In episode 43 of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Weiner and Zoe Schroeder, RD, dig into the key bariatric surgery weight loss factors and share insights on what really drives success after surgery. They also tackle some hot topics like the best diet for weight loss and how to manage malabsorption after bariatric surgery. If you’re wondering why some people lose more weight than others or how your diet can make or break your results, this episode is packed with answers.
Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Factors
Dr. Weiner kicks off by addressing a common misconception—many people think that weight loss after bariatric surgery is all about how hard you’re trying, but that’s only part of the equation. He emphasizes that there are multiple factors at play, including things you can’t control, like your age and gender. For instance, younger patients tend to lose more weight, and men generally lose more than women. Is that because men are better at following their post-op instructions? Of course not! It’s more complicated than that.
Diabetes also comes into play as a significant factor. People with diabetes often have higher insulin levels, which makes losing weight more challenging. However, Dr. Weiner explains that following the Metabolic Reset Diet can help manage or even reverse diabetes, making it easier for these patients to lose weight. He also points out that mobility issues and certain medications, like those used for mental health conditions, can slow down weight loss.
The Best Diet for Weight Loss
Zoe and Dr. Weiner spend a good chunk of time discussing the best diet for weight loss, and it all comes down to focusing on nutrient-dense foods. In their practice, they stress the importance of filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, beans, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds. According to Dr. Weiner, the fewer calories you get from processed foods, the better your results will be.
They talk about how weight loss isn’t about eating less; it’s about eating differently. Processed foods are loaded with “bad calories” that disrupt your metabolism, while nutrient-dense foods are low in calories but packed with the nutrients your body needs to function well. Dr. Weiner’s advice for measuring success is to track the ratio of “good” to “bad” calories in your diet, aiming to push as many of your daily calories as possible toward whole, unprocessed foods.
Malabsorption After Bariatric Surgery
A topic that often concerns patients is malabsorption after bariatric surgery, especially when it comes to nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Weiner explains that malabsorption can be an issue, particularly after procedures like a gastric bypass. This surgery alters the digestive system by bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine, which means some nutrients aren’t absorbed as efficiently.
Vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin B12 are often the most affected, but the good news is that patients can manage these deficiencies with the right supplements. Dr. Weiner and Zoe emphasize the importance of taking lifelong bariatric-specific vitamins and getting regular blood work to ensure you’re not falling behind on essential nutrients. They also note that with proper care, malabsorption after bariatric surgery doesn’t have to be a major issue.
Long-Term Success: It’s About More Than Surgery
While surgery plays a huge role in helping patients lose weight, Dr. Weiner and Zoe are quick to remind listeners that it’s not magic. Surgery lowers your metabolic setpoint, making it easier to lose weight, but long-term success depends on how well you embrace the lifestyle changes, particularly in your diet and exercise.
They also discuss combining bariatric surgery with GLP-1 medications, which can help reduce hunger and make it easier to stick to healthy eating habits. These medications work by lowering your body’s setpoint and reducing “food noise,” or the constant thoughts about eating that many people struggle with. Dr. Weiner mentions that while these medications can be incredibly effective, they need to be used consistently to maintain results. If you stop taking them, the weight can come back.
Conclusion
So, what’s the bottom line from this episode? There are a lot of bariatric surgery weight loss factors that affect how much weight you’ll lose: including your age, gender, genetics, medications, injuries and the specific procedure you choose. The best diet for weight loss is one that focuses on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and lean proteins while cutting out processed junk. And while malabsorption after bariatric surgery can be a concern, it’s manageable with the right supplements and care.
If you’ve got questions about bariatric surgery, weight loss factors, or the best diet for weight loss, Dr. Weiner and Zoe encourage listeners to reach out. They love answering questions on the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast and are always open to submissions through social media or their website.

The holidays aren’t about perfection — they’re about balance, intention, and support. 💙
If you’re working on weight loss (with or without surgery or GLP-1 meds), these small habits can make a BIG difference during the holiday season.
✔ Protein + fiber first
✔ Stay hydrated
✔ Enjoy your favorite foods mindfully
✔ Move your body (even a short walk counts!)
📌 Save this post so you can come back to it during holiday meals.
And to learn more about becoming a patient in the new year, give our office a call: 520-298-3300

Curious about GLP-1 medications but overwhelmed by the mixed info online?
Our quick quiz helps you understand whether GLP-1s may be right for your body, goals, and health history — no pressure, no guesswork.
👇 Comment “medquiz” to take the FREE quiz.

🚨 NEW PODCAST EPISODE IS LIVE! 🚨
Today, Ray & Lisa share their powerful story of reclaiming their health after decades of weight struggles, thyroid changes, menopause, and the constant battle with food noise.
They explain how understanding the brain side of hunger — not “more discipline” — was the turning point that finally changed everything.
And how combining GLP-1 medication with sustainable strength training helped them feel younger, more capable, and more themselves again.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or confused by your metabolism or cravings… this episode will make you feel SEEN. ❤️
Comment “PODCAST” for the link
or hit the link in our bio to listen now.

🎙️ New episode drops MONDAY — and you do not want to miss this one.
Imagine feeling like you were “eating like a mouse”… yet the scale kept going up.
Ray & Lisa spent 25 years thinking they just needed “more discipline” — until they finally uncovered the real issue: food noise.
If you’ve ever wondered why dieting feels impossible or why hunger feels louder than willpower, this episode will hit home. ❤️🔥
We’re talking:
✨ What food noise actually is
✨ Why GLP-1s finally made everything “click”
✨ How they rebuilt strength, metabolism & confidence in their 60s and 70s
✨ The mindset shift that changed everything
Comment “PODCAST” to get the link sent straight to you as soon as it drops or tap the link in our bio.

