In this lively and inspiring episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya take the podcast to the kitchen for the very first time! From sweet cravings to savory creations, they share their favorite high-protein chaffle recipes using Devotion Nutrition protein powder—perfect for anyone on a weight loss journey looking to enjoy food without guilt.

But it’s not just about food. The duo dives into real talk about weight loss surgery, skin removal, GLP-1 medications, and why everyone’s transformation path is valid. They share raw personal stories, tackle common misconceptions, and celebrate the mindset shifts that have allowed them to break free from “food noise” and emotional eating. Plus, they reveal their latest obsessions—from protein-packed drinks to makeup must-haves.

Whether you're navigating your own health journey or just want an easy, delicious recipe to fuel your day, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and empowerment.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why GLP-1s like Ozempic are tools—not shortcuts—for long-term wellness
• Making high-protein chaffles (sweet & savory) with Devotion Nutrition
• Emotional eating, body image, and building food freedom
• Realities of weight loss surgery, transformation, and social media judgment
• Favorite high-protein snacks, flavored waters, and beauty products
• Why mindset matters more than the number on the scale

Products Mentioned:

• Devotion Nutrition Protein Powders & Skinny Syrups
• American Dream Nut Butter – Use code TONYA10 or TransformingTeresaMarie to save
• Dr. Smith’s Protein Water, Nüri Shakes, Zero Sugar Sunkist
• Ulta Duo Lip Liner in “Showdown,” Laura Geller, and Polite Society makeup

Follow & Connect:
🎙 Follow Transform Your Life Podcast on Instagram: @transformyourlifepodcast
💪 Follow Tonya: @takingmylifebackat42
🌟 Follow Teresa: @transformingteresamarie | TikTok: @transformingteresamarie

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In this heartfelt episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya sit down with Mannie Stewart—a powerhouse in the weight loss community whose incredible journey from 406 pounds to marathon runner is both raw and deeply inspiring. Mannie shares how childhood trauma shaped her relationship with food, how she found the courage to pursue bariatric surgery, and why her transformation has been far from linear.

With honesty and vulnerability, Mannie opens up about emotional eating, dealing with post-op complications, and navigating life as a mother, wife, and runner. She explains how movement became her therapy and running became her revolution—showing that healing isn’t just physical, but mental and emotional, too.

Mannie’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. Whether you’re facing your first walk around the block or recovering from surgery, this episode will move you to take the next brave step.

Key Topics Covered:

• How childhood trauma can influence weight and self-worth
• The realities of weight loss surgery and the journey beyond the "honeymoon phase"
• What it’s like to run 50 miles a week—and how it became her mental health anchor
• Navigating complications and setbacks with plastic surgery
• Embracing vulnerability and finding purpose through community
• The difference between existing and truly living

Devotion Protein Powder - Use TONYA or Teresa to save on your order

American Dream Nut Butter - Use code TONYA10 or TransformingTeresaMarie to save on your order.

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya reflect on how their lives have changed—mentally, emotionally, and physically—through their weight loss journey. They share how growing up in toxic households shaped their early mindset, leading to self-neglect, negative thinking, and the habit of blaming others. At the time, they were simply going through the motions of life, without truly living.

They open up about the power of mindset and how thoughts fuel feelings and actions. They describe their pre-surgery routines—ignoring hunger cues, overeating in secret, avoiding movement, and placing themselves last. Now, their lives are centered around intentional self-care, walking, connecting with loved ones, and finding daily joy. They explain how even small changes in movement and thinking helped them regain control of their health and happiness. Most importantly, they recognized that they had to change—not their circumstances or the people around them.

Key Topics Covered:

• Breaking cycles of negativity and reclaiming your mindset
• What self-care looked like before vs. after weight loss
• Learning to recognize hunger cues and eat in moderation
• How movement evolved from pain to empowerment
• Letting go of blame and owning your transformation
• Why intentional living matters more than perfection

Tune in to hear how Teresa and Tonya redefined their lives—and how you can too—one thought, one step, and one choice at a time.

Devotion Protein Powder - Use TONYA or Teresa to save on your order

American Dream Nut Butter - Use code TONYA10 or TransformingTeresaMarie to save on your order.

