Bariatrics and GLP-1's for Busy People with Rob DiMedio

In this episode of The Busy Bariatrics Podcast, I sat down with Kristen Willard—a registered dietitian who lives and breathes bariatric nutrition. We talked about what actually works when it comes to meal prep after surgery, and why cookie-cutter meal plans don’t cut it when your stomach's been surgically resized.Kristen broke down how to adapt your favorite recipes post-op, how to pivot when food intolerances pop up, and why flexibility—not perfection—is the real secret to consistency. We also got into the shift we’ve seen on social media, where more RDs are stepping up and cutting through the BS with real talk and evidence-based advice.We dug into emotional eating, micronutrient gaps most people miss, and how to build a system that supports your goals even when life gets chaotic. If meal planning feels overwhelming or restrictive, this conversation is going to reframe it for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Nutrition and Meal Prep02:51 The Evolution of Social Media in Nutrition05:43 Understanding Meal Prep for Bariatric Patients08:24 The Importance of Flexibility in Nutrition11:30 Quick and Easy Meal Ideas for Bariatric Patients14:21 Navigating Food Tolerances Post-Surgery17:03 The Role of Protein in a Bariatric Diet20:03 Challenges in Plant-Based Nutrition for Bariatric Patients22:41 Revisiting Food Tolerances and Preparation Methods24:58 Understanding the Balance of Now vs. Forever in Nutrition28:19 Emotional Triggers and Food Choices30:32 Mindfulness: The Space Between Impulse and Action33:38 Overcoming Meal Prep Hurdles37:31 The BUSY Method: Building Healthy Habits39:52 The Importance of Micronutrients40:53 Staying Active: Finding Joy in Movement42:51 Showing Up for Yourself: Being Present44:13 Finding Healthy Sources of DopamineJoin my email list for six months of meal ideas for your family after bariatric surgery! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/yTQCczSStNNq6vHIXlrQ

Ok so I've recorded this episode three times and realize I'm just going to let it fly. In this episode I cover JBY25 Weekend, from Flying in to hosting my team and my largest client base ever as well as why I flew home mid event, and everything that has been going on this week in the Bariatric community. Buckle up pour the cold brew or the bourbon and be ready for me to rant pretty long on this one! Chapters00:00 The Value of In-Person Bariatric Events04:47 Reflections on the Just Be You Bariatric Awards12:33 The Journey of Building a Bariatric Community20:35 The Importance of Connection in Bariatric Support29:50 Psychological Insights on Social Support30:18 Balancing Professional and Personal Life39:19 Community Engagement and Client Connections48:42 Reflections on Podcasting and Community Impact

What is goin’ on Busy Bariatrics? In this episode, I sit down with Busy Bariatrics community member Angie Dencklau, who opens up about her powerful transformation after bariatric surgery. Angie talks about her early struggles, rebuilding confidence in the gym, and how the right community can change everything.We dig into what life looks like when you stop celebrating with food and start celebrating through experience — from missionary trips to running 5Ks and living a truly active lifestyle. Angie also breaks down her daily routines, how she manages nutrition post-op, and what keeps her motivated to keep gettin’ BUSY.If you’re navigating life after gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or GLP-1 medications, this episode will remind you that your journey isn’t just about losing weight — it’s about gaining your life back.

