The Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast

By: Matthew Weiner MD and Zoe Schroeder RD
  • Summary

  • Hosted by obesity specialist Matthew Weiner, MD and dietitian Zoe Schroeder, RD, The Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast provides a comprehensive approach to weight loss. We cover nutrition, the new GLP-1 medications, and Bariatric Surgery in depth and answer tons of questions from our audience every week. Check out our website for video versions of the podcast: www.poundofcureweightloss.com/podcast

    © 2024 The Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast
    Show More Show Less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2
Episodes
  • Lipedema and Body Contouring Surgery with Dr. Larson
    Dec 5 2024

    In Episode 54 of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast, Dr. Matthew Weiner and Zoë Schroeder sit down with Dr. Ethan Larson, a plastic surgeon specializing in lipedema care. Together, they delve into the complexities of lipedema, available treatment options, and the transformative role of plastic surgery for lipedema.

    What is Lipedema?

    Dr. Larson explains that lipedema is a chronic condition that primarily affects women. It manifests as an abnormal accumulation of fat in the legs, arms, and sometimes the abdomen, often triggered by hormonal shifts like puberty or menopause. Unlike normal fat, lipedema fat does not respond to diet or exercise, leaving patients frustrated.

    Key Facts About Lipedema:

    • Resistant to metabolic breakdown.
    • Often accompanied by pain and swelling.
    • Can coexist with obesity, which is treatable.

    Lipedema Treatment Options

    While diet and exercise support overall health, they do little to address lipedema fat. Dr. Larson highlights lymphatic-sparing liposuction as the most effective treatment, designed to:

    • Remove abnormal fat while preserving the lymphatic system.
    • Improve functionality and reduce pain.
    • Enhance cosmetic appearance as a secondary benefit.

    The Role of Plastic Surgery for Lipedema

    Plastic surgery for lipedema is more than cosmetic; it’s a functional solution that addresses discomfort and mobility challenges. Dr. Larson answers common questions about the procedure:

    • Does the fat return? Not in treated areas, but untreated regions may develop new fat pads.
    • How much fat can be removed? Up to 8–10 liters per session, depending on individual needs.
    • What about risks? Safety measures ensure optimal outcomes while minimizing complications.

    Comprehensive Lipedema Care

    Effective lipedema treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach:

    • Dietary Adjustments: Anti-inflammatory diets can help manage secondary symptoms.
    • Surgical Interventions: Lymphatic-sparing liposuction is the cornerstone of treatment.
    • Patient Advocacy: Self-education and persistence are key to navigating insurance challenges.

    Addressing Barriers in Lipedema Treatment

    Dr. Larson discusses systemic challenges, including:

    • Limited awareness among healthcare providers.
    • Lack of insurance coverage due to insufficient diagnostic and procedural codes.
    • High out-of-pocket costs, with surgeries starting at $12,000 per session.

    He stresses the importance of awareness and advocacy to improve access to care.

    When to Consider Plastic Surgery for Lipedema

    Dr. Larson advises patients to stabilize their weight for at least three months before surgery. For those using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro, he recommends completing weight loss before planning surgery to ensure long-term success.

    Lipedema Support and Resources

    Organizations like the Lipedema Foundation are vital for raising awareness and advocating for systemic change. Dr. Larson encourages patients to utilize resources like Lipedema.org to connect with knowledgeable specialists and support networks.

    Final Advice for Lipedema Patients

    Dr. Larson’s key recommendations:

    1. Get Diagnosed: Work with a specialist to confirm your condition.

    2. Set Priorities: Identify treatment goals to guide your care plan.

    3. Plan Ahead: Ensure long-term weight stability and realistic expectations.

    Connect with the Experts

    Visit www.larsonplasticsurgery.com or www.poundofcureweightloss.com to learn more

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Profits Over Patients
    Nov 21 2024

    In Episode 53 of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast, Dr. Weiner and Zoe dive into meaningful topics, from celebrating non-scale victories to understanding the limits of BMI and exposing the troubling influence of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on healthcare costs. This engaging episode not only informs listeners about these issues but also empowers them to advocate for a better, patient-centered healthcare system.

    Celebrating Non-Scale Victories on Your Weight Loss Journey

    Weight loss is about more than numbers on the scale, and non-scale victories (NSVs) are a powerful reminder of the progress often missed. Dr. Weiner and Zoe discuss these achievements, which include everything from improvements in flexibility to walking up stairs without fatigue. Zoe suggests keeping a running list of NSVs to stay motivated, especially during weight loss stalls. This practice can give you a balanced perspective on success, showing that even small victories matter. Tracking NSVs is a great way to remember that you’re moving forward, even when the scale doesn’t reflect it​​.

