EP38: A Dive Master’s Journey To Finding Her True Self

A Dive Master's Journey
To Finding Her True Self

Back in 2011, Heidi Stepanoff had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure, a decision that was not taken lightly for someone who always took a more natural approach to things. Luckily for Heidi, she shared a gym with her General Practitioner who noticed her weight gain and ongoing struggles to lose it. After trying every diet and pill known to man, Heidi finally had the courage to see her doctor and seek advice and with the positive support she received, Heidi went to an information night hosted by WeightLoss Solutions Australia where she learned about the surgical options for weight loss and realised it was just another tool to help achieve her goals.

Twenty years later, Heidi has found her true self. Now living life to the fullest with more energy, being an active mother to her two children and setting a healthy example, a strong working single mum and becoming the successful Dive Master she is today. This episode is an eye-opener into the life of someone who was never living their truth, one that was held back by excess weight. Heidi’s journey is just beginning, she plans to continue writing fiction with the hopes to one day be able to take it to publication.

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Show notes:

01:02: Heidi Stepanoff’s life-changing decision for weight loss surgery in 2011

After trying every magic cure possible, Heidi shares the encouraging moment with her GP, opening her to the surgical solution that she needed.

 

04:22 – Post-bariatric surgery transformation: becoming more authentic and a better mum.

Heidi describes the quick changes in her energy and her quality of life. She shares how every aspect of her life becomes much more meaningful when confidently and actively showing up for herself and her kids.

 

13:31 – Diving ocean deep into a WeightLoss Warrior’s life passions.

Now a divemaster, Heidi expresses the fulfilment she can now experience connecting with the ocean again. Once self-conscious about how she looked and felt in swimsuits, she now leads others to the dive site in her wetsuit and does not think twice about it.

 

20:14 – The changing relationship dynamics following her evolution towards her true self.

Heidi shares how her relationships change over time as she starts to live the life that she is being true to herself more. Being confident in her skin allows her to make decisions in her best interests.

 

24:01 – No downsides for Heidi Stepanoff post weight loss surgery

Besides being more mindful of her habits and adjusting to a healthier lifestyle, Heidi was lucky enough not to have any usual post-surgery concerns.

 

26:52 – What wellness means to Heidi Stepanoff.

For Heidi, Wellness is very much the feeling of being healthy and active. And the ability to live an active life and feel good and confident, that’s wellness to her.

Yes, you can do anything you want to do. – Andrew Morello Click To Tweet

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EP36: Ex NRL Player Chris Walker’s Walk of a Lifetime

Ex NRL Player
Chris Walker's
Walk of a Lifetime

Former NRL rugby league player Chris Walker completed his 2.5million step expedition in July 2021, he walked from Cairns to the Gold Coast to raise money for charity and raised an amazing $200k in total. Chris covered a brutal 1900 kilometres over 71 days to raise awareness for charities: Beyond Blue, RizeUp Australia and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Demand for specialist services offered by all three charities has been at record levels over the past 18 months, due to the mental health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Walker has partnered with the new charity fundraising platform Fund My Challenge, a challenge-based charity app that has been created to revolutionise the giving process.

Get to know the life of this incredible man, from his upbringing as one of four very competitive boys (they are all professional athletes), his journey as an NRL rugby player, what inspired his epic trek and where he plans to go next as continues to give back to the community.

For more inspiration, follow Chris Walker’s journey on Instagram @iamchriswalker

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Show Notes:

00:50 – Growing up into a professional rugby family

Along with his three brothers, Chris followed in their family’s footsteps in pursuing professional rugby. Chris reminisces his childhood and how they were brought up, which have built a strong bond for the brothers.


11:07 – Retiring from Rugby to building a family

Since his retirement as a professional rugby player in 2011 to be with his family, Chris found himself advancing through many challenges using what he’d learned.


17:36: – Recipe for success from NRL field to all areas of life

After many years as a professional rugby player, Chris shares the key characteristics he believes will get us far, not only on the field but in all areas of life.


