Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast

Jacqui Lewis
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS
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On the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, we share tips, insights and recommendations from leading Bariatric specialists to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals and live a life of health and vitality. Qualified Nutritionist Jacqui Lewis and her guests dive into aspects of diet, fitness, wellbeing, mindset and lifestyle that come together to achieve great results on your Weight Loss Surgery journey.

  1. GLP-1s Aren't Magic Pills—Here's Why You Need More Than Just the Injection with Dr. Mais Hussein

    5D AGO

    GLP-1s Aren't Magic Pills—Here's Why You Need More Than Just the Injection with Dr. Mais Hussein

    What if everything you've been told about willpower and weight loss is wrong? Obesity Specialist GP and dietitian Dr. Mais Hussein reveals why obesity isn't a character flaw—it's a chronic disease driven by over 100 hunger hormones working against you. We explore why GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are powerful tools, not magic fixes, and what happens when people use them without proper nutritional support. Dr. Mais breaks down the three critical pathways GLP-1s work on—inflammation, hunger suppression, and food addiction—and why pairing them with resistance training and adequate protein is non-negotiable. She shares why eating very little is actually your worst enemy, how emotional eating is a symptom, and what post-bariatric patients need to know about long-term support. If you've been stuck in the diet-shame-motivation cycle or wondering whether GLP-1s are right for you, this conversation offers a science-backed path forward that treats obesity as the treatable chronic disease it actually is.   Episode Highlights: Why GLP-1s are tools, not solutions—and what happens when used without lifestyle support The three pathways GLP-1s work on: inflammation, hunger hormones, and reward systems Why muscle loss is inevitable with any weight loss method—and how to prevent it How hunger levels differ between people with and without obesity Why "eat less, move more" fails when you're fighting 100 hormones The shocking truth about food addiction and emotional eating What bariatric surgery patients need to know about lifelong vulnerability About Our Guest: Dr Mais Hussein is a medical doctor with 16 years of experience and an obesity specialist for the past 3 years, with a strong background in nutrition and lifestyle medicine. She works at the intersection of medicine, metabolism, and real life , translating complex clinical frameworks into practical, sustainable strategies. Her upcoming program, Weight Loss & Beyond, is designed to move people past generic advice and endless trial-and-error, offering evidence-based guidance without extremes, shame, or quick fixes — focusing on long-term health, not just the number on the scale.   Connect with Dr. Mais Hussein Website | www.weightlossandbeyond.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min
  2. Why Bariatric Vitamins Are Non-Negotiable: A Lifelong Commitment to Your Health with Kate Fuss

    FEB 19

    Why Bariatric Vitamins Are Non-Negotiable: A Lifelong Commitment to Your Health with Kate Fuss

    You take your vitamins religiously for the first year after surgery, your labs look fine, so you stop. What could go wrong? Kate Fuss, Physician Assistant-Certified and founder of Banana Bariatrics, has watched patients arrive at clinics unable to walk straight down the hallway, their teeth cracking, skin deteriorating—all because they believed vitamins were temporary.  In this episode, she reveals why your "normal" lab results might be hiding serious deficiencies, what irreversible brain damage from thiamine deficiency actually looks like, and why your body will break down your bones before letting your calcium levels drop. She also shares myths that leave patients vulnerable years after surgery. Kate explains why eating healthy will never be enough, how to spot vitamin deficiencies before they become emergencies, and why one patient's hair loss was actually the least of her problems.  If you've ever thought "my calcium is always normal" means you could skip supplements, or wondered why you're exhausted despite eating well, this episode could prevent serious complications. $1 for a week trial membership Episode Highlights: Why "normal" lab ranges don't tell the whole story for bariatric patients The two-week thiamine window that separates prevention from brain damage How your body sacrifices bone health to maintain blood calcium levels Warning signs of vitamin deficiency that mimic other conditions Why malabsorptive procedures require different supplementation than gastric sleeve The real cost of skipping vitamins: from hospital admissions to irreversible damage About Our Guest: Kate Fuss, PA-C is a Surgical Residency trained Physician Assistant from Yale / Norwalk hospitals in Connecticut. She obtained her Masters of Medical Science at Wake Forest School of Medicine in NC. Kate has over 12 years of clinical and operative experience in Bariatrics, General, and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. She additional obtained a Board Certification as a Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management. Her passion lies in serving weight loss surgery patients throughout their entire operative journey. She carries a special interest in serving those struggling with post-operative weight regain and believes in a whole foods nutritional approach for overall health and wellness. When Kate has extra time on her hands, she enjoys pouring it inside Banana, being present with her two daughters and husband, and traveling the world with her family to experience new cultures and cuisines.   Connect with Kate Fuss Website | bananabariatrics.com Instagram | @banana.bariatrics Facebook | www.facebook.com/groups/bariatricweightlosssurgery Providers | bananabariatrics.com/private-practice/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    55 min
  3. Your Period Is Trying to Tell You Something with Lara Briden

