Empowered Explant

Darnah Mercieca

Are you preparing to explant? An explant warrior in healing? Or still figuring out if you want to remove your breast implants? No matter where you are on your journey, you’re in the right place. Each week, we’ll bring you expert interviews, conversations with women about their experiences, and explant tips from your host Darnah Mercieca – with topics covering everything from capsules to confidence! Darnah is a board certified health and wellness coach specializing in integrative nutrition and mindset. A sufferer of breast implant illness, she had explant surgery in November 2021. Now healed, with BII symptoms gone, she is dedicating her experience and expertise to supporting women on their explant journeys.You can help us raise awareness by hitting subscribe and leaving a review! Interviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.com. read less

Top 11 must-haves for your explant surgery shopping list!
May 9 2023
Top 11 must-haves for your explant surgery shopping list!
Here are my top 11 must-haves on your shopping list for your surgery. I’ve listed them all below, but be sure to listen to the full episode because I talk about why they are on my list, and share lots more insights!Links and resources:Get my full printable shopping list linked in my 33 Step Explant Planning Checklist!Download it here > checklist.empoweredexplant.comMy top 11 must-haves...ArnicaTylenol (extra strength and PM)Senna supplement or tea Front close braButton down PJ’sZip front sweater + a couple of button up shirtsWedge pillowDry shampooBack scratcherDrain holdersSmoothie supplies >> Download my 15 healing smoothie recipes at smoothies.empoweredexplant.comHave questions? Wanna say hi? Email me anytime at darnah@empoweredexplant.com.Please help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
Signs you might have breast implant illness (BII)
May 2 2023
Signs you might have breast implant illness (BII)
Could your breast implants be the cause of your health concerns? There are a ton of women out there with breast implants who aren’t feeling their best, or are struggling with health concerns, and have absolutely no idea that their breast implants could be contributing to the issue, or are the root cause.In this episode I share with you the top signs and symptoms that could be breast implant illness related, and what indicators to look out for that could help you figure out if your breast implants could be part of the cause!If you’ve already booked your surgery, or already explanted, please share this episode to help spread the word and raise awareness. There’s a woman somewhere who needs to hear this!Links and resources:Take the Quiz: Is it time to consider removing my breast implants?Click here > explantquiz.empoweredexplant.comBII symptoms list and tracker:Download here > symptoms.empoweredexplant.comListen to Episode 4! What is breast implant illness? (...And what causes it?)Listen here > https://www.explantpodcast.com/2073651/11778048Learn more about DNA testing! Click the link below, and use discount code EMPOWERED for 10% off your test.Click here > https://thednacompany.com/empoweredFor more information on how understanding your genetics can help you on your explant journey, email me at darnah@empoweredexplant.com.Please help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
Visualizing your way to healed!
Apr 25 2023
Visualizing your way to healed!
Here’s something you can do in 10 minutes a day (for free) to help you prepare for surgery, reduce anxiety, and heal! It really works!Creative visualization is a tool that I used before and after my explant surgery, and I still use almost every day in my lifeHit play to learn:What creative visualization is.What it can help with.How it works.And how you can do it in 5 simple steps!Links and resources:Want me at darnah@empoweredexplant.com!Here’s who I mentioned in the episode:Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.com/podcastVishen Lakhiani: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBZcrYDo4CQLouise Hay: You Can Heal Your Life the book, and google her onlineAngela Marie Christian: Manifestation Mastery bookGay Hendricks: The Big Leap bookPlease help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
Infrared Light and Sauna for Healing & Detox with Brian Richards, SaunaSpace
Apr 18 2023
Infrared Light and Sauna for Healing & Detox with Brian Richards, SaunaSpace
Curious about how red light therapy and infrared sauna can support your healing before and after explant?In this episode I interview Brian Richards, the Founder and CEO of Sauna Space, at the Biohacking Congress in Austin to dive into the benefits– and there are many!We discuss how infrared saunas can:Help in managing the symptoms of illnessBe helpful in preparing the body for surgerySpeed up and improve surgery recovery and scar healingSupport detoxification in the bodyProvide stress and emotional health benefitsLinks and resources:Click here to learn more about SaunaSpace!Use code EMPOWERED for 5% off your first order.Join me live or virtually at the Biohacking Congress in Miami, October 2023!CLICK HERE FOR TICKETSUse code EMPOWERED for 60% off ticket prices!Have questions or want to hear more episodes like this? Shoot me an email to darnah@empoweredexplant.comPlease help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
Watch Your Words! Shifting your self-talk and why it's important.