What’s goin’ on Busy Bariatrics — we’re talkin’ about the late-night raid on the fridge that every bariatric patient knows too well. I sat down with Dana White to break down why those cravings hit hardest when the sun goes down and the willpower’s clocked out.We get into the science of hunger, the role of sleep, and how nutrition timing can make or break your evenings. But more importantly, we talk about the behaviors driving it — stress, boredom, emotional eating, and that old habit of “rewarding” yourself after a long day.This one’s packed with real talk and strategies you can actually use. Protein, hydration, better boundaries in your kitchen, and learning how to coexist with your family’s dinner habits without feeling left out.Late-night cravings aren’t a moral failure. They’re a signal. And once you learn how to read it, you take back control.Chapters00:00 Understanding Late Night Cravings02:53 The Role of Sleep in Hunger Management05:45 Biological Needs and Nutritional Strategies08:41 The Impact of Protein and Meal Timing11:13 Grazing and Emotional Eating14:15 Finding Balance in Snacking Choices20:47 Understanding Emotional Eating and Snacking Habits23:11 The Impact of Environment on Eating Behavior26:26 Strategies for Managing Nighttime Cravings29:37 The Importance of Intentional Eating33:17 Meal Planning for Busy Lives35:44 Creating Sustainable Lifestyle ChangesMy Resources and Special Offers Grab over six months worth of meal plans and recipes to help you crush your bariatric journey! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/yTQCczSStNNq6vHIXlrQWant a free 30 minute consultation on how to optimize your bariatric journey? Take our free metabolic assessment! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/8cQk3uFhNTwp7iXAaszNReady to crush your goals apply to my 1:1 coaching program! https://go.busybariatrics.com/coachingoffer

Get our Free Holiday Guide and 10 recipes a month for life! Every January, I see the same thing happen in the bariatric community.Big motivation. Big promises. Big burnout by February.So in this episode, I sat down with Lisa Gittleman and Kylie Hansen to talk honestly about what actually matters when you’re heading into a new year after weight loss surgery, on GLP-1s, or just exhausted from starting over again and again.We’re breaking down mindset shifts bariatric patients need to make before setting goals, how to reflect on the past year without beating yourself up, and why sustainable habits always win over hype and hustle.We get real about nutrition, tracking, protein intake, and why accountability isn’t punishment… it’s protection. We also talk about self-advocacy, rest, and why taking care of yourself is not optional if you want long-term success after bariatric surgery.This conversation ends with something most people skip completely… how to set SMART goals that actually make sense for your real life, your schedule, and your nervous system. No fantasy timelines. No January delusion. Just intentional, realistic progress.If you’re a bariatric patient, using GLP-1s, or someone who’s tired of white-knuckling every new year, this episode is your reset.Not a restart. A realignment.Because you’re not uncoachable…you just haven’t worked with us yet.Keep gettin BUSY.

In this episode of the Busy Bariatrics Podcast, I break down what actually drove the growth of Busy Bariatrics, and no, it wasn’t viral reels or chasing trends.We dig into real data from podcast analytics, listener behavior, and client engagement to show how structured systems, consistent content, and repeatable coaching processes create long term results after bariatric surgery.I talk openly about what the numbers revealed about our audience, why understanding who you are speaking to matters more than trying to reach everyone, and how consistency outperforms motivation in both business and fat loss.This episode is for bariatric patients, coaches, and anyone tired of white knuckling progress and hoping something magically “takes off.”Inside this episode, you’ll learn:• Why consistency beats virality every time• How structured coaching systems improve client outcomes• What podcast and content data actually tells you if you’re willing to look• Why actionable guidance matters more than inspiration• How Busy Bariatrics adapted and grew through challengesIf you’re navigating life after bariatric surgery, building sustainable habits, or trying to grow something meaningful without burning out, this episode will hit home.Grab Ten Free Bariatric Friendly Recipes Every Month!

In this Christmas Day episode, I get real about the week most bariatric patients and GLP-1 users sabotage without even realizing it. I talk through my own holiday patterns, the years I treated this week like a nutritional purge, the post-bariatric season where alcohol took over 22 days of my life, and the year I finally sobered up and got honest about the habits that were holding me back.I break down why this “dead week” between Christmas and New Year’s becomes a trap for anyone on a bariatric or GLP-1 weight loss journey, and why tiny aligned actions during these seven days matter more than anything you promise yourself on January first. I explain the psychology behind the fresh start effect, how cognitive dissonance shows up when you swear you want change but rehearse old patterns, and why biology pushes us to slow down, eat more, and coast this time of year.If you’re a bariatric patient, a GLP-1 user, or someone trying to rebuild your life after weight loss surgery, this episode gives you a simple, no-BS plan to protect your progress and enter 2026 with real momentum. I walk you through practical steps, habit-building strategies, and the exact actions I use with clients to stay aligned when everyone else is drifting. This is how you build discipline, create structure, and stop treating January like a magic reset button.Chapters00:00 The Holiday Mindset Shift06:09 Reflections on Alcohol and Nutrition11:25 Psychology of Fresh Starts19:03 Building Sustainable Habits24:41 Taking Action Before JanuaryKeywordsbariatrics, holiday season, new year, habits, alcohol consumption, fitness, nutrition, mindset, fresh start, accountabilityGet Our Free Holiday Guide https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/m6Ot7h9hcpAMXduDEy4JKeywordsbariatrics, holiday season, new year, habits, alcohol consumption, fitness, nutrition, mindset, fresh start, accountability