    FEB 6

    Your Period Is Trying to Tell You Something with Lara Briden

    What if the pain, heavy bleeding, and chaos you've accepted as "normal" isn't normal at all? Naturopath and author Lara Briden reveals why your menstrual cycle is the most underrated health report card you'll ever get—and what it's actually telling you about insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic health. We explore why hormonal birth control isn't regulating your period (it's suppressing it), how dairy might be the key to lighter, pain-free cycles, and why perimenopause doesn't have to be the health crisis it's become. Lara walks us through the hidden metabolic consequences of decades on the pill, the real drivers behind PCOS and endometriosis, and practical strategies that actually work—from antihistamines to magnesium to simply quitting alcohol during perimenopause.  If you've been told your symptoms are "just hormones" or that you need to live with the pain, this conversation offers a different path forward.   Lara Briden's Books Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods Hormone Repair Manual: Every Woman's Guide to Healthy Hormones After 40 The Metabolism Reset VIDEO: The Hidden Story of Endometriosis: Pain, Lesions, and the Microbiome Episode Highlights: Why pill bleeds aren't real periods—and what that means for long-term health How to tell if you're actually ovulating and why it matters beyond fertility The link between dairy, histamine, and heavy, painful periods What normal menstrual flow actually looks like—and when to seek help Why hormonal birth control may be undermining metabolic health Practical strategies for navigating perimenopause without losing your mind About Our Guest: Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and the bestselling author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and The Metabolism Reset. She has consulting rooms in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she treats women with PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and many other hormone- and period-related health problems.    Connect with Lara Briden Website | www.larabriden.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/LaraBriden X | @LaraBriden Instagram | @larabriden YouTube | www.youtube.com/larabriden TikTok | @larabriden See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 16m
  4. When Surgery Isn't Enough: Navigating Weight Loss with Chronic Illness with Alex Lauren

    JAN 22

    When Surgery Isn't Enough: Navigating Weight Loss with Chronic Illness with Alex Lauren

