In this episode, host Heather Dolan sits down with health and wellness coach Michelle Forland to discuss their parallel journeys through breast implant explant surgery. Meeting again almost exactly one year on from their explant surgeries, they reflect on the physical, emotional and spiritual transformation that comes with removing breast implants after decades of them being part of their identity.
This conversation goes beyond the surgery itself to explore:
The societal pressures that lead women to get breast implants
The hidden health impacts of breast implants...
In this episode, host Heather Dolan sits down with health and wellness coach Michelle Forland to discuss their parallel journeys through breast implant explant surgery. Meeting again almost exactly one year on from their explant surgeries, they reflect on the physical, emotional and spiritual transformation that comes with removing breast implants after decades of them being part of their identity.
This conversation goes beyond the surgery itself to explore:
- The societal pressures that lead women to get breast implants
- The hidden health impacts of breast implants (breathing issues, inflammation, gut health)
- The financial and emotional costs of explant surgery
- How to have empowering conversations with daughters about body image
- Why breast implant removal should be covered by insurance
- The importance of informed consent and comprehensive health information
Whether you're considering explant surgery, supporting someone through their journey, or simply interested in women's health advocacy, this episode offers valuable insights into reclaiming your health and authenticity.
Guest: Michelle Forland
Michelle is a board-certified health and wellness coach specializing in functional medicine. She focuses on the four pillars of health: sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management. Michelle is a mother of three and passionate about helping clients create sustainable habits for longevity.
Connect with Michelle:
- Online Course: Longevity Blueprint - Create Essential Habits to Optimize Your Health Span: https://www.wellnessfmhc.com/about-9
- Services: One-on-one coaching and group coaching programs https://www.wellnessfmhc.com/
Connect with Heather
Visit the Becoming Spiritual website
Follow us on Instagram @becomingspiritualpodcast
Follow us on Facebook @becomingspiritualpodcast
Subscribe on Youtube @becomingspiritualpodcast
If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to follow, rate, or share the show.
Your support helps these conversations reach the people who need them most.
Chapter Markers
00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
00:36 - Episode Overview: Explant Surgery Journey
02:30 - Michelle's Background in Health & Wellness
03:36 - How Heather & Michelle Met (Surgery Buddies)
07:53 - One Year Post-Surgery: How Michelle Feels Now
09:10 - The Meaning of "Relief" After Explant
12:00 - Physical Health Improvements & Authenticity
16:09 - Michelle's Journey: Getting Implants at 25
18:47 - The Pamela Anderson Era & Beauty Standards
20:23 - Making Informed Decisions: What We Wish We Knew
23:09 - The Financial Reality of Explant Surgery
25:36 - Replacing vs. Removing: Michelle's Decision Point
30:02 - The Bathing Suit Moment & Body Image Struggles
37:53 - Physical Symptoms We Didn't Know Were Related
38:06 - The First Deep Breath in 27 Years
40:24 - Inflammation, Gut Health & Detox Experiences
47:00 - Raising Daughters: Body Image Conversations
52:05 - Social Media vs. Our Generation's Influences
58:30 - Taylor Swift, Barbie & Normalizing Harmful Behaviors
1:00:42 - Insurance Coverage: Treating This as a Lifestyle Disease
1:05:17 - The Role of Doctors & Medical Education Gaps
1:11:10 - Michelle's Wellness Practice & Approach
1:13:42 - The Power of Curiosity in Coaching
1:16:47 - Michelle's Online Course: Longevity Blueprint
1:18:57 - Final Thoughts: Empowerment Through Information
1:16:33 - Closing & Where to Find Michelle
Topics discussed:
explant surgery, body image, health coaching, wellness, self-discovery, societal expectations, women's health, implants, recovery, mental health, self acceptance, breast implant removal, breast implant illness, health and wellness coaching, functional medicine, body autonomy, informed consent, health advocacy
This episode contains discussions of surgery, body image, and women's health. If you're considering explant surgery, please consult with qualified medical professionals.
