Surgery realities, exercise habits, and mental resilience | LifeLONG

In tonight's episode, Ethan sits down with content creator Dez Mize to unpack her incredible 160-pound bariatric weight loss journey. From being diagnosed with hypothyroidism as a child and trying countless diets, to facing a turning point at Disneyland at 298 pounds, Dez candidly shares the struggles that led her to choose gastric bypass surgery. They go beyond the physical transformation to explore the mental health challenges of overcoming secret self-hate and shifting internal dialogue. If you're looking for honest insights about weight loss surgery recovery, dealing with loose skin, or how to love yourself at every stage of your health journey, this is the episode for you.

(00:00) Intro

(02:38) Childhood Hypothyroidism Diagnosis and Extracurricular Activities

(04:30) The Struggle for Self Acceptance

(07:17) Finding Confidence and Modeling Plus Size Fashion

(10:37) A Childhood of Dieting and SlimFast

(12:14) The Rollercoaster Incident at Disneyland

(14:49) Choosing Weight Loss Surgery

(18:24) The Strict Gastric Bypass Diet

(20:27) Navigating the Mental Aspects of Eating

(22:30) Acid Reflux and Vagus Nerve Complications

(29:43) Hitting Goal Weight and Losing Blood During Surgery