Conquer Your Weight

Sarah Stombaugh, MD

Learn to understand your mind and body so you can achieve long term weight loss. For more information, please visit my website: www.sarahstombaughmd.com

  1. Oct 7

    Episode #194: Can You Breastfeed While Taking a GLP?

    Can you take a GLP-1 medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide while breastfeeding? For years, the answer has largely been an automatic “no,” but emerging research is making this conversation much more nuanced. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh discusses the newest data on GLP-1 medications and breastfeeding, including studies measuring semaglutide and tirzepatide directly in human breast milk. Semaglutide was not detected in the breast milk samples studied, while tirzepatide was undetectable in 164 of 171 samples, with only extremely small amounts detected in the remaining samples. Dr. Stombaugh also discusses why this conversation is about much more than postpartum weight loss. Women with obesity, prediabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes may spend pregnancy and potentially years of breastfeeding without treatment for a significant metabolic disease. At the same time, breastfeeding itself provides important benefits and may support postpartum metabolic health. Rather than asking women to choose between breastfeeding and treating their metabolic health, we need thoughtful shared decision-making that considers milk supply, infant age, maternal nutrition, breastfeeding goals, and the severity of the mother's metabolic disease. You'll also learn why adequate calories, hydration, and frequent milk removal are especially important when considering GLP-1 treatment during breastfeeding, why aggressive calorie restriction and ketogenic diets can be dangerous during lactation, and why oral and injectable GLP-1 medications shouldn't necessarily be treated the same way. Dr. Stombaugh shares how she approaches GLP-1 prescribing once breastfeeding and milk supply are well established and why she believes women deserve a more individualized conversation than simply being told these medications are off-limits. If you're breastfeeding and wondering whether restarting a GLP-1 could be appropriate for you, Dr. Stombaugh is accepting patients and would be happy to help you navigate that decision. Learn more about seeing Dr. Stombaugh as a patient at www.sarahstombaughmd.com

  2. Sep 30

    Episode #193: You Missed a Dose of Your GLP, Now What?

    Missing a dose of your GLP-1 medication happens. Maybe you're traveling and forgot your medication, your pharmacy can't get it in stock, insurance is delaying your refill, or you've been instructed to hold your medication for a surgery or procedure. Whatever the reason, one of the biggest questions is what to do next. Can you simply take your medication when you remember, or do you need to wait until your next scheduled dose? In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explains what happens when you miss a dose of a GLP-1 medication and why the length of time you've been off treatment matters. She discusses missed doses during travel, medication shortages, insurance delays, and interruptions surrounding surgery or procedures. She also explains what you might notice as the medication wears off, including changes in hunger, fullness, cravings, and food noise. Most importantly, Dr. Stombaugh answers the common question, "Can I restart at my old dose?" You'll learn why missing a single dose is very different from being off medication for several weeks, what factors your prescriber considers when deciding where to restart, and why jumping right back to your previous dose isn't always the best choice. If you've ever missed a dose or worried about an interruption in your GLP-1 treatment, this episode will help you understand what to expect and how to safely get back on track. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

  3. Sep 23

    Episode #192: Alcohol and GLP's: Why You Suddenly May Not Want to Drink

    Have you noticed that alcohol suddenly doesn’t sound as appealing since starting a GLP-1 medication? Maybe you used to look forward to a glass of wine at the end of the day, but now you barely think about it. Or perhaps you’ve tried drinking and discovered that you can’t finish your usual drink, or that alcohol leaves you feeling nauseated, overly full, or just plain awful. These are experiences I hear about frequently from patients taking medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, we’re talking about the relationship between GLP-1 medications and alcohol. We’ll explore why alcohol cravings may decrease, why some people suddenly lose interest in drinking altogether, and why alcohol may be harder to tolerate while taking these medications. We’ll also talk about the emerging research looking at GLP-1 medications and alcohol use, including the fascinating possibility that the same pathways that quiet “food noise” may also quiet what we might call “drinking noise.” Finally, we’ll answer one of the most common questions I hear: Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking a GLP-1 medication? We’ll discuss why there isn’t one answer that applies to everyone, what factors you should consider before drinking, and why your previous alcohol tolerance may not be the same after starting a GLP-1. Whether alcohol has completely lost its appeal or you’re simply wondering how an occasional drink fits into your treatment, this episode will help you understand what may be happening and what we’re learning about the broader effects of these medications on cravings and reward. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

  4. Sep 16

    Episode #191: When Will Your GLP Medication Start Working?

