Core Bariatrics

Send a text Has "food noise" ever kept you up at night? In this eye-opening episode of the Core Bariatrics Podcast, we explore the pervasive issue of constant food thoughts and how they can impact your daily life and mental health. We also delve into practical solutions, highlighting medications like Contrave that can help manage food noise effectively, and discuss how to handle those pe...

Send a text Embark on an enlightening journey with Dr. Ian Soriano, UCSF's head of robotic surgery, as he unveils his continuous quest for excellence in both the medical field and personal growth. Our recent conversation illuminates the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, exemplified by both Dr. Soriano and even Tammie. Their stories serve as a beacon, guiding us thro...

Send a text Imagine being dismissed by your healthcare provider, told that your choice for bariatric surgery is unnecessary and lazy. This is a reality many face, and in this episode of the Core Bariatrics Podcast, Tammie reads a message that dives into a listener's disheartening experience and examine the critical misconceptions that persist around bariatric surgery. Hear firsthand why infor...

Send a text Discover the profound insights of Dr. Shauna Levy, the trailblazing Chief of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Tulane University, as she joins us to discuss the complexities and triumphs in the fight against obesity. In an intimate conversation, Dr. Levy unveils her journey from an aspiring pediatrician to a pioneer in bariatric surgery, her advocacy for insurance coverage fo...

Send a text Have you ever struggled with the balance between savoring life's journey and maintaining your health on the road? That's the tightrope we walk in our latest episode, where we share tales from our medical conference adventure in Cleveland, and the attendant challenges of eating post-bariatric surgery. Our conversation takes flight with the introduction of Bari Buddy, the AI as...

Send a text Unlock the secrets to successfully navigating revisional bariatric surgery as we invite Dr. Francesca Dimou, a pioneering Bariatric and General Surgeon with a talent for robotic procedures, to illuminate the complexities of this life-altering medical journey. Transitioning into a new chapter at USF and Tampa General Hospital, Dr. Francesca Dimou outlines the essential steps she takes i...

Send a text Ever been caught off-guard by the silent but deadly post-op enemy, constipation? We're cracking open a dialogue on this hushed subject, revealing why that first post-surgery toot matters more than you might think! Join us as we dissect the ins and outs of keeping things moving smoothly after surgery. With a blend of our own tales from the trenches and expert clinical advice, we&ap...

Send a text Unlock the secrets of a good night's sleep and its profound impact on weight management with sleep medicine wizard Dr. Ethan Emmons. Our latest episode traverses the shadowy links between sleep disorders like apnea and weight gain, especially in the bariatric world. Dr. Emmonss, with his rich background in pulmonary and critical care, decodes the body's adrenaline-laced respo...

Send a text Join e Dr. Maria Iliakova and Tammie Lakose, as they delve into the intricate web of factors that shape our weight. From genetics to the hustle of daily life, they explore the complex influences on what we eat and how it affects our weight. Forget the age-old advice of "eat less, move more"—their discussion will lead you on a journey through the often-overlooked aspects of we...

Send a text Embark on a scientific odyssey with us as we reveal the hidden ties between our genetic blueprints and the scales. With expertise in molecular biology and genetics, Dr. Iliakova dives into the nuanced interplay between DNA and obesity, breaking down myths and simplifying science. Discover rare genetic syndromes and their surprising implications for our understanding of weight regulatio...

Send a text Embark on an emotional voyage with us as we explore the intricate world of bariatric surgery and the heartfelt journeys of those who traverse it. Tammie who is both a bariatric coordinator and a patient herself, provides an insider's look at the tangled web of feelings and fears that patients face, emphasizing the critical need for a compassionate healthcare environment. We delve...

Send a text Ever felt a chill after a hearty salad, or craved Brussels sprouts wrapped in bacon? That's the kind of unexpected shift in appetite and body temperature regulation Maria and Tammie are talking about on this episode, where they peel back the curtain on the life-altering journey of bariatric surgery. Their conversation serves up the raw, unspoken truths about post-op life, includin...

Send a text When a fellow physician's offhand remark about obesity struck a nerve, it brought home the reality of the insensitivity that pervades our medical community. It's discussions like this that Tammie and Maria tackle head-on, breaking down the complexities of weight management far beyond the oversimplified calories in versus calories out. Their conversation sheds light on the mul...