    What if the biggest obstacle after weight loss surgery isn't the stalls, the food aversions, or even the physical recovery—but the voice in your head? Alex Lauren takes us five months into her bariatric journey, beyond the highlight reel most people share online. She unpacks the hypercritical inner dialogue that emerged during her first stall, the unexpected ways her autoimmune condition shaped her approach to food and movement, and why preparation for surgery started eight months before she ever stepped into the operating room. This isn't another "I lost X kilos" story. Alex reveals how she used GLP-1 medication strategically before surgery, rebuilt her relationship with food through therapy and journaling, and learned to decenter weight loss when chronic pain demanded it. We explore the comparison trap that dominates bariatric communities, why vulnerability became her most powerful tool, and how showing up authentically online created connections she never knew she needed. If you've ever wondered what really happens when the scales don't move as expected, or how to navigate bariatric life when your body has its own rules, this conversation matters. Episode Highlights: Why the first weight loss stall hits harder psychologically than physically How intentional pre-surgery preparation shaped seamless post-op life Using bariatric surgery as a reset to identify autoimmune food triggers The hidden cost of comparison in Facebook groups and online communities Why expressing emotions replaced emotional eating Balancing chronic pain management with weight loss goals About Our Guest: Alexandra has just hit five months post-op following weight-loss surgery and shares her journey online with a strong focus on honesty, sustainability, and mindset. She lives with ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune condition, so her experience includes navigating surgery alongside chronic pain, inflammation, and medication, something that’s shaped her approach to both food and movement. Online, she creates engaging, no-shame content that focuses on building a healthy relationship with food, dismantling diet culture, and showing what real life after surgery actually looks like, not just the highlights.   If you need something shorter:  Alexandra is five months post-op and shares her weight-loss surgery journey online with an honest, no-shame approach. Living with ankylosing spondylitis, she speaks to the realities of balancing surgery, chronic illness, and mindset, while showing what real life after surgery looks like beyond the highlights   Connect with Alex Instagram: @keepingupwithalexlauren TikTok: @keepingupwithalexlauren See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    52 min
  5. Why Weighing Patients Isn't as Simple as We Think with Dr. Cal Paterson

    11/14/2025

    Why Weighing Patients Isn't as Simple as We Think with Dr. Cal Paterson

    What if the simple act of stepping on the scales is doing more harm than good? Dr. Cal Paterson challenges something we've all accepted as routine: weighing patients. We explore why weight and obesity aren't the same thing, how the scales have become a measure of worth rather than health, and why this seemingly innocent medical procedure deserves far more thought than it gets. Cal walks us through the changing landscape of obesity medicine, where patients with lived experience now sit on panels alongside doctors, and where the conversation is shifting from "what do you weigh?" to "how are you living?" We discuss the collision of the eating disorder and obesity worlds, the problems with BMI as our go-to measure, and why grip strength might tell us more about health than a number on the scales ever could. If you've ever felt that tightness in your chest before a weigh-in, or watched a patient's face fall when they see the number, this conversation matters. Dr Cal Paterson has shared some additional materials: Cal will be hosting a webinar for IFSO later this month on the role of psychology in obesity surgery across the Asia-Pacific region. Details: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4_1X1jtQTO6fug9OjMVRPA#/registration Cal’s paper will be published in the Journal of Public Health Ethics in the new year. Journal link: https://academic.oup.com/phe   Episode Highlights: Why weight and obesity are two completely different things How weighing functions as a medical procedure that requires consent and care The role shame and stigma play in perpetuating poor health outcomes Why doctors rarely define success by weight, yet it dominates consultations Alternative ways to measure health and progress What patients can actually control versus what they're blamed for About Our Guest: Dr Cal Paterson is a clinical psychologist working in Sydney. He has practiced as a clinician, teacher, and consultant in mental and chronic health since 1997. Cal has presented papers and workshops on obesity care, eating disorders, and behaviour change in Australia and internationally. Cal completed a Clinical Psychology Doctorate in 2007 with the acceptance of his thesis titled “Great Expectations; Applying common factors theory to practice in treatment for Anxiety and Depression." He is a founding member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association, and Vice-chair of the Integrated Health committee of the International Federation of Surgery and other Therapies for Obesity Asia-Pacific chapter. Cal is the author of papers and book chapters on topics ranging from child development, to CBT, to the role of placebo in psychology treatment. He most recently had a discussion paper accepted for publication by the Journal of Public Health Ethics, titled: “Should Weight be Given Less Weight in Obesity?”   Connect with Dr. Cal Paterson LinkedIn | https://au.linkedin.com/in/cal-paterson-19891b26 X (Twitter) @obesitypsych See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
  6. Testing Your Metabolism: The Missing Piece in Weight Management with John Wright

