VSG Tea with Sammi and Bre

Two weeks into her sleeve gastrectomy, your girl Bre is down 15.5 pounds! She joins Sammi for a tea and to share some post-op updates. Everybody’s experience of surgery is different, and Bre’s certainly had its ups and downs. Overall, it was definitely a win, though and she is hopeful for more positive stuff in the weeks to come. Stay tuned for more updates! 

“Get some real problems!” That’s what many people would say whenever someone obsesses about the little things in the way they look. But body dysmorphia is a real thing and it is a real problem that doesn’t just go away. In this episode, Sammi gets vulnerable about her experience with this beast and how it has affected her body image and confidence. Bre jumps in and shares some realizations of her own. Listen in and learn how these ladies get through it in the simplest yet most elegant way.

Anticipating your surgery can feel very overwhelming like you are just about to go off of a cliff. For those who are currently at this stage of their weight loss journey, know that you are not alone. In today's conversation, Bre, a pre-oper, talks to Sammi about her experience going to her operation and how she prepared for it. Join them here to learn more and find the hand-holding you need in this life-changing process. 

How do the five senses change after VSG surgery? Sammi and Bre go deep into the surprising changes that you may have to deal with after you’ve undergone the procedure. From less body odor to easier shaving, these things may come as a shock to you. They cap the conversation with a little discussion about body dysmorphia and the importance of loving yourself fully whether you’ve had surgery or not. For post-oppers out there, do these experiences resonate with you? Let Sammi and Bre know!

VSG Tea reaches its 25th episode! To celebrate this simple yet memorable milestone, Sammi and Bre bond together to recreate their first getting ready episode. Spending quality time over a vast array of cosmetic products, the girls share a relaxing session that gives a glimpse of how they start their days. Sammi also talks about that one fateful day when she met internet personality and makeup tutor Jaclyn Hill.

For post-operative moms, the biggest physical challenge they have to face is gaining weight. Sammi and Bre share their differing experiences on this matter. Bre, who is yet to have a child and dealing with PCOS, discusses her hopes and expectations as a future post-op mother. On the other hand, Sammi, who underwent weight-loss surgery when her daughter was already nine, looks forward to having another child soon and experiencing a baby bump, which she did not ever have.

If there’s one thing anyone would want out of plastic surgery, it’s that the end result must be perfect. Sammi shares how she dealt with a swollen stomach after a tummy tuck, as well as her plans for some upcoming procedures for her boobs and thighs. Bre also talks a bit about her experiences with liposuction and Botox, as well as the fillers she currently has.

Many believe that undergoing weight loss surgery will always boost self-confidence and provide a high level of satisfaction. Although this is true for most people, a few still have to face difficult inner challenges: body dysmorphia and weight loss stalls. Sammi and Bre explore these post-operative “complications” by looking back on how they approached and overcame their own stalls as well as the feedback they received from other individuals. They also underline how reaching out to doctors and undergoing therapies may help a lot in these circumstances, since such a phase is like going into a battle against yourself.

Relishing the results of a weight loss surgery is indeed one of a kind, but the feeling of anxiousness before the operation itself can be pretty hard to bear. To inspire weight loss preoperative folks dealing with the same nervousness, Bre shares her own story before undergoing vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Together with Sammi, a fellow post-operative, she discusses how she got into the proper pre-surgical mindset by researching the specifics of the operation and turning to her online followers for support.

What is it like to have your period after VSG? Many women who have undergone the procedure have shared the same experience which can be a bit scary, to be honest. Bre joins Sammi in this episode to talk about her own experience with this. They also talk about post-operative hair loss and share some tips and best practices to deal with it.

You can’t expect to know everything before going on to your VSG surgery, and some unexpected things may just surprise you once you’re there. From burping to sleeping difficulties, you have to be prepared to deal with a bunch of stuff that will sneak up on you. Sammi and Bre join each other for tea and to share their lists of the top three things they wish they had known before surgery. Everyone’s experience is different, of course, but there are some commonalities. What are your three things? Listen in and share yours with the hosts!

Your fitness goals will just remain a punchline in your to-do list if you will never work on them. This is what professional trainer Michelle Farraj advocates through her personalized fitness program. She sits down with Sammi and Bre to share how her own weight loss and workout journey impacted her dating life, diet, inner peace, mentality, and overall self-esteem. She also looks back on how her childhood full of trials and challenges pushed her to search for a better version of herself. Furthermore, Michelle discusses the strategies she follows as an Instagram influencer and how interested parties can use her business website, Micho Fit, to connect with her.

There's always that comfort in knowing that there are people out there who have been through the things you want to do or have been in. In journeys such as taking that VSG procedure, it can be especially affirming to find those who can hold your hand along the way. In this episode, Sammi and Bre let you deeper into their lives as they introduce themselves. Get to know these two amazing women through some of their experiences growing up and more.

