Bariatric Path Guests
Discover the journey, insights, and experiences of our incredible guest
Ep. 1-Jesse Davis
Jesse Davis is a dedicated public servant and creative spirit. A Savannah State University graduate with a degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Jesse has built a career in law enforcement in Georgia, driven by his commitment to community safety and positive change.
He began his journey in public service with the Department of Juvenile Justice, where he worked from 2011 to 2015, and later gained valuable logistics experience as a heavy equipment operator at the Georgia Port Authority.
In September 2024, Jesse embarked on a Bariatric surgery journey, undergoing Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) in February 2025 to prioritize his health and well-being.
Jesse is also a proud father of three and recently married Daiiyah Davis in December 2024. Outside of his career, he loves cooking and creating content, using his experiences to inspire others.
His journey is one of service, growth, and personal transformation.
Ep. 2-Kimbra Owens
Kimberly Owens is a Houston Metro native, a devoted mother, and a woman of resilience and faith. Growing up in a strict Christian household as the daughter of a preacher, her upbringing has shaped every aspect of her life.
Her journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges. Kimberly has battled lifelong health conditions, including lupus and obesity. At her highest weight of 351 lbs, she faced a critical wake-up call when she was hospitalized with fluid around her heart. Determined to take control of her health, she made a powerful change—adopting a plant-based diet that helped her shed 65 lbs in just two months. Today, at 273 lbs, she is thriving, embracing the philosophy that food is medicine and proving that it’s never too late to transform your life.
Beyond her personal health journey, Kimberly is also a proud mother to her 17-year-old son, Xavier, who recently embarked on his own path in the Army as a computer tech. Her story is one of faith, strength, and perseverance, and she continues to inspire others with her commitment to wellness and self-care.
We’re honored to share Kimberly’s incredible transformation and insights—because her journey is proof that with determination and the right mindset, change is always possible..
Ep. 3-Arriel Williams
Instagram: Arriel_the_Sonographer
Arriel Williams is a 31-year-old ultrasound technician, dedicated mother of one, and a proud “Momager” to her young athlete. Outside of her professional and parental roles, she enjoys binge-watching medical-themed shows and is a passionate member of the Beehive.
Her decision to pursue bariatric surgery was driven by a diagnosis of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, a condition that required weight loss to help reduce fluid buildup on her brain. Understanding the challenges ahead, Arriel remains committed to embracing this life-changing journey with optimism and determination.
She is excited to share her experiences and build a community of support, encouragement, and fellowship with others navigating their own bariatric paths.
Ep. 4-Melissa Holman
Melissa Holman is a Certified Life Coach, Registered Aromatherapist, and Intuitive healer with over 20 years of experience in complementary fields. She owns Lemon Balm Coaching and hosts and produces the Lemon Balm Coaching Podcast. Melissa empowers women over 40 who on the verge of a mental or emotional breakdown who can’t continue to live like that anymore. She helps them reconnect with who they were designed to be to experience joy, peace, and excitement about life again. .
Melissa lives in East Tennessee, where she cares for her aging father, two dogs, and two cats. She has been married to her husband for 33 years and has four grown children and five grands.
Ep. 6- Jovanna Brown (JOJO B.)
Jovanna is a mom, an entrepreneur, and a fierce advocate for self-care, resilience, and personal growth. You may know her as JoJo, the CEO of Bariatric Hair and Skin Care, where she helps women embrace their beauty and confidence after weight loss surgery.
Her journey through motherhood, career challenges, and personal transformation has fueled her passion for launching her newest project—Breathe with JoJoB, a podcast dedicated to uplifting and supporting women as they navigate the chaos of life.
Through real talk, encouragement, and practical advice, JoJoB is here to remind us all to pause, breathe, and keep pushing forward—because we are stronger than we know.
Ep. 7- Brandy Wilks
Brandy is a body-positive social media personality whose content covers everything from free financial information to women’s empowerment and her personal experiences as a plus-size woman navigating life in an often judgmental world.
She’s passionate about breaking down stigmas around weight, self-worth, and the truth about weight loss tools—and she’s here today to talk about why so many people aren’t being honest about their journeys, why being overweight isn’t always your fault, and why it’s time to stop beating yourself up and consider the options that can actually help you live your best life.
Ep. 8- Tanya Santiago
Tanya’s journey with weight began early, but things took a turn when she found herself in a domestic violence relationship, feeling hopeless and broken. After experiencing a devastating miscarriage, she knew it was time to take control. She left that life behind, found a safe place to start over, and began healing—one walk, one swim, one small step at a time.
With no money for fancy meals or gym memberships, Tanya made do with food bank groceries, a backyard pool, and early-morning workouts. Over time, she lost a significant amount of weight on her own—but a diagnosis of fatty liver disease progressing toward cancer made it clear she needed more help. She underwent gastric bypass surgery, stayed committed to her routine, and has been thriving ever since.
Now, Tanya is training to become a fitness, wellness, and nutrition coach. She’s also building strength as a bodybuilder, but more importantly, she’s on a mission to help others who feel as lost as she once did.
Ep. 9-Chase and Mindy Bennetti
Their story began 13 years ago when they met at work and quickly became inseparable friends. Over time, that friendship turned into something even more special, and they’ve been by each other’s sides ever since.
Both Mindy and Chase struggled with weight for most of their lives, but after initially seeing success with GLP-1 medication, they hit a plateau. When the medication stopped being effective and their work benefits shifted, they made a life-changing decision—to get the gastric sleeve together on Valentine’s Day 2025.
