am thinking you are now recovering from surgery, so hugs and all that too you! As for age, 64 is certainly not too late to have bariatric surgery. And yes, excess skin is a reality for many people but I have yet to meet a single person who would trade their new life that includes some excess skin for their old life that had excess adipose tissue. The most common regret I hear is NOT “I wish I never had this surgery” but rather “I wish I had it sooner!” So no regrets and enjoy the journey! Reeger

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Rebecca Lipkowitz March 25, 2018 at 9:39 pm

Hi Reeger! I just wanted to say thank you for all the hard work and dedication that you put into the podcast. I from California but live permanently in Chile and have my gastric sleeve surgery scheduled for April 12th! While I have an amazing surgeon here, it’s a different culture and there aren’t support groups like there are in the US (like in general there aren’t support groups, much less for WLS).
So I have been listening to your podcast over the last 4 months as I prepare emotionally, mentally, and physically for this huge step. And you and your guests have become my support group in a lot of ways. I have learned so much about what to expect, and how to feel (it’s ok that I couldn’t treat my obesity by just picking myself up by my bootstraps!). I’m guessing that many of your listeners are in the US and use your podcast as supplementary, but for me, it’s been a HUGE part of my preparation process.
One question I have for you is if you know of any online support groups that you would recommend.
Also, I love the posts about set point weight and would love to hear more about hormonal changes that happen from the surgery and also how to prepare or deal with some of the emotional challenges that can come up as we go through this drastic physical change.
And last but not least, thank you!! I know you’re a hugger, so I’m sending you a huge virtual hug from Chile!

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reeger April 2, 2018 at 12:34 am

Hi Rebecca,
I am so glad you find the podcast helpful! That is my hope with each and every episode. As far as online support, a very positive Facebook group is Bariatric Weight Loss Family (Not for Profit) found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/BWLFamily/. Also, Dr Connie Stapleton does a live Facebook chat every Wednesday night, 9pm ECT. She can be found at https://www.facebook.com/conniestapletonphd/. I hope this helps! And as for hormonal changes, yes, it is a fascinating topic. As I learn more, I will share more. Kindly, Reeger

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Bill Eldridge June 10, 2018 at 1:09 pm

Dear Reeger,

Im trying to find an Episode without listening to all of the again about a Lady I think that had a Lap band slip then had it removed and won a Vsg procedure at alighter me in Mexico .Do you recall that particular one? I was intterested in the research she did on the place before she went there its looking like the only option for me as my insurance wont cover me and I cant even use my 401k to self pay. I do however have a good family Doctor that will help me with my Labs after surgery. So it looks like tourism for me.

Also I love the podcast ! I have been checking out videos on youtube and have a guest suggestion Ds Journey shes in week 42 I think and is moving into Vegan wich I find interesting. She is also the absolute sweestest Lady

https://youtu.be/uzpqUcfWihw

Thanks in Advance
Bill Eldridge

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reeger June 17, 2018 at 7:02 pm

Hi Bill,
You are referring to episode 41, “Never give up with Nanette Wilson Adams.” I think you will also appreciate the episode I just posted today, 6/17/18 which is 100% dedicated to medical tourism. Take a listen. In kindness, Reeger

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Linda Parr March 31, 2019 at 6:46 pm

Hi Reeger. I recently found your podcast, and love it. I am in the pre-stage. I have 1 more month with Dr and health coach and will have my psych eval in a couple weeks.
I started out at 230 5’6″ and in 2 months I am down 7 lbs. They want me to loose 8 lbs. So my BMI is not as high as some, but I do qualify according to my ins. I do want this, but keep wondering if I should. I know people will talk, but I am getting comments, that I am not heavy enough for surgery. I do have some health issues, but it’s not like it’s life or death. I am 58 yrs old and have dieted all my life, only to find myself creeping up and up.
Do any of your podcasts talk about those of us who are overweight, but not morbidly obese.
Thanks Linda

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reeger May 5, 2019 at 4:03 am

Hi Linda, I am sorry I am so late in replying here. Did you have bariatric surgery? Either way I am hoping you made the decision that was right for you, not for anyone else. As to your question, I think the episode called “Leslie Goes to Mexico” most closely addresses your question. Kindly, Reeger

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Michelle April 28, 2019 at 3:35 am

I am 17 months out from VSG and recently discovered your podcast. I can hardly describe how helpful it has been. To keep on track with my new lifestyle, it is critical for me to stay enveloped as much as possible in topics such as those you cover. Instagram is great for inspiration and meeting other patients, but it lacks solid medical information. I am very busy and travel heavily for work, so I love that I can listen on the plane, in my car, or in a hotel room.

I especially like that I can donate through PayPal because I find Patreon to be a pain. I set up a small monthly donation. I hope it helps to keep the podcast going.

Thank so much for what you do do well! Take care.

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reeger May 5, 2019 at 3:51 am

Hi Michelle, Thank you very much for reaching out and letting me know you find the podcast helpful. Thats my #1 goal! Thank you also for supporting the podcast. I really appreciate it. Most of all, congratulations on embarking on a Bari Great Journey! In kindness, Reeger

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Holly Johnson May 4, 2019 at 7:19 pm

Hi Reeger! I’ve been listening to your podcasts for months, and I’ve finally caught up on all of them. They have been so helpful, and I’ve listened to several of them multiple times. Thank you for your caring, kindness, and concern for people – it really shows through in your interviews. It has been a pleasure to “get to know you” through your podcasts, and I look forward to continuing to learn more from you as the years go by.

In March 2019 I had gastric bypass surgery in Mexico (unfortunately the state I live in is very backward, so our insurance doesn’t cover bariatric surgery for state employees). The programs you did about medical tourism were extremely helpful for me (in fact I suspect that I used the same medical provider as the woman in those podcasts did, because my experience was almost exactly the same as hers). My surgery & hospital stay in Tijuana was a very positive experience, I’m happy to say. Unfortunately several weeks later I developed a bowel obstruction & had an emergency end-to-end anastomosis – which was unrelated to the medical tourism, of course. So my recovery has been a bit bumpy & taken longer than I expected, but wow – I’ve lost weight like a maniac – almost 60 pounds now! I guess having major surgery twice within a few weeks will do that for a person. 🙂

Anyway, I digress – but I wanted to say that I appreciate you so much, and also to say a big THANK YOU for all you do – I know you’re helping a lot of people – with the podcast as well as in your own practice. Incidentally I plan to become a patron soon (although to be honest, it WON’T be for a huge dollar amount) but I’m sure that every little bit helps! ~ Sincerely, Holly Johnson

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reeger May 5, 2019 at 3:42 am

Hi Holly, Thank you so much for reaching out and letting me know the podcast has helped you along your Bari Great Journey. That is my hope with each episode. Congratulations on your surgery and all your successes! And thank you so much for your contribution of support to the podcast. I really appreciate it! In kindness, Reeger

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