Apr 5 2023
Watch Your Words! Shifting your self-talk and why it's important.
What words are you choosing when you talk about yourself, your boobs, and your surgery?Research has shown that people who down-talk themselves often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. But most of the time we don’t even realize how what we’re saying is affecting us.In this episode I’ll guide you on how to become mindful of your words, determine if the words you’re using are harmful to you, and choose better thoughts and self-talk that leads to better mental and physical health.Because you deserve it!Links and resources:I’d love to hear from you if this was helpful or you want to hear more like this!Email me directly at darnah@empoweredexplant.com!Check out a couple of my fave mindset mentors that I mentioned in this episode:Mel Robbins: https://www.melrobbins.com/podcastByron Katie: https://thework.com/Please help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
Detox, Gut Health & Hormones with Lahana Vigliano, Nuvitru Wellness
Mar 28 2023
Detox, Gut Health & Hormones with Lahana Vigliano, Nuvitru Wellness
Want to know what you need to do so your body can detox effectively after explant surgery? Start here.I’m joined by Lahana Vigliano, Clinical Nutritionist and Founder of Nuvitru Wellness, who specializes in Helping Women Balance Hormones + Restore Gut Health, which are both hugely affected by the stress and toxicity of breast implants.We talk about:Why BII symptoms don’t always clear up immediately after explanting.The effects of toxin build up over time.What needs to be addressed to detox effectively.The importance of gut health.The effects on hormones.What lab testing can be helpful.What Lahana recommends all women explanting do.Links and resources:Use code EMPOWERED for $150 off all packages.https://nuvitruwellness.com/Follow Nuvitru on Instagram: @nuvitruwellness You can find Lahana’s podcasts here!Download the free Explant Surgery Planning Checklist:Checklist.empoweredexplant.comI know that was a lot!Have questions? Shoot me an email to darnah@empoweredexplant.comPlease help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
The Healing Power of Your Own Stem Cells! with Christian Drapeau of Kalyagen
Mar 21 2023
The Healing Power of Your Own Stem Cells! with Christian Drapeau of Kalyagen
Learn about the healing power that’s available inside you! Increasing the number of circulating stem cells, supports the body's natural ability to repair after explant surgery, and improves the functioning of various organs, which we need for things like detoxing and rebalancing our hormones.In this interview with Christian Drapeau, CEO and Founder of Kalyagen, we dive into the power of stem cells and how they play a role in the functioning of the many systems in our body that help us heal wounds, improve scars, detox, restore hormonal balance, and improve strength and vitality!Links and resources:Click here to learn more about Stemregen!Use code EMPOWERED for 15% off your first order.Have questions or want to hear more episodes like this?Shoot me an email to darnah@empoweredexplant.comPlease help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
The Shocking History of Breast Implants
Mar 7 2023
The Shocking History of Breast Implants
Can you guess what testing was done on breast implants before they were greenlighted to be put in women's bodies?It’s women’s history month, so I thought it would be fitting to take a deep dive into the history of breast implants, since these have had a tremendous impact on women over the years.And if you’re not up to speed with the backstory on breast implants, get ready to be shocked at how these so-called medical devices came to be in our bodies today.Links and resources:Take the Quiz: Is it time to consider removing my breast implants?http://explantquiz.empoweredexplant.comYou can also email me at darnah@empoweredexplant.comHere are some other references from the episode you might find helpful:Watch “Explant” the docu-film, featuring Michelle Visage.FDA 2019 StatementFDA Labeling Recommendations, including patient decision checklist and list of chemicals/heavy metals:https://www.fda.gov/media/131885/downloadhttps://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/breast-implantsFDA Boxed Warning Announcement:https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-strengthens-safety-requirements-and-updates-study-results-breast-implantsOther referenced articles:https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness#section-how-we-got-here-a-brief-history-of-breast-implant-regulationhttps://embryo.asu.edu/pages/development-silicone-breast-implants-use-breast-augmentation-surgeries-united-stateshttps://allthatsinteresting.com/weird-history-of-breast-iPlease help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