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya share what listeners can expect from the podcast—and how they’re creating the supportive space they wish they had at the start of their own weight loss journeys. They open up about shifting mindsets around transformation, including their evolving views on plastic surgery and self-image.They dive into how weight loss comes in seasons, how their diets and goals have changed, and why it’s okay to grow into or out of different approaches. 

Teresa and Tonya also discuss how vulnerable the weight loss community can be to trends, companies, and social pressure, and why it’s essential to protect your journey. They share encouragement for anyone struggling with setbacks, reminding listeners that gaining weight doesn’t mean starting over—you never go back to zero, and sometimes you may not be your smallest, but you’ll feel your best. Looking ahead, they share their hopes to bring the community together through future events and gatherings.

Key Topics Covered:

• Creating a weight loss community that supports real change
• Evolving views on plastic surgery and transformation
• How diet trends and mindset shifts shape your journey
• Avoiding exploitation in the weight loss space
• Why weight gain isn’t a reset—and how progress looks different for everyone
• The power of not giving up and honoring your growth

Tune in to hear Teresa and Tonya’s honest take on transformation, growth, and building a judgment-free space for long-term success.

Devotion Protein Powder - Use TONYA or Teresa to save on your order

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya are joined by Sheri Arcuria to discuss her lifelong weight loss journey. Sheri opens up about struggling with her weight since childhood, being diagnosed with health issues, and making the life-changing decision to undergo bariatric surgery. Feeling isolated before surgery, she started a blog to connect with others and later turned her experiences into a book, Unzipped.

Sheri shares the mindset behind her brand MOBA, which encourages people to overcome setbacks and take control of their lives. They emphasize the importance of positive thinking, staying present, and rejecting the all-or-nothing mentality often seen in weight loss culture. Sheri also discusses her upcoming book, Blindsided.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why she chose bariatric surgery and how it changed her life
• Starting a blog and writing Unzipped to help others
• The mindset behind MOBA and building mental resilience
• How to stay motivated through small wins and community support
• Letting go of the all-or-nothing approach in weight loss

Tune in to hear Sheri’s powerful story of resilience, transformation, and turning personal challenges into a movement of support and empowerment.

Follow Sheri Arcuria:
Instagram @sheri.moba and @unzipped_thebook
Facebook: UnzippedTheBook
MOBA: https://www.mobamentality.com/
Podcast: Unzipped with Sheri
Book: Unzipped

Devotion Protein Powder - Use TONYA or Teresa to save on your order
American Dream Nut Butter - Use code TONYA10 or TransformingTeresaMarie to save on your order.

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya talk with Stephanie from Bariatric Warrior. They start out with trending topics in the weight loss world, including changes with the Mel and Kel podcast, Jenna Bariatric Bestie, Meeting Mannie, and their departure from Pop Recovery Systems. Stephanie shares where she started, where she is now, and how she became the Bariatric Warrior. She opens up about living with gastroparesis, gaining weight from steroids, undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, and experiencing complications that led to a revision—along with the serious health challenges that followed.

She explains how feeling alone and struggling to find information online inspired her to speak openly on social media about the good, the bad, and the ugly of bariatric surgery. They discuss the power of sharing personal stories to help others feel less isolated. Stephanie also highlights how not everyone has the same experience and why it’s important to offer balanced perspectives. She talks about co-hosting the Bariatric Warrior Podcast and joins in on rapid-fire questions covering topics like odd weight loss surgery comments, favorite foods, and current obsessions from clothes to carbs.

Key Topics Covered:

• Stephanie’s journey through gastroparesis, weight gain, and bariatric surgery
• The health complications that led to a revision
• How loneliness sparked her online advocacy
• Why sharing personal stories helps others feel seen
• Co-hosting the Bariatric Warrior Podcast
• Rapid-fire insights on food, fashion, and post-op life

Tune in to hear Stephanie’s inspiring story of resilience, transformation, and using her voice to support others on their weight loss journey.

