Denied Bariatric Surgery, Then Lost 90 Pounds on GLP-1s: Kelly Mooney's Story

Send us Fan MailBariatric surgery told her she didn't qualify. Three years later, Kelly Mooney has lost more than 90 pounds on a GLP-1 and the pain from a chronic bone disease that once had her fearing a wheelchair is nearly gone.Ana Reisdorf, registered dietitian, talks with Kelly Mooney, a Portland-based photographer and former PR professional, about becoming her doctor's very first GLP-1 patient after a bariatric surgeon told her she wasn't sick enough to qualify. Kelly walks through the surprise anti-inflammatory relief from Paget's disease that showed up within weeks, why her weight loss timeline looked nothing like what she saw on social media, and how the medication eventually spread to her husband, her parents, and her in-laws.IN THIS EPISODE- Why Kelly didn't qualify for bariatric surgery at a size 24- The unexpected way GLP-1s eased her Paget's disease bone pain within two weeks- What a realistic GLP-1 timeline looks like (90 pounds over 3 years, not 30 in a month)- How her husband, 84-year-old mother-in-law, and 82-year-old father all ended up on GLP-1s too- Managing constipation, losing the enjoyment of food and wine, and shifting from "willpower" to "medical"ABOUT THE GUESTKelly Mooney is a business owner, photographer, and former PR and marketing professional based in Portland, Oregon. She spent 17 years running her own PR firm, earning clients national media coverage on The Today Show, Oprah, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, before shifting to run Kelly Mooney Photography, where she captures authentic, personality-driven imagery for individuals, families, and brands. A former athlete, Kelly stayed active for years but struggled to lose weight despite consistent workouts and programs like Weight Watchers and Overeaters Anonymous. In 2022, after being told she didn't qualify for bariatric surgery, her doctor suggested she try one of the newer GLP-1 medications — Kelly became her first patient, bringing in the research herself to help guide the decision. Since then, she's lost more than 90 pounds and seen a dramatic improvement in her Paget's disease of the bone, going from needing a cane to having knee replacement surgery and rediscovering the athlete in her. For Kelly, the journey has been less about weight loss and more about reclaiming her life and building sustainable, long-term habits.CONNECT WITH KELLYWebsite: kellymooneyphotography.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kellymooneyphotography/Instagram: @kellymooneyphotographySPONSORTyde Wellness — licensed GLP-1 providers who actually adjust your dose and stay with you long-termhttp://tydewellness.com/GLP1Hub — code GLP1HUB50 for $50 off your first monthCHAPTERS00:00  Cold open: pain relief within weeks01:43  Meet Kelly and her lifelong weight struggle07:17  Denied for bariatric surgery07:45  Becoming her doctor's first GLP-1 patient11:05  Sponsor: Tyde Wellness12:31  The surprise anti-inflammatory relief14:09  The real timeline: 90 pounds over 3 years20:33  Husband, parents, and in-laws follow suit23:34  Shame, side effects, and the medical mindset shift27:46  Tapering doses, travel, and what's nextMORE FROM GLP-1 HUB📬 Get The Steady State, Ana's weekly newsletter with GLP-1 guidance from a dietitian who's on one: http://join.glp-1hub.com🎙 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and if this episode helped, leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - it's the single best way to help more people find the show.🌐 Shop GLP-1 essentials, meal plans, and recipes: https://shop.glp-1hub.com📷 Follow on Instagram: @glp1hub📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GLP-1hub*Some of the links shared are affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.*The content of this show is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The goal of this show is to provide various points of view about GLP-1 Medications. The personal and professional opinion of the guests and their content does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Ana Reisdorf or GLP-1 Hub.