Losing Weight and Good Nutrition: The Old School Way
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In this powerful episode of The Doc Dudes, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Garrett Harper, Dr. Robert Graper, and Dr. Evon Zoog are joined by two guests who bring passion and purpose to the conversation: William Shoemaker, a man who lost over 200 pounds the old-fashioned way, and Betty Fleming, a registered dietitian with decades of experience.
William’s journey is remarkable. After reaching a dangerous weight and being told he needed a slew of prescriptions to survive, he chose instead to change his life. Through strict discipline, habit rewiring, and a total overhaul of his relationship with food, William dropped over 200 pounds. Dr. Zoog later performed a series of body contouring surgeries — including a lower body lift, upper body lift, and thigh lift — to help William complete his transformation.
The Real Culprit? Ultra-Processed Foods
While William’s story is inspiring, the conversation quickly shifts to a larger issue affecting millions: the American diet. Betty Fleming dives into how ultra-processed foods (those filled with preservatives, added sugars, and artificial flavors) have become the norm, not the exception. Unlike minimally processed items like bagged lettuce or natural peanut butter, ultra-processed foods hijack our satiety signals, making it harder to stop eating and easier to gain weight.
The group also discusses how food marketing and policy choices, like replacing balanced lunch trays with buffet-style school meals, are fueling poor habits from childhood. And the startling truth? Many so-called “healthy” packaged foods are anything but.
GLP-1s: A New Tool, Not a Free Pass
The Doc Dudes and guests also discuss GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. While William didn’t use these medications, the doctors and Betty agree they can be a lifeline for people struggling with obesity, especially those who’ve tried everything else. But these drugs aren’t magic. They work best when combined with education, dietary changes, and long-term support.
Takeaway Message
Whether through cold-turkey determination like William’s or with the help of medical tools and surgery, the key to sustainable weight loss is a shift away from addictive, ultra-processed food and toward balanced, whole-food nutrition. The message is clear: our food culture needs fixing, and personal transformation often begins with a refreshed outlook.
Meet the Doctors
Dr. Garrett Harper, Dr. Robert Graper, and Dr. Evon Zoog are board-certified plastic surgeons at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery in Charlotte, NC. Known for their surgical expertise and commitment to patient care, they offer a full range of cosmetic procedures including body contouring after massive weight loss, breast enhancement, facial rejuvenation, and non-surgical treatments. Together, they co-host The Doc Dudes podcast, bringing insightful, entertaining, and educational conversations about aesthetic medicine to listeners across the country.
Contact (704) 375-7111 to schedule a consultation with the board-certified team at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery in Charlotte, NC.