Follow Stephanie:
Podcast: Bariatric Warrior Podcast
Instagram: @bariatricwarrior
TikTok: @bariatricwarrior

Devotion Protein Powder - Use TONYA or Teresa to save on your order

American Dream Nut Butter - Use code TONYA10 or TransformingTeresaMarie to save on your order

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya dive into their favorite things—from drinks and snacks to clothing and skincare. They start with beverages, sharing thoughts on caffeine, Hydro Flex flavors from Devotion, and their go-to picks. Protein remains a non-negotiable, and Teresa explains how she turns protein powder into pudding. They also share creative ways to use chocolate bars in desserts like s’mores and muffins.

They highlight their favorite protein powders for cooking, especially the sweet and savory options from Devotion used in recipes like chaffles. They talk about their top kitchen tools—like mini waffle makers and rice cookers—for portion control, and their favorite shapewear, shoes (both athletic and casual), and skincare products. From snacks like popcorn and bars to American Dream Nut Butter blends, they offer ideas to help you stay on track. They wrap up by emphasizing how understanding where you are in your weight loss journey can make these tools even more empowering.

Key Topics Covered:

• Favorite drinks and how to count caffeine
• Devotion Protein products and recipes
• Creative ways to use chocolate bars in desserts
• Favorite kitchen tools for portion control
• Best shapewear, skincare, and footwear
• Top high-protein snacks and how they fit their routine
• Using favorites as tools on your weight loss journey

Tune in to hear Teresa and Tonya’s must-haves that support sustainable, empowered living throughout your transformation journey.

Devotion Protein Powder - Use TONYA or Teresa to save on your order

American Dream Nut Butter - Use code TONYA10 or TransformingTeresaMarie to save on your order

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya discuss the emotional weight that often lingers long after physical weight is lost. They share their experiences of being labeled "the fat one" and how those past feelings continue to shape their self-image. They emphasize the importance of inner work, recognizing that self-worth isn't defined by your reflection, but by your mindset. Teresa and Tonya remind listeners that we are often our own harshest critics, fixating on flaws that no one else notices.

They also reflect on how insecurities—like fearing clothes won't fit or hesitating to be in photos—can persist even after weight loss. They stress the power of documenting your journey through photos, not only to celebrate transformation but also as a tool for shifting perspective and emotional healing. Ultimately, they explore how their weight loss journeys have influenced their views on clothing, family memories, and self-acceptance.

Key Topics Covered:

• The lasting impact of being labeled "the fat one"
• Why your reflection doesn’t define your worth
• Body image struggles during and after weight loss
• The emotional challenge of taking progress photos
• Letting go of “skinny” labels and embracing self-acceptance
• How past experiences with family shape current insecurities

Tune in to hear Teresa and Tonya’s honest and powerful insights on redefining self-worth and embracing your journey—inside and out.

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya share how their weight loss journey has transformed the way they approach meals, organize their kitchen, and create a supportive environment for healthy living. They open up about their mindset shifts around food, breaking free from the “all or nothing” mentality, and how to make healthy eating sustainable without giving up the meals you love. They also reveal exciting plans to bring their podcast into the kitchen and show how real change happens through preparation and intention.

From grocery shopping and meal planning to balancing different dietary needs with their families, Teresa and Tonya give practical tips on how to make weight loss work in everyday life. They reflect on how much money they used to spend on fast food and how being intentional in the kitchen now saves both their health and budget. The conversation also covers how to handle negative comments from others when making healthier choices and the importance of staying grounded in your goals.

Key Topics Covered:

• Shifting your mindset around food and weight loss
• Making healthy eating sustainable without restriction
• Meal planning, grocery shopping, and prepping basics
• Cooking for yourself when your family eats differently
• Saving money by ditching fast food habits
• Handling criticism when you share your healthy choices

Tune in to hear Teresa and Tonya’s empowering advice for building a kitchen—and mindset—that supports long-term transformation!

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya reflect on their shared weight loss journeys, with a special focus on Teresa’s recent wedding. Teresa opens up about how her transformation allowed her to experience things she once thought impossible, like wedding dress shopping and marrying the love of her life. She shares the emotional journey of planning her wedding and the profound impact her weight loss had on her ability to fully embrace these milestones.

They also discuss how tasks like traveling, packing, and even sleeping in a hotel bed were once challenging but are now possible thanks to their weight loss transformations. The episode highlights the supportive relationship between Teresa and Tonya, showing the power of friendship and support through life’s biggest moments.