Midlife can feel like a pressure cooker — career pivots, parenting chaos, and a body that doesn’t bounce back the way it used to. In this episode, I sit down with health coach Regan La Testa to pull back the curtain on the silent struggles no one talks about. We dive into the identity crises, the stress-fueled burnout, and the surprising mistakes most people make in midlife that keep them stuck. And we don’t just vent — we give you the simple, life-changing shifts that can put you back in control. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this all there is?” — this conversation will give you hope, clarity, and a game plan.My Resources and Special Offers Join my email list for inside tricks to crush your bariatric journey! Want a free 30 minute consultation on how to optimize your bariatric journey? Take our free metabolic assessment! Ready to crush your goals apply to my 1:1 coaching program! Find me on Socials InstagramBusy Bariatrics TiktokExclusive Discounts and OffersNeed Help Fueling your workouts Use Promocode BUSYBEE to save 20% off your first Order at Legion!  Need meals on the go while hitting your macros after Bariatric Surgery? Nutre Has you covered! Use BUSYBEE to save 50% off your first order!

Grab our Free Holiday Guide! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/m6Ot7h9hcpAMXduDEy4JI sat down with my team of bariatric coaches and we dug into how to get through Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season without derailing your weight loss after bariatric surgery. We talked about the real stuff people face this time of year… the food pressure, the family comments, the social expectations… and how to stay consistent whether you’re post-VSG, post-RNY, or navigating GLP-1 medications.We broke down the strategies we personally use to stay on track during the holidays, from planning your plate to understanding normal scale fluctuations to setting boundaries with the people who love you… and sometimes love to push food on you. We covered how to protect your mindset so you don’t spin out after one higher-calorie day, and why communication with your family can make Thanksgiving way less chaotic.And because bariatric weight loss is never just about the food, we talked about the power of community support and basic self care… the two things that keep most people from sliding backwards during the toughest stretch of the year.If you’re trying to lose weight after bariatric surgery or while on GLP-1s, this episode will help you walk into the holidays with a plan, a backbone, and your progress intact.

What is goin on Busy Bariatrics… it’s Rob.In this episode, I open up about losing my dad suddenly and what that moment taught me about taking action before life forces your hand. We talk grief, perspective, and why waiting for the “perfect time” is how goals slip away.If you’re navigating life after bariatric surgery, rebuilding routines, or struggling to start, this one is for you. Real talk about messy action, honoring your health, and showing up while you still can.Tune in. Take a step today.We are alive… let’s act like it.Ready to take action? Apply Today! Keywordsaction, imperfection, analysis paralysis, personal growth, motivation, productivity, self-improvement, mindset, success, messy action