    10/30/2025

    Testing Your Metabolism: The Missing Piece in Weight Management with John Wright

    What if you could stop guessing what works for your body and actually see what's happening inside? John Wright from Metabolic Health Solutions joins me to talk about something we don't discuss enough: metabolism and how it actually works. We dig into why the number on the scale doesn't tell us much about our health, and how testing your metabolism gives you real information you can use. John explains what his ECAL technology measures, how it works, and why knowing how your body uses oxygen and produces carbon dioxide matters more than you might think. We talk about muscle mass, why protein matters, the role of alcohol in weight management, and how personalized data can help you make better choices instead of trying every diet that worked for someone else. If you're tired of stabbing around in the dark with your weight loss efforts, this episode offers a different way forward.  John has shared some additional materials: Check your metabolism with MHS for Patients: www.MHS.clinic A White Paper on Indirect Calorimetry with GLP-1RA therapeutics A summary paper on METS_iQ as a companion diagnostic for GLP-1 optimisation* Episode Highlights: What metabolism is and why it matters more than weight How ECAL technology measures your body's fuel use Where fat goes when you lose it Why carbohydrate intake affects fat burning The role of muscle mass in metabolic rate Movement versus structured exercise Why personalized data helps with adherence and outcomes About Our Guest: John Wright is a global healthcare business manager with considerable leadership, business development and strategic management experience in startups, SMEs, and multi-billion-dollar corporations. He has also led the development of clinical trial and regulatory teams in therapeutic areas including oncology, respiratory diseases, and metabolic disorders. John built, grew, and exited a global clinical health data business to NYSE listed Rogers Corporation. During this time, he led the team to develop the first 3 physician real time training portals including programs for the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society for Medical Oncology. John is the co-founder of Metabolic Health Solutions Pty Ltd, a device and digital health company focused on delivering evidence based clinical solutions for weight and associated metabolic health. Connect with Metabolic Health Solutions: Facebook: Metabolic Health Solutions LinkedIn: Metabolic Health Solutions Connect with John Wright Facebook: John Wright LinkedIn: John Wright See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    53 min
  7. The Truth About GLP-1 Medications and Bariatric Surgery with Melissa Beitner

    10/17/2025

    The Truth About GLP-1 Medications and Bariatric Surgery with Melissa Beitner

    Dr. Melissa Beitner, a bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist who brings a comprehensive understanding of both surgical and medical weight loss treatments. Her work at 360Surgical reflects a multidisciplinary approach to treating obesity as the chronic disease it is. In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of obesity treatment, from understanding who qualifies for GLP-1 medications versus bariatric surgery, to what happens when treatments are combined or used sequentially. We discuss the reality of insufficient weight loss, weight recurrence, and why some patients might need surgery after medications or vice versa. We cover emerging research, including studies on weight maintenance after GLP-1 discontinuation, and why bariatric surgery might be considered as a weight maintenance strategy rather than just a weight loss tool. We also touch on the importance of multidisciplinary care, nutritional considerations for long-term medication use, and how financial factors influence treatment decisions. Listen to this episode to understand how modern obesity treatment is moving away from either-or decisions toward integrated approaches that consider each person's unique circumstances, goals, and health needs. Episode Highlights: Who qualifies for GLP-1 medications versus bariatric surgery BMI and comorbidity requirements for each treatment option Why obesity medications aren't routinely used before surgery Using medications after surgery for insufficient weight loss or weight recurrence Bariatric surgery as a weight maintenance strategy after medications Why weight cycling harms metabolism and causes muscle loss Future treatments including multi-agonist drugs and endoscopic options Nutritional concerns for long-term GLP-1 use Financial comparison between ongoing medications and one-time surgery The importance of multidisciplinary care in treating obesity as a chronic disease About Our Guest: Dr. Melissa Beitner is a fellowship trained bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist. She is the founder of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary weight management clinic called 360 SURGERY where she helps patients with evidence-based surgical and non-surgical weight management solutions in a supportive, judgement free environment here in Melbourne. After completing medical school at The University of Melbourne, she undertook general surgery training at New York University followed by fellowships in bariatric surgery and minimally invasive surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York as well as in Brisbane and Sydney. She is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.  Connect with Melissa Beitner Instagram | @360surgery Facebook | www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088496901783 TikTok | @drweightlossmelbourne Website | www.360surgery.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
  8. Why Women Need Financial Control with Melissa Meagher