Key Topics Covered:

• Teresa’s wedding journey and the impact of weight loss
• Overcoming physical challenges after weight loss
• The emotional transformation that comes with achieving weight loss goals
• How a supportive friendship makes all the difference
• Celebrating milestones and new beginnings after transformation

Tune in to hear Teresa and Tonya’s inspiring insights on how weight loss can transform not just your body, but your entire life!

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya dive deep into the emotional and mental pressures of a weight loss journey. They share their experiences with keeping their weight loss private, the fear of regaining weight, and the challenges of maintaining their new lifestyle. They discuss the impact of eating and hydration routines, especially in social settings, and how they navigate dining out while staying on track.

They also open up about transfer addiction—how their relationship with food shifted to shopping, kitchen gadgets, and even healthy food items. Beyond personal struggles, Teresa and Tonya highlight the positive ripple effect their transformation has had on their families and loved ones, proving that change goes far beyond just physical appearance.

Key Topics Covered:

• The emotional weight of keeping weight loss a secret
• Fear of weight regain and body image concerns
• Managing eating and hydration routines in social settings
• Transfer addiction: shifting from food to other habits
• How personal transformation impacts family and loved ones

Tune in to hear Teresa and Tonya’s powerful insights on navigating the ups and downs of a weight loss journey!

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya open up about the fear of missing out and how their weight loss journey changed everything. They share personal stories of skipping family events, struggling with accessibility, and feeling held back by their size. From avoiding amusement parks to missing out on dating, they reveal how losing weight allowed them to fully participate in life again.

They discuss the mental and emotional shifts that came with weight loss, from no longer overcompensating for their size to feeling more at ease in social situations. They also highlight how their perspective has changed, making them more mindful of others who may still be struggling with similar challenges.

Key Topics Covered:

• The emotional impact of missing out due to weight struggles
• How weight loss transformed their ability to participate in life
• Overcoming social anxieties tied to size and accessibility
• The mental and emotional shifts after weight loss
• Becoming more mindful of others on their own journeys

Tune in to hear Teresa and Tonya’s powerful insights on reclaiming life and embracing new experiences!

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya open up about their struggles with portion control before and after bariatric surgery. They share how emotional eating led them to overconsume food, often feeling defensive when others commented on their portions. They discuss the challenges of hiding their eating habits and not recognizing fullness, which contributed to their weight struggles.

They reveal the steps they took to regain control, from identifying binge eating patterns to gradually cutting out fast food, juice, and soda. Teresa and Tonya also emphasize the importance of healing emotional eating and being mindful of portions. They share practical strategies like using smaller plates and silverware, measuring food, and having healthy substitutes on hand. 

Key Topics Covered:

• Recognizing emotional eating triggers
• Practical steps to control portion sizes
• The role of mindful eating in long-term weight loss
• Tips for creating a supportive food environment
• Why portion control is a gradual process

Tune in to learn how small, sustainable changes can make a lasting impact on your weight loss journey!

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya share essential tips on how to dress for every stage of your weight loss journey. Whether you're just starting, actively losing weight, or maintaining your results, they offer practical advice to help you feel confident and stylish as your body changes.

They discuss the struggles of dressing while morbidly obese, including limited fashion options and shopping in the men’s section. They offer practical tips on choosing clothes that flatter your changing body, navigating fitting rooms with confidence, and avoiding overspending on clothes that won’t fit as your body continues to transform. Plus, they highlight how the fashion industry has evolved, making it easier to find stylish plus-size clothing.

Key Topics Covered:

• The evolution of plus-size fashion 
• How to dress confidently before, during, and after weight loss
• Smart shopping tips: finding the right size and avoiding unnecessary spending
• The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone with fashion
• How to make shopping an empowering and enjoyable experience

No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, this episode will help you navigate fashion with confidence! Tune in now for expert styling tips and motivation.

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya dive into the powerful transformations they've experienced through their weight loss journeys, focusing on how their hair and makeup routines have evolved. Tonya shares her journey with trichotillomania, hair loss, and the effects of weight-loss surgery on her hair, and how discovering hair toppers helped her regain confidence. Teresa shares how her own weight loss journey led her to embrace new hair care practices, cutting her hair differently, and adopting new beauty routines.

