On this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, hosts Laura and Dr. Eric Smith are joined by special guest Maddie Allen to discuss her inspiring health transformation through bariatric surgery and weight loss. Maddie shares her lifelong struggle with obesity and her numerous failed attempts at dieting. At 28 years old, weighing 338 pounds, she realized she needed to make a life-changing decision or face the possibility that her parents would outlive her. After exploring her options, she decided to undergo bariatric bypass surgery—a transformative experience she calls the best decision of her life.

Maddie opens up about her post-surgery complications and the emotional ups and downs of her weight loss journey. She began sharing her story online, offering an authentic look into her challenges and successes to inspire others considering weight loss surgery or struggling with obesity. Maddie's transparency about her real-life experiences, rather than a curated image, has resonated with many.

She also discusses other medical challenges she faced after her surgery, including a diagnosis of collagenous colitis. Initially, doctors wrongly attributed her severe diarrhea and other symptoms to her bariatric surgery, a common occurrence due to the lack of understanding about weight loss surgery among some healthcare providers. Maddie persisted in seeking medical help, eventually being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and dangerously low phosphorus levels. With the correct diagnosis, she received the proper treatment and now advocates for others to take control of their health, particularly when undergoing procedures like bariatric surgery or plastic surgery for excess skin removal after significant weight loss.

This episode sheds light on the importance of bariatric surgery as a tool for weight loss and transformation, as well as the need for ongoing medical support and advocacy in post-surgical care.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.
Follow Laura Alexis on Instagram and visit poprecoverysystems.com for more.

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Dr. Eric Smith takes on the role of interviewer, sitting down with his co-host, Laura Alexis, to explore how they became the dynamic duo they are today. Laura shares the most impactful experiences from her youth that shaped her into the person she is now, including her role as a caregiver to her family and friends, which influenced her path to becoming the CEO of Pop Recovery Systems (Patients Over Profits).

Laura opens up about her difficult teenage years, becoming emancipated at 16 through marriage to focus on her financial independence. She recounts her move to New York to pursue her musical ambitions, her transition into sales in Virginia, and eventually continuing her career in Mexico. They talk about the importance of motivation and perseverance when making life changes.

Laura also reflects on a turning point in her life—when she was imprisoned in Mexico for the wrong reasons. Though it was a dark time, it became the catalyst for her getting sober and ultimately founding Pop Recovery Systems. Additionally, she shares her personal journey with plastic surgery in 2020, the emotional struggles that followed, and how it all fueled her passion for building a support system for others.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.
Follow Laura Alexis on Instagram and visit poprecoverysystems.com for more.

Welcome to the first official episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, hosted by Laura Alexis, CEO of Pop Recovery, and her co-host, Dr. Eric Smith, a renowned surgeon and National Leader in Robotic Bariatric Surgery. In this episode, Laura interviews Dr. Smith, diving into his journey to becoming a surgeon. Dr. Smith shares how he always knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue surgery. They discuss his academic path, from pre-med through medical school, including his experience at an isolated medical school in West Virginia, where he benefited from extensive one-on-one time with professors and early patient interactions.

Dr. Smith reflects on his first surgical rotation, learning valuable lessons from a strict but supportive mentor. He opens up about the pivotal moment when he had to choose between heart surgery and bariatric surgery, and why he ultimately chose weight loss surgery.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Dr. Smith discusses the challenges and growth opportunities that come with his career, balancing his professional aspirations with his personal life. He highlights the importance of continuous improvement as a surgeon and shares insights into how his career led him to appear on the TV show 1,000-Lb. Sisters.

Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more.

Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more.