What is goin’ on Busy Bariatrics… it’s Rob DiMedio, and in this episode I’m taking you inside the chaos, cravings, and curveballs of those first 90 days after bariatric surgery. Yeah, the stretch where your stomach’s tiny, your emotions are loud, and hydration feels like a full-time job.I’m breaking down everything I wish someone had told me when I was fresh out of surgery — from how to actually get your water in without feeling like a camel, to why cooking isn’t optional, it’s survival. We’re diving into the emotional mess that hits once the “honeymoon phase” fades, the infamous six-week stall, and how to stop treating your progress like a pass/fail test.You’ll hear my real-life screwups, the systems that saved me, and what I learned from my recent trip to the Bariatric Retreat in New Orleans — including why the humidity should count as cardio and how community can change everything about your journey.If you’re in that “WTF did I just do to my body” phase after surgery, this one’s for you. No fluff, no filter, just the truth with a side of sarcasm.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Surgery Journey02:56 Navigating the First Days Post-Surgery05:33 Hydration and Nutrition Essentials08:40 Mindset and Emotional Adjustments11:20 Coping Mechanisms and Identity Shifts14:19 Understanding Physical Changes and Challenges16:58 The Importance of Cooking and Meal Preparation19:34 Dealing with Stalls and Progress Tracking26:26 Hydration and Nutrition Essentials34:02 Movement and Strength Training Post-Surgery42:12 Tracking Progress and Building a Routine52:10 Reflections on the Retreat ExperienceKeywordsbariatric surgery, post-op, hydration, nutrition, emotional changes, cooking, meal prep, weight loss, identity transformation, support

Listen… nobody reads podcast descriptions. You’re probably skimming this right now thinking “blah blah blah, just hit play.” But since you’re here — and since Google cares way more about keywords than your attention span — let’s get into it.This episode is all about how to build muscle after bariatric surgery. Not fake toning, not endless cardio sweat-fests, but real-deal progressive overload, training splits, and resistance training for bariatric patients who want to stop looking “skinny weak” and start looking strong, confident, and sculpted.I’ll break down:How often you should lift if you want actual results (spoiler: more than once every time you “feel motivated”).The truth about nutrition and macros after weight loss surgery if your goal is muscle, not just surviving on chicken air and sadness salads.Why consistency is sexier than motivation — and how bariatric patients can finally build a body they love long-term.Whether you’re fresh out of surgery or years into maintenance, this episode will show you exactly what it takes to go from “I lost weight” to “dang, I lift.”And hey, if you actually read all this? Congratulations — you’re one of six people in podcast history who made it past line three.

What is goin’ on Busy Bariatrics?! In this episode, I’m breaking down how to lose 20 pounds before 2026 without turning your life into a 24/7 episode of Survivor. Spoiler: it’s not about eating celery until you cry or buying another $300 gadget that promises to melt fat while you nap.I dive into the science (the real stuff, not the TikTok nonsense), share how to stop sabotaging yourself when the seasons change, and talk about why your environment might secretly be plotting against your waistline. I even drag myself a little with some personal stories—because if I can laugh at my own mistakes, you can definitely laugh at yours.But listen, if you’re here thinking I’m about to hand you the entire blueprint in the show notes? Wrong podcast, Brenda. The only way to get the actual strategies is to hit play and listen all the way through.Go grab your headphones, laugh a little, maybe cry a little, but definitely get BUSY.Keywordsbariatric coaching, weight loss, habits, accountability, nutrition, bariatric surgery, fitness, lifestyle changes, community support, seasonal challengesTakeawaysLosing 20 pounds is achievable with the right strategies.Understanding the science of weight loss is crucial.Tracking behaviors can help align actions with goals.Engineering your environment can facilitate better choices.Psychological barriers often hinder weight loss efforts.Routine and support are essential for long-term success.Seasonal challenges can impact weight loss; plan accordingly.Building solid habits is key to maintaining weight loss.Community support can enhance accountability and motivation.It's important to take action and not just collect awareness.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Coaching and Events02:14 Losing 20 Pounds: The Challenge Ahead07:01 Understanding the Science of Weight Loss10:14 Behavioral Insights: Tracking and Accountability15:59 Engineering Your Environment for Success19:07 Overcoming Psychological Barriers to Weight Loss23:39 The Importance of Routines and Support27:07 Navigating Seasonal Challenges in Weight Management30:37 Personal Updates and Reflections36:22 Looking Ahead: Insights from Industry LeadersStruggling with optimizing your metabolism after bariatric surgery? Take our free assessment! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/oKm5iLEXbMMaNRLIxJjOMy Resources and Special Offers Join my email list for six months of meal ideas for your family after bariatric surgery! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/yTQCczSStNNq6vHIXlrQWant a free 30 minute consultation on how to optimize your bariatric journey? Take our free metabolic assessment! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/8cQk3uFhNTwp7iXAaszNReady to crush your goals apply to my 1:1 coaching program! https://go.busybariatrics.com/coachingoffer