They discuss the challenges of hair loss post-weight loss surgery and share effective tips for managing it, including minimizing heat styling and experimenting with fresh haircuts. Teresa also talks about how skin removal surgery inspired her to change her hair color as part of her transformation. From skincare to makeup, they reflect on how their beauty habits have shifted as part of their ongoing personal transformations.

Key Topics Covered:

• Weight loss journey and hair transformations
• Overcoming hair loss challenges after weight-loss surgery
• Tonya's experience with trichotillomania and discovering hair toppers
• Beauty and self-care changes post-weight loss
• Tips for managing hair loss and maintaining healthy hair
• How weight-loss surgery inspired confidence through hair and makeup

Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation on navigating your weight loss journey and embracing transformation through hair, makeup, and self-care.

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya discuss the impact of social media and the weight loss community. They explore how it can be a source of motivation and support but also create unrealistic expectations when people only share their successes. They emphasize the importance of using social media wisely to stay inspired without falling into the trap of comparison.

Teresa and Tonya also touch on the drama in weight loss meetups and why they choose to avoid them. They highlight the importance of setting boundaries, following positive influences, and protecting your peace both online and offline. They remind listeners that influencers share a curated version of their lives—not the full reality.

Lastly, they examine the downsides of social media, including fad diets and unrealistic standards, while encouraging a balanced, sustainable approach to weight loss. They offer practical tips on surrounding yourself with positivity, following value-aligned accounts, and seeking professional support for long-term success.

Key Topics Covered:

• How social media can provide motivation and accountability
• The dangers of comparison, unrealistic expectations, and filtered success stories
• Why Teresa and Tonya avoid weight loss meetups
• Understanding that influencers present a personality, not the full reality
• The importance of balance, sustainability, and aligning your weight loss goals with your lifestyle
• Following positive, value-aligned accounts and seeking professional support when needed

Whether you're looking for realistic strategies, motivation, or ways to stay mentally strong, this episode will help you navigate social media in a way that empowers your progress. Tune in for an insightful discussion on achieving long-term weight loss success while protecting your peace!

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya explore the emotional journey of weight loss, discussing how society’s treatment of them changed after weight loss surgery. Before their weight loss journeys, they avoided attention and preferred to stay invisible, but now they feel empowered to be themselves and open up to the world.

The hosts dive into the concept of skinny privilege, examining how society often equates being slim with being “normal.” They share personal stories of body shaming and discuss how society’s obsession with thinness often leads to judgment and discrimination against those who don't fit this narrow standard. From middle school to the workplace, Teresa and Tonya reflect on the hurtful experiences of being shamed by strangers and even co-workers.

Now, after their weight loss surgery, they’re treated very differently. While the attention feels empowering, it also disgusts them that they were previously ignored and ridiculed. They touch on how their weight loss has led them to be more selective with friendships, recognizing how drastically their treatment has changed post-surgery.

Key Topics Covered:

• The emotional impact of a significant weight loss journey
• Skinny privilege: How society views those who are thin versus those who are not
• Body shaming: Personal stories of bullying in school and at work
• The transformation in social interactions after weight loss surgery
• Navigating friendships and relationships post-weight loss

Tune in to hear Teresa and Tonya’s honest conversation about body shaming, weight loss surgery, and how losing weight impacted their lives, both physically and emotionally.

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Tonya and Teresa discuss how to choose the right weight loss plan for your unique journey. Whether you’re preparing for weight loss surgery or navigating your ongoing weight loss journey, selecting a sustainable plan is essential. They explore why it’s crucial to stick to a weight loss plan that aligns with your body, metabolism, and long-term goals.

Weight loss isn’t just about quick fixes—it’s about achieving lasting results that work for you. Since everyone’s body is different, a custom plan is key to finding what truly supports your weight loss success. In this episode, they dive into the mindset behind weight loss, addressing nutrition, the harmful effects of diet culture, and why sustainable weight loss takes time.

Tonya and Teresa emphasize that weight loss isn’t just about the dramatic before-and-after photos—it’s a process, and there’s an important “in-between” phase that’s often overlooked. This is where the real transformation occurs, and a balanced diet is the secret to maintaining those results.

