Spicy Fat is a new podcast hosted by Psychotherapist, Sexologist, best-selling author and international speaker, Carlen Costa. A recent weight-loss surgery reversal uncovered her late diagnosed ADHD and sent her on a journey of radical self-love. This sparked Carlen’s mission; to help other women entering their 40s better understand their bodies, brains, and hearts. With new episodes every other Thursday, Carlen will cover a variety of topics including but not limited to mental health, relationships, body image, and alternative medicine. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts!
*Disclaimer* This episode touches on the subject of a near-death experience and disordered eating related to weight loss surgery, and I am a psychotherapist. In no way is this health advice for anyone, I am simply sharing my story. Consult with your healthcare team if you’re looking for advice regarding these topics. Listener discretion is advised.
In this episode, Carlen Costa shares her personal experience as the ‘fat kid’ and her decision to undergo laparoscopic gastric band surgery. She discusses the process and risks of the surgery, as well as the emotional and physical challenges she faced afterwards. Finally, she shares her journey to removing the lap band and finding a much happier ending to her story. Carlen also talks about the guilt she felt watching others struggle with the same procedure, the changes in her eating habits, and the impact on her body image and self-acceptance. She shares the health complications she experienced, the traumatic experience of hospitalization, and her journey of healing and self-discovery. Carlen discusses her ADHD diagnosis, embracing herself, and advocating for others. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of choosing oneself and finding happiness.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
05:27 The Decision to Have Weight Loss Surgery
08:36 The Process and Risks of Laparoscopic Gastric Band Surgery
23:07 The Dark Side of Weight Loss Surgery
27:57 The Journey to Removing the Lap Band
31:44 The Concerns of Others
32:18 Reconciling Being Fat or Being Dead
33:06 Long-Term Results of Gastric Banding
33:49 Guilt and Watching Others Struggle
35:06 Changed Eating Habits
36:19 Body Image and Self-Acceptance
37:18 Health Complications and Hospitalization
38:30 Traumatic Experience and Recovery
39:08 Choosing Happiness and Self-Love
39:22 The Journey After Surgery
42:47 Shutting Out the Noise and Healing
43:17 Discovering ADHD and Embracing Self
44:44 Feeling Lighter and Reconnecting with Self
45:20 Anger and Healing Betrayal
46:21 Journey of Self-Discovery
47:20 Advocating for Others
48:09 Choosing Oneself and Finding Happiness
49:43 ADHD Diagnosis and Advocacy
50:03 Embracing ADHD and Personal Growth
51:16 Podcast Disclaimer
Works Cited
Canada, Obesity. “Bariatric Surgery.” Obesity Canada, obesitycanada.ca/managing-obesity/bariatric-surgery/.
Pearce, Nicole. “Connected 2020: Perspective on Living with Obesity.” Obesity Canada, 28 Aug. 2020, obesitycanada.ca/oc-news/connected-2020-perspective-on-living-with-obesity/. Accessed 3 Mar. 2024.
Public. “Obesity in Canada - Canada.ca.” Canada.ca, 2011, www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/healthy-living/obesity-canada.html.
Watch episodes bi-weekly on Youtube
Listen:
https://www.spicyfat.com/
https://www.carlencosta.com/spicyfatpodcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wlKK514aHpwvry5qWTK8I?si=e75ab25065b24e77
Produced by: Sarah Burke, The Women in Media Network
https://www.womeninmedia.network/