19:15 – Chris Walker’s Fund My Challenge making a real difference

Wanting to give back to Australian communities, Chris started Fund My Challenge, which connects people with charities and causes they are interested in raising funds for. Their goal is to ensure that every dollar raised is distributed effectively to the causes and make a real difference in people’s lives.


24:39 – The Cairns to Brisbane Walking Challenge, 1900km in 71 days

Chris finished his walk from Cairns to Brisbane as part of his Fund My Challenge initiative. He shares incredible stories through his course, the heartfelt moments, inspirations, the work of the team and the challenges he was facing to make to the finish line.


38:16 – The domino effects of kindness and encouragement

Passionately walking through his challenge to help the causes, Chris still felt depleted at times, wanted to give up. However, Chris shares felt uplifted seeing the words of encouragement he received from the community online and offline. Even those beeps from random cars passing by had helped him power through the journey.


48:33 – What wellness means to Chris Walker

Wellness means happiness for Chris. It’s about being infectious with your attitude and being upbeat and happy.

Wellness is about being infectious with your attitude, being upbeat and happy. – Chris Walker Click To Tweet

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EP35: Not All Balloons Are Created Equal, Says Bariatric Nurse Casey Quinn.

Not All Balloons
Are Created Equal, Says
Bariatric Nurse Casey Quinn.

In this digital age, there is an abundance of resources and options when it comes to weight loss and treating obesity. WeightLoss Solutions Australia’s bariatric nurse Casey Quinn breaks down the surgical and non-surgical options available for lasting and sustainable results. Casey shares her love of a patient’s transformation and the importance of a long term bariatric intervention as a proven successful lifestyle modification.

Casey prides herself on helping patients choose the right solution to achieve their weight loss goals by connecting emotionally with people so they feel understood, valued and supported, then evaluating the way they behave so she can suggest the best procedure accordingly.

In this episode, Casey explains the various intra-gastric balloons currently on the market because not all balloons are created equal. There are so many different procedures now ranging from Orbera to Spatz and the new and exciting Elipse Balloon which is a real game changer in the field of bariatrics this year. Casey describes this new approach to weight loss in an honest and easy manner, to help us better understand the opportunity to create a healthier life through the revolutionary Elipse Balloon Program.

If sustainable weight loss is your next journey, visit www.wlsa.com.au/procedures/elipse-balloon/ to find out more.

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Show Notes:

01:12 – The privilege of working with a bariatric patient population

As a bariatric nurse, Casey loves witnessing amazing outcomes, seeing her patients’ lives transformed for the better. It is a privilege to be a part of their journey and connect with them on all levels.

03:58 – The Orbera balloon weight loss procedure

Casey explains the long-standing procedure, Orbera balloon, on offer at Weightloss Solution Australia since 2007. This device serves those looking to lose more weight as they can choose to have the ballon in for as long as 12 months.

7:09 – The flexible Spatz balloon for weight management

Adjustable balloon, Spatz device is another alternative Casey would suggest to patients for volume flexibility.

08:41 – Realism, commitment and support for sustainable weight loss

Nurse Casey would look at the patient’s behaviour and history to identify the right solution for them. Casey stresses the importance of being realistic while being committed to the process, which there will be supports from the team along the way to help patients achieve sustainable outcomes.

14:29 – The game-changer in bariatrics – Elipse balloon

The newest technology for bariatric patients is introduced. Felicity and Casey discuss the advantages of the Elipse balloon as there’s no endoscopy and no anesthetic involved in the procedure.

21:56 – Dietitians and psychologists are critical throughout the weight loss journey

The dietitians and psychologists at Weightloss Solution Australia work closely with the patients, even through Telehealth. Felicity and Casey believe the patients must have correct guidance to achieve a sustainable diet. Casey shares that the psychologists at the clinic are specialised in weight and body image and issues around food, assisting patients in making progress emotionally.

24:50 – The right weight loss intervention for the right circumstances

At WLSA, the team ensures that the patients are well-informed about the procedures available and the right intervention for their circumstances.

31:01 – Is Medical weight loss an alternative solution or combination of therapy?