If you're ready to start your weight loss journey or create a plan that works for you, tune in to this empowering episode now!

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya are joined by special guest Dana Lynn Kaye, owner of Devotion Nutrition, a multi-use protein powder brand created to help others transform their relationship with food. Dana discusses when she gave Teresa and Tonya an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of her manufacturing facility, where they experienced the excitement of packaging products, shipping orders, and seeing real-time sales.

They dive into the importance of treating employees like friends to boost morale and reward hard work. The conversation also explores working with content creators and influencers, including Devotion Nutrition’s partnership with Teresa and Tonya.

Dana shares why Devotion Nutrition’s protein powder is perfect for post-weight-loss surgery patients: it’s packed with protein but requires low volume, making it easy to mix into foods like puddings—and it tastes better than most! They also discuss how choosing the right products can help heal a toxic relationship with food, turning it into one of balance and nourishment.

Follow Dana on Instagram here: @danalynnkaye

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In this episode, Teresa and Tonya discuss overcoming their “inner fat brain” after weight loss surgery. They dive into the mental health challenges many face, such as food cravings, emotional eating, and the constant battle between wanting to maintain weight loss success and falling back into old habits. The episode explores practical strategies to manage the intrusive thoughts that can sabotage your progress and hinder your long-term weight loss goals.

Learn how to build a resilient mindset, stay focused on your wellness journey, and conquer the emotional struggles that often come with weight loss surgery. Teresa and Tonya share personal stories, expert tips, and actionable advice to help you navigate the mental hurdles post-surgery. Don’t let intrusive thoughts take over—take control and achieve lasting success on your weight loss journey.

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In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya are joined by special guest Tiffany Fawn, who shares the shocking story of her weight loss journey and a surgery gone wrong in Mexico. Tiffany traveled to Tijuana for an RNY gastric bypass surgery, a life-changing procedure she hoped would jumpstart her transformation. However, from the very beginning, the experience was filled with red flags, leading to complications that required revision surgery in the United States.

Tiffany opens up about the risks of undergoing weight loss surgery abroad and the dangerous realities of medical tourism. She discusses how she navigated this difficult journey and ultimately found the right care in the U.S. to complete her weight loss transformation. Together with Teresa and Tonya, they dive into the importance of research, the challenges of skin removal surgery after significant weight loss, and advice for others considering weight loss surgery abroad.

Key Topics Covered:

• Tiffany’s weight loss journey and her experience with surgery in Tijuana
• The risks of medical tourism and having weight loss surgery overseas
• The importance of choosing safe, reliable surgeons for weight loss and skin removal surgery
• Tiffany’s path to revision surgery in the United States and successful weight loss results
• Advice for those considering weight loss surgery or skin removal surgery abroad
• Tips for anyone facing the challenges of excess skin after significant weight loss

Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that highlights the dangers of weight loss surgery abroad, the importance of post-surgery care, and the process of skin removal surgery after dramatic weight loss. Tiffany’s story will provide crucial insights for anyone on their weight loss journey or considering surgery as part of their transformation.

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In this powerful episode of Transform Your Life, Tonya and Teresa reflect on the incredible changes they’ve experienced in 2024 through their weight loss surgery journeys. They share how their transformation wasn’t just about losing pounds but about shedding a sedentary lifestyle, self-doubt, anxiety, and fatigue. Through weight loss surgery, they let go of the emotional and physical burdens that once held them back.

But what they gained is just as important—confidence, new memories with loved ones, and a renewed sense of purpose. They emphasize that success is not defined by the number on the scale but by the life you build through the journey. Your worth goes beyond any number.

Tonya and Teresa also encourage listeners to embrace transformation on their own timeline. You don’t need to wait for the New Year to start a new chapter—lasting change can begin whenever you’re ready. They offer inspiration and practical tips on how to continue transforming your life in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’ve had weight loss surgery or are considering it, this episode will motivate you to focus on what really matters—your health, happiness, and self-worth.

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Join Teresa and Tonya as they welcome Mel and Kel, hosts of Our Sleeved Life Podcast, for an empowering discussion about weight loss surgery, friendship, and building community.