The decision to undergo a weight loss surgery, or any surgery for that matter, is not an easy one. Before it all, many go through a number of fears first, losing sleep thinking of what-ifs. If you are feeling all these jitters, then you are not alone. Sammi and Bre talk about overcoming these fears before you have surgery. They share their own experiences and spill some preparation tips to help you with yours.

Weight loss surgeries are usually the best solution for those who want to improve their physical appearance in the most convenient way, boosting self-esteem and confidence. With that in mind, maybe you are wondering how dating experiences typically go after undergoing such a huge lifestyle change. Post-operative and Math teacher Shannon Nichole Smith shares with Sammi and Bre how VSG brought her dating to exciting new heights where she experienced less ghosting, though she still decides to remain single to enjoy the bachelorette life. She also explains how she does her meal prep, which did not only allow her to start a healthier diet but also resulted in a huge TikTok boom and a future eBook.

People can be the worst when it comes to weight, but it’s just the world we live in. For those on the receiving end of the abuse however, it can affect their whole outlook towards, relationships, dating and even socializing in general. In this emotional conversation, Sammi and Bre share their experiences of how people treated them before their weight loss journey and how that changed after weight loss surgery. Have you had any of the same experiences? Chime right in and be vulnerable with Sammi and Bre.

If you’re on the pre-operative side of VSG, you most probably have a lot of questions on your mind that only those who have come out of the other side of the operating table can answer. If you’re curious about these burning questions, then you’re in for a treat. Listen in as Sammi, the post-op girl, answers burning questions from Bre, the pre-op girl. Your questions might come up here as well so stay tuned!

Many of us are looking for that magical solution to lose weight. Try as we may be, we just end up having to inch our way towards our goals, taking longer than we would like. Sammi, on the other hand, lost 200 pounds in just thirteen months. But contrary to what we’re thinking, her journey to weight loss is nothing short of a nightmare. Together with Bre in this episode, she opens up on how she truly lived and took off the weight post-surgery. She offers some word of advice and what to avoid so the same thing won’t happen to you.

What should bariatric eating look like? There is no definitive answer to this as each individual’s journey in weight loss surgery is bound to be unique. Some people might prefer the keto diet, while others would prefer intuitive eating. As a dietitian who has undergone bariatric surgery herself, Jamie Mills respects this individuality but also gets honest about what should really matter when it comes to weight loss. Join in as she speaks with Sammi and Bre on the show to share her thoughts about the different post-operative diet choices and which among them works best for her. She also introduces The TRIBE, a membership program that helps the weight loss surgery community exchange knowledge and support each other in many positive ways. Learn how you can sign up for this wonderful community initiative.

People have misconceptions about plastic surgery. But if it makes you feel good, then wear them loud and proud! Are you thinking of having some procedures? Sammi and Bre let you in on their experiences in this tea party episode! Sammi shows you her tummy tuck and arm lift procedures while Bre shares her experience lipo. They also discuss the world’s beauty standards, the era they grew up in that affect their view about beauty, and how they have learned to accept their imperfections, reminding us that each of our beauty is perfect.

Getting through your VSG done is one thing; seeing people after that weight loss surgery is another. How do you react? What do you tell them? In this episode, Sammi and Bre answer these questions as they share their experiences going to social events post-op. They also tackle the question of doing it the natural way and offer some tips on dealing with others, being conscious about eating in during these public occasions, and more.

Should you do vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery (VSG) or gastric bypass? In this tea party, Sammi and Bre discuss why they chose the former, even when the latter allows you to lose more weight. They also let us in on what they brought in their hospital bag and what they can and can’t eat after surgery.

Deciding to have a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) can be daunting. Offering you some hand-holding as you prepare for that or even recover, Sammi and Bre welcome you to the VSG Tea with Sammi and Bre podcast! In this pilot episode, they each share their own stories and backgrounds—from how they met each other to deciding to go into surgery. They also give their takes around mental health, the amazing community they are in, hair loss, and more. Sammi is a pre-oper, and Bre, a post-oper. With both of their perspectives combined, they provide great insights into the world of VSG. Join their Tea Parties every week as they answer some of your curious questions!

Welcome to VSG Tea with Sammi and Bre! Join these two beautiful post-operatives talk about Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, a surgery that helps promote weight loss. Besides sharing their journey in achieving their ideal form and appearance, they also go deep into everything VSG-related. Sammi and Bre give a taste of what's about to come in the next episodes as they talk about the impact of VSG on their dating experiences and self-confidence, their life within the BBW community, and how they relate themselves to people who choose to lose weight through natural techniques.