    10/06/2025

    Why Women Need Financial Control with Melissa Meagher

    Why do successful women still struggle with money decisions, even when they have the knowledge and resources to make better choices? The answer often lies not in their bank accounts, but in the stories they tell themselves about money. Melissa Meagher spent over 20 years in finance working as a financial planner, stockbroker, and seminar delivery specialist before discovering that technical knowledge alone doesn't solve money problems. In this episode, she shares how she combined traditional financial planning with money story work after realizing her own limiting beliefs were sabotaging her business. Melissa explains why money beliefs form before age seven, how these show up in adult relationships and career decisions, and shares a powerful story about a client who couldn't buy herself an Apple Watch due to childhood trauma. She also explores the physical stress of financial worry, why money creates "mental gymnastics," and how understanding your money story can free up mental space for better decisions. Listen in to discover how money work goes far beyond budgeting and why addressing both the practical and emotional sides of finance can transform more than just your bank balance. Melissa’s Retreat & Special Offers Melissa is also hosting an incredible Retreat designed to help people reset, reconnect, and step fully into their abundance. Retreat Details & Tickets: Click here - they have a special offer ongoing. Bring a friend and both pay half price…so 2 for 1! Buy a ticket between midnight Wednesday and midnight Friday and receive a free 1:1 follow-up session with Melissa valued at $500. Melissa is also offering our listeners a complimentary 3-/0-minute Discovery Call. Book your session here: Discovery Call. Episode Highlights: The difference between knowing financial facts and having a healthy relationship with money How money beliefs form by age seven through family conversations  Workplace challenges women face in the financial industries How societal expectations around women and money create additional barriers. The connection between personal worth and money decisions How addressing personal money issues impacts children and future generations Examples of how to teach financial skills to young people. About Our Guest: Melissa has had over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry - working previously as a financial planner, stockbroker and seminar delivery specialist across a broad range of employers – from the big guys to the smaller boutique firms.  Then around 10 years ago Melissa had a realisation…a realisation that she was a non-conformist and never really fitted into the box of being employed (think star fish formation!) She knew there was something more for her She knew that she definitely didn’t want to be employed anymore And she knew she wanted to be 100% available for her young children So, Melissa consolidated all her amazing knowledge and experience around money and finances coupled with her deep desire to help and support people and created her own Money Coaching business called Talking Money! Talking Money is about transforming people’s lives; by providing the tools, support and framework to empower them to have clarity, awareness and efficiency around their money. To show motivated and dynamic individuals who are open and ready to claim their worth for ultimate financial independence, activating their abundance, freeing themselves from limiting beliefs and truly stepping into their power. Melissa’s Super-Power is public speaking. She has spoken extensively both in her own business and as a Guest Speaker (including Business Chicks) and has also been a contributor to various media outlets (including Marie Claire Australia). Melissa has been a member of the Financial Planning Association since 1997. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Diploma of Financial Planning, and is a Certified Financial Planner (non-practicing) Melissa likes to keep fit and healthy and enjoys spending time with her two children Olivia and Lachlan. Good company, food and wine are essential!   Connect with Melissa Meagher Website | https://melissameagher.com.au LinkedIn | https://au.linkedin.com/in/talkingmoney Facebook | www.facebook.com/talkingmoneyaus Instagram | @melissa_talkingmoney See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
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About

On the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, we share tips, insights and recommendations from leading Bariatric specialists to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals and live a life of health and vitality. Qualified Nutritionist Jacqui Lewis and her guests dive into aspects of diet, fitness, wellbeing, mindset and lifestyle that come together to achieve great results on your Weight Loss Surgery journey.

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