Send a text Discover the transformative power of bariatric surgery with Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Sara Monfared in a conversation that could forever alter your view of obesity and its treatment. Dr. Monfared passionately articulates her path to specializing in this life-changing field, emphasizing the urgent need to reframe obesity as a chronic disease rather than a personal failing. By intertwi...

Send a text Have you ever felt like a caterpillar emerging from a cocoon, stepping into a world where you're seen in a whole new light? That's exactly where Tammie's journey took her after bariatric surgery, and in our latest episode, she opens up about the intricate dance of self-confidence and societal perceptions. Dr. Maria Iliakova and Tammie Lakose peel back the layers of what...

Send a text Have you ever tiptoed around a conversation, feeling the weight of words unsaid? This week, we wade into the complexities of discussing bariatric surgery, sharing stories that resonate with the need for empathy and understanding in these intimate dialogues. Reflecting on an encounter that struck a nerve, we dissect the nuances of suggesting such personal medical decisions. It's a...

Send a text Are you ready to revolutionize your understanding of bariatric surgery? Prepare to have your misconceptions shattered and witness the unveiling of the metabolic miracle. Dr. Maria Iliakova, alongside Tammie Lakose, navigates the transformative journey that bariatric patients undertake. It's not a mere alteration of stomach size - it's a full-body metamorphosis. From discussin...

Send a text Have you ever wondered how a simple cup can become your ally on a transformational journey? Join Tammie as she shares the hydration hacks that are crucial for anyone navigating life after bariatric surgery. In the intimate setting of our latest episode, Tammie opens up about her go-to tools for keeping hydrated, including the versatile Stanley cup, chic Brumate, and the tech-savvy Hydr...

Send a text This week we welcome Brittany Lakose, Tammie’s sister-in-law and dear friend. During this episode she opened up about her bariatric surgery journey, the raw truths. This episode is a deep dive into her experiences, unearthing the profound mental and emotional transformations that accompany such an impactful physical change. Brittany's story illuminates the oft-ignored significance...

Send a text Have you ever thought that a little weight gain after bariatric surgery was a setback? Maria and Tammie are here to bust that myth wide open. Join them as they dissect the J-curve phenomenon and celebrate the body's quest for metabolic equilibrium post-surgery. No, it's not failure—it's science. And as they unpack the hormonal ballet that influences weight in both men an...

Send a text Dr. Maria Iliakova guides you through the bariatric surgery process, a transformative but complex journey that changes lives. You'll emerge from this episode with a clear roadmap of what lies ahead, including the financial considerations, insurance intricacies, and the essential medical and psychological evaluations that pave the way to the operating room. We promise to equip you...

Send a text In this episode, Tammie turns the tables on Maria, posing a series of insightful questions that illuminate key health topics for anyone navigating life post-op. Together, they delve deep into the critical vitamins necessary for optimal ongoing health, unpack the challenges of hypoglycemia—a hurdle for some individuals and explore the benefits and considerations of intermittent fasting....

Send a text Embarking on a journey through the entangled paths of obesity and reproductive health, we pulled back the curtain on a topic that affects millions yet often remains whispered about.  From fertility woes to the intricate dance of sexual wellness, our conversation illuminated the stark realities faced by individuals with a BMI over 30. Dr. Maria Iliakova and Tammie LaKose approach the de...

Send a text In this episode, Dr. Renee Hilton-Rowe steps in with a story that's as inspiring as it is impactful. Having witnessed the dire need for accessible bariatric care firsthand, she's turned personal challenges into a crusade for change. This episode is a journey into the heart of advocacy where you'll hear how Dr. Hilton-Rowe's unwavering dedication has paved the way fo...

Send a text Have you ever thought about the paradox of surgeries? Why would a life-saving procedure like bariatric surgery be shrouded in stigmas and misconceptions, while other complex surgeries, such as orthopedic ones, escape this judgment? This is the complex world we navigate in our latest episode, as we, your hosts Dr. Maria Iliakova and Tammie Lakose, challenge these misconceptions and stri...