🎄✨ The holidays don’t have to derail your weight-loss goals.
Meet Sage, our AI dietitian inside the Pound of Cure App — your personal guide to staying on track without feeling restricted.
Whether you’re navigating holiday parties, family dinners, or last-minute travel, Sage helps you:
🍽️ Build custom meal plans based on YOUR goals
🎯 Stay accountable when life gets busy
🛒 Get easy, real-life food ideas (no fancy recipes required)
📈 Keep your progress moving through the toughest season of the year
Your weight loss journey doesn’t pause for the holidays — and now, neither does your support. ❤️
👉 Go to the link in our bio to download the app and try it FREE today!

TOMORROW: Our most-requested webinar is happening!
The Real Fix for GLP-1 Cost, Side Effects, and Plateaus 💉
Whether you’re stuck, struggling, or spending too much—this is your chance to learn how to make your medication actually work for you.
🕔 Tuesday, Dec 9 at 5pm AZ
🗣️ Drop “WEBINAR” in the comments and we’ll send the link to join free!

If you’ve had gastric bypass, certain pain relievers can be dangerous.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen might seem harmless — but post-op, they can increase your risk for ulcers and complications.
Missed this week’s episode of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast?
We covered this and more in our deep dive into what really changes after surgery.
📲 You can still catch it on your favorite podcast app
📺 Or watch the full conversation now on YouTube
💬 Comment PODCAST and we’ll send you the direct link to listen

Considering bariatric surgery but unsure what kind of results you could expect?
Most people guess… and usually guess wrong.
That’s why we built a quick, science-based quiz that estimates your expected weight loss based on:
🔹 Your starting weight
🔹 Procedure type
🔹 Metabolic factors
🔹 GLP-1 medication history
…and more.
It takes less than 60 seconds and gives you a personalized projection.
No surgery commitment. No consultation required. Just clarity. 💙
👇 Comment “weightquiz” below and I’ll send you the link!

Struggling with GLP-1 cost, side effects, or a plateau in your weight loss?
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way.
Join Dr. Weiner LIVE for a free webinar where he shares how to:
✅ Reduce your out-of-pocket costs
✅ Minimize side effects
✅ Get better results—without “more meds”
📍Tuesday, Dec 9 at 5pm AZ
🗣️ Comment “WEBINAR” and we’ll send you the registration link

One drink after gastric bypass can feel like five.
And it’s not just in your head.
In this week’s episode of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast, Dr. Weiner shares the science behind how alcohol affects the brain differently after bariatric surgery — and why it’s not just about the buzz.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube
💬 Comment PODCAST and we’ll send you the link to the full episode

Gastric bypass doesn’t just change your stomach — it can change your taste buds too.
Ever notice that foods you used to love taste totally different now?
Or that your sense of smell is sharper than ever?
There’s a reason for that — and we’re breaking it down in our next episode of the Pound of Cure Weight Loss Podcast.
🎧 Make sure you’re following the podcast + turn on post notifications so you never miss a drop
📺 Full episodes also available on YouTube!
New episode coming soon…

Our healthcare payment system is broken — and it’s only getting worse.
In case you missed it, this week’s Pound of Cure Podcast episode covers why Dr. Weiner believes the system could collapse by 2030… and why that might actually lead to better care for patients.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by how hard it is to get the care (and meds) you need — you’ll want to hear this.
🎧 The episode is streaming now!
💬 Comment PODCAST and we’ll send you the link
📲 Don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode!

You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone.
If you’re on a GLP-1 and feeling overwhelmed with food noise, side effects, or a stalled scale… we built this for you.
Inside the Pound of Cure App, you’ll get:
📱 Daily support from Dr. Weiner and Zoe
💬 Access to live group coaching and forums
🍽️ Nutrition tools like CaloRatio and Sage, our AI dietitian
💊 Real help navigating medication costs, coverage, and dosing
All in one place — and totally free to download.
📲 Search “Pound of Cure” in the app store or head to the link in our bio to start now.

If you’re tracking, restricting, eating “healthy” — and still not losing weight…
You’re not crazy.
You’re not broken.
And your diet isn’t working for a reason.
I built the “What’s Wrong With My Diet?” Quiz to help you figure out what that reason is — and how to fix it.
🧠 Backed by the same Metabolic Reset principles we use in the Pound of Cure program
🩺 Designed for GLP-1 users, post-op patients, and anyone who’s tired of guessing
✅ Free, quick, and eye-opening
💬 Comment “DIETQUIZ” and I’ll send you the link
Let’s stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress.

The new episode is LIVE! 🎙️
This week, we’re diving into the real relationship between GLP-1s and bariatric surgery — and why it’s not an either/or decision.
Dr. Weiner explains how combining these tools can lead to better outcomes, better portion control, and long-term success.
📉 What happens when the honeymoon phase ends?
💊 Can meds help you break through a stall?
🥗 What should you actually be eating to keep losing?
💬 Comment PODCAST for the link to listen now
📲 Or search Pound of Cure Podcast on your favorite platform

Dr. Matthew Weiner and his team provide a comprehensive weight loss program called “Pound of Cure”, offering bariatric surgery, weight loss medications, and full nutritional support.
Phone
(520) 298-3300
Fax
(520) 800-1055
Hours
Mon-Thurs, 8AM-12PM & 1PM-5PM Friday, 8AM-2PM
Offices
5155 E Farness Dr.
Suite #111A Tucson, AZ 85712