The power of a sexy bra - with Meg Smith of Love, Lexxi
Feb 7 2023
The power of a sexy bra - with Meg Smith of Love, Lexxi
February 7, 2023Empowered ExplantEPISODE 14: The power of a sexy bra - with Meg Smith of Love, LexxiWhat makes you feel like a sexy queen? To celebrate the month of love,  I'm sharing this deeply vulnerable and honest conversation with Meg Smith, the incredible founder and badass boss lady behind Love, Lexxi – a brand of beautifully designed bras that Meg created after going through her own explant journey. She opens up about her struggles with body image, her explant experience, and we talk about confidence, self-love, and feeling sexy in our natural bodies.I hope you come away with a perspective shift on what it means to feel confident and sexy, and how you can start to show yourself love right now in this moment.Links and resources:Visit www.lovelexxi.com (In this episode I’m wearing the Emry bra and Meg is wearing the Harli)Follow Love, Lexxi on Instagram at @welovelexxiConnect with Meg on Instagram at @megsmithventuresPlease help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
The different types of explant surgery procedures explained!
Jan 31 2023
The different types of explant surgery procedures explained!
January 31, 2023Empowered ExplantEPISODE 13: The different types of explant surgery procedures explained!Wondering which type of explant surgery is right for you? It can feel confusing trying to understand the different types of surgical procedures and what they all mean!In this episode, I break down (in easy-to-understand language):The three types of explant surgery proceduresWho they may, or may not, be suitable forWhat’s doable under local and general anesthesiaAdd-on procedures (breast lift and fat transfer)How to choose which is right for youWhich procedure I chose to haveLinks and resources:Email me and let me know if this helped give you clarity, or if you still feel unclear and have questions!darnah@empoweredexplant.comDownload your free Explant Planning Checklist:Checklist.empoweredexplant.comPlease help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.
Relationships, dating, and sex after explant with Stefanos Sifandos
Jan 24 2023
Relationships, dating, and sex after explant with Stefanos Sifandos
January 23, 2023Empowered ExplantEPISODE 12: Relationships, dating, and sex after explant with Stefanos SifandosAre you worried that your husband/boyfriend/partner won't find you attractive without your breast implants? Are you feeling nervous about dating after explant surgery? Do you feel insecure getting topless in the bedroom?Believe me breastie, you are not alone.I'm joined by relationship coach, Stefanos Sifandos, to address some of our biggest fears and share some tips on navigating this big change with your partner (or the one you’re manifesting) and, most importantly, within yourself.Hot Tip: You may want your significant other to listen to this too!Links and resources:Follow Stefanos on Instagram (trust me, you want to!)@stefanossifandosStefanos Sifandos Websitewww.stefanossifandos.comBreathwork for the Femininewww.stefanossifandos.com/feminine/Please help us be heard and raise awareness: Subscribe to the showRate and reviewShare with your friends Let's connect!Join the Empowered Explant Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredexplantConnect with Darnah on Instagram: @darnahmerciecaInterviews and sponsorships email: podcast@empoweredexplant.comMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/anticipationDisclaimer: This podcast does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Darnah is not a medical practitioner. She shares from personal experience, research, and conversations with other people. If you are experiencing symptoms, pain, post-surgery complications, or mental health concerns, please seek care from your medical provider or surgeon.