    One of the most common questions people ask when starting a GLP-1 medication is, “When will this start working?” Maybe you’ve taken your first injection and you’re still hungry, you’re still thinking about food, and you’re wondering whether that means the medication isn’t going to work for you. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explains why the first few days or weeks of treatment don’t necessarily predict your long-term response. We’ll talk about when you might start noticing appetite suppression, how changes in food noise can show up, and why some people feel a dramatic difference right away while others need more time or higher doses. We’ll also discuss why nausea and other side effects are not signs that the medication is “working,” and why the goal of treatment isn’t necessarily to eliminate hunger completely. Finally, we’ll tackle the comparison trap, especially when you see “super responders” online who seem to lose large amounts of weight almost immediately. You’ll learn why someone else’s first month tells you very little about what your own long-term results will look like, what signs can help you recognize that your medication is starting to work, and when it may be appropriate to talk with your doctor about whether your treatment plan needs to change. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

  5. Sep 9

    Episode #190: What to Do If Your Insurance Stops Covering Your GLP

    Losing insurance coverage for a weight loss medication that has been working can be incredibly frustrating. Maybe you were losing weight, experiencing less hunger and food noise, and finally feeling like you had found something that worked, only to learn that your insurance would no longer cover it. When stopping medication leads to increased hunger or weight regain, it can leave you wondering whether you should have ever started in the first place. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh discusses why insurance coverage for weight loss medications can change and what may happen when someone is forced to discontinue treatment. She explains why weight regain after stopping medication isn't a sign of failure and why losing access to an effective treatment doesn't erase the health improvements or progress you made while taking it. You'll also learn practical steps to take if you lose coverage, including understanding the reason for a denial, exploring the appeals process, investigating alternative medications or coverage options, and advocating for obesity treatment benefits. Losing access to the treatment you wanted can be discouraging, but it doesn't mean you're out of options or that starting treatment was a mistake. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

  6. Sep 2

    Episode #184: [Psychology of Weight Loss Mini-Series] All or Nothing Thinking

    Have you ever felt like one unhealthy meal, a missed workout, or a number on the scale completely derailed your weight loss journey? In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explores the common trap of all-or-nothing thinking and explains why this mindset keeps so many people stuck. Instead of viewing your choices as either perfect or failures, you'll learn how to embrace consistency, flexibility, and progress as the true keys to lasting success. Dr. Stombaugh discusses how all-or-nothing thinking shows up in everyday life, from overeating after a single indulgence to giving up on healthy habits after missing one workout or seeing the scale go up. She explains why our brains naturally fall into this pattern, how perfectionism and years of dieting reinforce it, and why sustainable weight loss requires a completely different approach. Most importantly, you'll walk away with practical strategies to recognize and overcome all-or-nothing thinking. Learn how to shift your focus to your next healthy choice, build resilience after setbacks, and stop letting one decision define your entire journey. If you're ready to replace perfection with consistency and finally make peace with the ups and downs of weight loss, this episode will give you the mindset tools to help you succeed for the long term. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We're now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you're looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

  7. Sep 2

    Episode #185: [Psychology of Weight Loss Mini-Series] Emotional Eating

    Emotional eating is something almost everyone experiences at some point, but it can become a major obstacle when you're trying to lose weight or build healthier habits. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explores why we often reach for food when we're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, lonely, bored, or even happy. You'll learn why emotional eating is not a sign of weakness or a lack of willpower, but rather a learned coping strategy that can be understood and changed with practice. Dr. Stombaugh explains the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger, including the clues that can help you recognize what your body is truly asking for. She also discusses why food provides temporary comfort by activating the brain's reward system, while leaving the underlying emotion unresolved. By learning to pause and identify what you really need in the moment, you can begin to respond with greater awareness instead of falling into automatic habits. Most importantly, this episode offers practical tools to help you build a healthier relationship with food and your emotions. Dr. Stombaugh shares strategies for expanding your coping toolbox, responding to setbacks with curiosity instead of guilt, and making intentional choices that support your long-term health. If emotional eating has ever left you feeling frustrated or stuck, this episode will help you better understand the pattern and give you hope that lasting change is possible. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We're now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you're looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

  8. Sep 2

    Episode #186: [Psychology of Weight Loss Mini-Series] Food Noise

    Do you ever feel like food is constantly on your mind? In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explains what people mean when they talk about "food noise" and why it is much more than simply thinking about your next meal. You'll learn how persistent thoughts about food can affect your daily life, why they happen, and why so many people feel relieved when those thoughts finally become quieter. Dr. Stombaugh explores the many factors that contribute to food noise, including hormones, dieting history, highly processed foods, habits, stress, and emotions. She also discusses why GLP-1 medications have helped so many people experience a reduction in food noise, while emphasizing that medication is only one of several tools that can support a healthier relationship with food. Whether you're taking a weight loss medication or not, this episode offers practical strategies to help reduce food noise and make eating feel less overwhelming. Dr. Stombaugh shares ways to improve satiety, reduce unnecessary food thoughts, and build habits that support long-term health. If you've ever wondered why food seems to occupy so much of your mental energy, this episode will help you better understand the biology behind it and remind you that you are not alone. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We're now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you're looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

4.9
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

Learn to understand your mind and body so you can achieve long term weight loss. For more information, please visit my website: www.sarahstombaughmd.com

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