    The Limits of BMI as a Health Measure

    The Body Mass Index (BMI) has been widely used to assess health, but it’s far from perfect. Dr. Weiner and Zoe critique the BMI’s shortcomings, explaining how this 200-year-old formula, which simply compares weight to height, fails to account for muscle mass, body composition, and other essential factors. Dr. Weiner points out that BMI often mislabels individuals, especially those with high muscle mass, as “overweight.” They discuss alternatives, like the Body Roundness Index (BRI), that consider waist and hip measurements, offering a more nuanced health picture. Dr. Weiner underscores the importance of moving beyond BMI and adopting more accurate, holistic measures​​.

    Pharmacy Benefit Managers: Putting Profits Over Patients

    In their discussion on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), Dr. Weiner and Zoe reveal how these intermediaries have shifted from helping lower drug prices to prioritizing profits. PBMs now control nearly 80% of pharmacy claims, often inflating prices to serve their bottom line. For example, PBMs have been known to hike up the cost of drugs like Zytiga from a wholesale price of $229 to as high as $6,000, placing a heavy burden on patients and taxpayers. Dr. Weiner argues that PBMs’ monopolistic practices highlight the urgent need for more transparency and regulation in healthcare. By better understanding the role PBMs play, patients can advocate for policies to lower drug costs and improve access to care​​​.

    How to Advocate for a Patient-Centered Healthcare System

    In the final segment, Dr. Weiner and Zoe encourage listeners to take an active role in changing healthcare. They urge you to research healthcare legislation, support representatives pushing for lower drug prices, and vote for candidates focused on putting patients over profits. Advocacy, they emphasize, is essential for reforming healthcare to make it more accessible and affordable for everyone​​.

    Episode Takeaways

    This episode tackles the critical issues of weight loss success, BMI’s limitations, and the role of PBMs, leaving listeners with actionable steps to navigate the healthcare system and celebrate their own achievements. Episode 53 of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast is a must-listen for those interested in health reform, practical weight loss advice, and a more compassionate approach to healthcare.

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Choose Your Hard
    Nov 19 2024

    In Episode 52 of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast, we delve into Vanessa Ruiz’s (@myvanety) personal and transformative journey with sleeve gastrectomy, her experiences with body dysmorphia, and her decision to include compounded semaglutide in her weight management plan. Her story provides insight into the challenges many face with obesity treatment and the importance of the “Choose Your Hard” mindset.

    Vanessa’s Journey to Sleeve Gastrectomy

    Vanessa grew up struggling with weight, influenced by family dynamics and cultural pressures around food. In her 20s, life changes, depression, and a PCOS diagnosis caused further weight gain, prompting her to pursue a sleeve gastrectomy in Mexico. Despite undergoing the surgery during the pandemic and navigating limited post-op care, she took her recovery into her own hands by researching and preparing herself, leading to successful early results.

    The Role of Compounded Semaglutide in Long-Term Success

    Three years post-op, Vanessa began to experience weight regain—a common hurdle for many sleeve gastrectomy patients. Compounded semaglutide, a variation of GLP-1 medication, became essential in helping her control food noise and support her appetite regulation, enhancing the long-term success of her sleeve gastrectomy. This medication, while not a replacement for lifestyle changes, provided Vanessa with the support to maintain her achievements, highlighting its importance in post-surgical weight management.

    Navigating Body Dysmorphia After Weight Loss

    A surprising challenge for Vanessa was body dysmorphia, a disconnect between her physical transformation and her self-perception. Despite her progress, Vanessa struggled to see herself as others did, facing persistent negative perceptions about her appearance. Therapy and mindfulness practices proved valuable in helping her manage these emotional hurdles, emphasizing the importance of psychological preparation for those undergoing significant weight loss.

    Advice from Vanessa: “Choose Your Hard”

    Vanessa’s motto, “Choose Your Hard,” speaks to the importance of making difficult but rewarding choices. She shares how the challenges of surgery, weight regain, and mental health management all contribute to a healthier life—a difficult but preferable alternative to the hardships of obesity. Her message encourages listeners to face the tough journey with resilience, as the outcome is worth the struggle.

    Building Community and Support

    Vanessa’s story also highlights the critical role of community support. By connecting with others facing similar experiences, she found encouragement to push through both the successes and setbacks.

    Final Thoughts: Empowering Yourself for Sustainable Health

    Vanessa’s journey offers a realistic look at the emotional and physical dedication needed to achieve weight loss success after a sleeve gastrectomy. For those managing body dysmorphia, considering GLP-1 medications like compounded semaglutide, or simply seeking encouragement, her story is a testament to the power of determination and the strength that comes from “Choosing Your Hard.”

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins

What listeners say about The Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.