Mel shares her experience of being almost 10 years post-op from her first weight loss surgery, the sleeve bypass, while Kel opens up about overcoming autoimmune diseases, weight gain, and the challenges of regaining her health after being bedridden. Together, they reveal how their shared struggles inspired them to create a podcast that educates and supports others on their weight loss journeys.

Discover the inspiration behind the JBY (Just Be You) Awards, a celebration of inclusivity and encouragement within the weight loss surgery community. Mel and Kel discuss how a difficult experience with a company led to the creation of these awards, which focus on uplifting others and fostering a positive, non-competitive environment.

Key Topics Covered:

• Weight loss surgery journeys: Mel’s sleeve bypass and Kel’s autoimmune challenges
• The importance of friendship and community in overcoming insecurities, bad days, and mental health struggles
• The pros and cons of sharing your weight loss journey publicly on social media
• How the JBY Awards celebrate and empower the weight loss surgery community

Whether you’re considering weight loss surgery or seeking support on your journey, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration to embrace your transformation.

Just Be You Awards: https://www.jbyawards.com/
Our Sleeved Life podcast: https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/

Mel Gottfried (@pearlsandvans.vsg)

Kellie Lynn Wilson (@sleevedfromtheashes)

Follow Transform Your Life Podcast on Instagram @transformyourlifepodcast

Follow Tonya on Instagram @takingmylifebackat42

Follow Teresa on Instagram @transformingteresamarie and Tiktok @transformingteresamarie

In this episode of Transform Your Life, Teresa and Tonya have an eye-opening conversation about the impact of beauty standards on weight loss journeys and how they affect our daily lives. From a young age, we are bombarded with unrealistic expectations surrounding weight, body image, and beauty. This episode delves into why these standards can be toxic to our mental health and weight loss efforts.

Discover how beauty norms influence our culture, weight loss goals, and the way we view ourselves. Teresa and Tonya reflect on their childhood experiences, sharing how they were outcasted for being overweight and how that shaped their self-esteem and journey to healthier living. They discuss who they looked up to for beauty and how their parents and teachers influenced their understanding of beauty standards during that time.

Key Topics Covered:

• The impact of beauty standards on mental well-being, weight loss journeys, and self-esteem
• How cultural "norms" shape our perceptions of beauty from a young age
• Personal stories of being outcasted for body size, and the lasting effects on weight loss and self-worth
• The immense pressure children face to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals and how it affects long-term health
• Tonya’s powerful story about bullying in her town and why schools need to take a stronger stance against bullying

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the pressures surrounding beauty standards, the impact on weight loss journeys, and the importance of fostering self-acceptance. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the need for change and empowers you to embrace your unique beauty and progress on your weight loss journey.

Follow Transform Your Life Podcast on Instagram @transformyourlifepodcast

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Follow Teresa on Instagram @transformingteresamarie and Tiktok @transformingteresamarie

In today’s episode of Transform Your Life, Tonya and Teresa tackle the important topic of weight regain after weight loss surgery, a natural part of the journey for many. They share their personal experiences with weight loss and the inevitable fluctuations that can follow. It’s common to fear gaining weight back after achieving your goals, but understanding that this fluctuation is normal can help ease that anxiety.

The hosts discuss strategies for preventing negative self-talk when experiencing weight regain and provide actionable tips on how to navigate moments when the scale doesn’t reflect your efforts, even with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They emphasize the importance of breaking old habits to prevent further weight gain and highlight how having a strong support system can make a difference during this challenging phase.

It’s important to recognize that experiencing weight regain doesn’t diminish your ability to advocate for others on their weight loss journeys. Acknowledging and addressing these challenges is key, and after significant weight loss, you develop a new mindset that prioritizes health and motivation to shed any regained weight. Remember, everyone is doing their best in the battle against obesity, and it’s crucial to embrace your beauty, regardless of what the scale indicates.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that reinforces the message that your journey is valid, and you are not alone.

Follow Transform Your Life Podcast on Instagram @transformyourlifepodcast

Follow Tonya on Instagram @takingmylifebackat42

Follow Teresa on Instagram @transformingteresamarie and Tiktok @transformingteresamarie