Now, they’re navigating this new chapter as a team, supporting each other every step of the way. But their connection goes beyond just health—Mindy channels her creativity through crafting, while Chase dives into gaming, sharing his passion on YouTube.
Ep. 11-Jennifer Aguirre
Jennifer, who is coming up on three years post-op from her gastric sleeve surgery this July. Her wellness journey started in 2020, and since then, she’s been on a mission to break the stigma around bariatric surgery by being open, honest, and unapologetically real about what this journey truly involves.
Jennifer believes in educating others—not just on what the surgery is, but on how it works, and why it’s a lifelong commitment that requires mental strength, consistency, and most importantly, self-love from the very beginning.
She’s here to talk about the ups, downs, and everything in between—and to remind us that this path is about much more than just weight.
Ep. 12 Kassandra DeJesus
Kassandra is a 29-year-old wife and mom to a lively 4-year-old. Unlike many, she didn’t struggle with her weight growing up, but everything changed in her early 20s. That’s when the weight started creeping in—and it didn’t let up. Behind the scale was a deeper challenge: food addiction. It hadn’t affected her physically in her teens, so she never imagined it would take such a toll later in life.
On top of that, Kassandra lives with endometriosis, which has added to her long journey of managing her health. After nearly three years of going back and forth, she made the courageous decision to move forward with weight loss surgery—and calls it the best decision she’s ever made.
Now, her focus is on healing her relationship with food, embracing self-love at every stage, and helping others do the same. She’s proof that life after surgery doesn’t have to feel restrictive or lonely. It can be full, vibrant, and joyful—with the right support and mindset.
Ep. 13- Frances Cloud
Frances Cloud is a licensed clinical social worker, passionate mental health advocate, and all-around wellness enthusiast. With a heart for healing and a gift for connection, she’s on a mission to make mental health support more accessible, empowering, and even a little fun.
Frances takes a holistic approach to care, weaving together the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of well-being. She brings warmth, wisdom, and creativity to her work—meeting people where they are and helping them grow from the inside out.
Outside of her professional life, Frances finds joy in hiking, photography, crafting, spending quality time with family, and dreaming up her next big adventure.
Ep. 14- Licette Medina
A proud Dominican who deeply embraces her culture, Licette began her bariatric journey in March 2024 and has been documenting her transformation ever since. As a content creator, she shares a vibrant mix of lifestyle shifts, fashion, and raw personal insights—offering support and solidarity to others walking a similar path.
Through her journey, she’s found not just better health but also a powerful, uplifting community within the bariatric world. No longer held back by high cholesterol or breathlessness from everyday tasks, she now lives with a renewed mindset where food is no longer the enemy. One of her favorite daily rituals? A good protein coffee—her go-to fuel for hitting those goals and staying energized.
Ep. 15- Liz Mallers
Work with Liz Mallers:
Liz Mallers (she/her) is a certified sexuality educator who works with couples and individuals to enhance their intimate pleasures. Through her psychoeducational work, Liz helps her clients unlearn the unwanted internalized messages about sexuality that create barriers to deep intimate connection, and rebuilds their understanding of sex and intimacy for a healthier and satisfying sex life.
Ep. 17- Crystal McCarthy
Visit Crystal's Social Media:
Crystal McCarthy is a VSG patient who lost over 130 pounds—but her biggest transformation had nothing to do with the scale. A mother, wife, student, and powerhouse of honesty, Crystal brings raw and necessary conversations to the bariatric space. From navigating identity loss and body dysmorphia to healing from food addiction and post-op complications, she’s not afraid to say what most people won’t.
Crystal is passionate about breaking the silence around the emotional and mental impact of weight loss surgery. Her story is a reminder that real success comes from inner work, self-forgiveness, and learning to love who you’re becoming—one day at a time.
Ep. 18 & 19- Dr. Daniel Kaufman
To learn more about Dr. Kaufman and his work with post-weight loss patients, visit: https://www.drdanielkaufman.com
Dr. Daniel Kaufman is a Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is recognized by his patients, peers, and mentors as a compassionate surgeon with artistic vision and excellent technical skills. A Cum Laude Honors graduate from Binghamton University, Dr. Kaufman earned his medical degree at the State University of New York – Downstate Medical Center, where he was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. As an accomplished researcher, Dr. Kaufman has published in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals and has been invited as a speaker at major national and international scientific meetings. He holds a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, keeping him at the forefront of state-of-the-art technological advancements and emerging plastic surgery techniques. Additionally, Dr. Kaufman serves as consultant and expert blogger for several healthcare companies and advocacy groups, as well as an inspector for the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, recognized as the gold standard in office-based ambulatory surgery accreditation organizations.
Dr. Kaufman completed a rigorous residency training program in General Surgery at Downstate Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident at some of New York’s top hospitals. Continuing his postgraduate training as Fellow in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the renowned Montefiore Medical Center – Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dr. Kaufman again served as Chief Resident, operating with some of the most preeminent surgeons in the country. Dr. Kaufman specializes in aesthetic surgery and body and breast, including tummy tuck, hi-def liposuction, breast reduction, lifting, and augmentation, fat grafting (BBL), post-massive weight loss body contouring, and much more. Dr. Kaufman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Surgery. He relentlessly strives for exceptional care and results for his patients. In his eyes, plastic surgery is the ultimate culmination of science and art.