Casey explains the pharmacological treatment that patients can choose to include with other procedures along the process.

33:06 – Achieving flow state in career and life

As a mum, making time for herself can be difficult. However, having a career that fulfils and energises her every day has helped her. Casey focuses on being healthy and authentic for things to flow in her life.

35:36 – What does wellness means to Casey Quinn?

To Casey, wellness means feeling excited about life, starting the day feeling excited, just feeling open to everything coming your way. And you can only feel that way if you’re not in pain if you’re not thinking about your body, you know, like if you just kind of fresh moving forward. So when her body is a healthy vessel, she can do that. And when it’s not, she notices the difference.

Wellness to me means feeling excited about life & being open to everything coming my way. – Casey Quinn Click To Tweet

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EP25: Longevity Through Nutrition with Amazon Bestseller Author Dr Liz Isenring

Dr Liz Isenring is a Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist, author and speaker. In this highly informative episode, Dr Liz shares how nutrition can help with leading a long and healthy life. She started her career as a hospital dietitian supporting people with cancer to improve their quality of life via medical nutrition therapy. Over the next 20 years Dr Liz worked in university, hospital and research fellow positions including at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. Most recently Dr Liz was Head of Program for the newly established Master of Nutrition and Dietetics Practice program at Bond University where she led a high performance team to gain full accreditation. Recognised as an international nutrition and wellness expert, Dr Liz has published over 150 peer-reviewed scientific papers and an Amazon bestselling book.

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EP24: Author & Mother Kaz Dalton’s Journey of Writing Her Sell Out Book, A Boy Named Bear

In this uplifting episode with #WeightLossWarrior Kaz Dalton, we dived into the epic milestones she has achieved post-bariatric surgery, from improving her relationship with her husband, to successfully conceiving her first child and starting her own business.

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EP21: Once A Sideline Mum & Now An Active Mum, Paula Cured Plantar Fasciitis with Surgical Weight Loss

Paula Joseph underwent weight loss surgery and successfully lost a total of 47kg. In this episode, she talks about why she finally decided to have this transformative surgery and how it has impacted her life for the better. Luckily for Paula, she didn’t have any major health issues, except for Plantar Fasciitis which hasn’t flared up since she has lost the excess weight.
Mary had an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease which ultimately lead to her decision to undergo weight loss surgery with the support from a few colleagues who had embarked on the same path.

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EP19: A Life Renewed with Vitality

Six months post weight loss surgery Mary Barker has lost 37kg but gained an abundance of energy. She now has the urge to run, so much so that she has competed in the Gold Coast Marathon 2019.

Mary had an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease which ultimately lead to her decision to undergo weight loss surgery with the support from a few colleagues who had embarked on the same path.

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EP17: Lego Master Bilsy Advocates for Bariatric Surgery

Adam (Bilsborough) Bilsy is a man of many hidden talents. Two years after undergoing bariatric surgery and successfully losing a massive 65kg, he finally gained the confidence and physical fitness to be able to pursue bigger ambitions in life;  including going on the popular LEGO Masters Australia TV show and planning his dream wedding in New York.

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EP15: Conquering Hypothyroidism, PCOS & 63kg Excess Weight

2 years ago, Gold Coast woman Jodie Siggers underwent weight loss surgery, successfully lost an incredible 63kg and has never looked back since. This phenomenal transformation not only dramatically changed her life for the better, but she has also inspired her family, friends, and colleagues to live healthier lives through her leading by example. Jodie truly lives by the saying: A Family That Trains Together, Stays Together.

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EP13: A Junk Food Addict Transformed Into A Lifelong Wellness Warrior

In this episode, I caught up with Candice Charles to talk about how her weight loss and wellness journey has been in the 12 months since she’s had her bariatric surgery, a life-changing experience she shared with her husband, Andrew. Candice dived deep into how she turned her addiction to sugar, using the support she has intentionally placed around her to achieve her transformation, and becoming the healthy person she is now, thriving every day with an active, and fit lifestyle, both mentally and physically.

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