What is goin’ on Busy Bariatrics?!In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Moore — a post-op dietitian who actually gets it (no, she’s not gonna tell you to eat plain chicken and cry through your macros). We dive into why muscle building is the real main character after bariatric surgery — not the scale drama you keep starring in.We get into:Why protein isn’t just a number — it’s your ticket to keeping your hair, your muscle, and your last shred of sanityHow learning to cook isn’t about being the next Top Chef — it’s about not door-dashing your results into the toiletAnd why a cookie-cutter plan is a great way to get cookie-cutter regretMegan dishes out real advice on how to eat without fear, personalize your nutrition without losing your mind, and find actual joy in food again — without spiraling into “I ruined everything” mode over one damn taco.If you’ve been white-knuckling your way through post-op life thinking food is the enemy, this one’s your wake-up call. Because spoiler alert: you don’t need to eat less — you need to eat right for your goals.💥 Screenshot this episode, tag me @myweightishistory, and share it with your fellow bariatric badasses — because this podcast isn’t about perfection… it’s about finally getting it right.Now go hit your protein… and keep gettin’ BUSY.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Nutrition06:08 Personalized Nutrition Goals14:10 Long-Term Nutrition Strategies21:16 Cooking Skills and Time Management30:58 Incorporating Variety in Meals38:14 Balancing Family Meals and Personal Nutrition43:01 The Inspiration Behind the Cookbook48:01 Building Healthy Habits Post-Surgery52:36 Finding Joy in Daily RoutinesMy Resources and Special Offers Join my email list for inside tricks to crush your bariatric journey! Want a free 30 minute consultation on how to optimize your bariatric journey? Take our free metabolic assessment! Ready to crush your goals apply to my 1:1 coaching program! Find me on Socials InstagramBusy Bariatrics TiktokExclusive Discounts and OffersNeed Help Fueling your workouts Use Promocode BUSYBEE to save 20% off your first Order at Legion!  Need meals on the go while hitting your macros after Bariatric Surgery? Nutre Has you covered! Use BUSYBEE to save 50% off your first order!

In this episode of The Busy Bariatrics Podcast, I sit down with a man that EVERYONE should know, but probably don’t (and that’s a damn shame): Bill Streetman. He’s the G.O.A.T. of post-op success, the blueprint before blueprints were cool, and he’s been quietly crushing the bariatric game for over a decade while most folks are still trying to post reels of themselves dancing. We get into his full story, from surgery to sustaining long-term results that most people only dream about. We’re talking discipline, mindset mastery, staying on track while living out of a suitcase, and why responsibility isn’t toxic, it’s transformative.Bill’s not just walking the walk, he’s teaching it. His new book just dropped and it’s packed with real-world advice for anyone who wants to stop spinning their wheels and start making sustainable moves.Bill has been talking on national stages advocating for bariatric surgery before most of us knew what WLS stood for. If you’ve never heard of Bill Streetman, consider this your official wake-up call.Tune in. Take notes. This one’s pure gold. And Yes I'm biased cause the dude is my Hero. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Journeys02:06 Bill's Transformation Story04:18 Challenges of Travel and Weight Management07:03 Mindset and Lifestyle Changes Post-Surgery10:04 The Importance of Meal Planning12:29 Empowerment Through Food Choices14:20 The Role of Exercise in Weight Loss16:58 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection19:17 Self-Analysis and the Decision for Surgery22:49 Building a New Relationship with Food24:11 The Importance of Eating Mindfully28:08 Finding Your Best Weight30:43 Overcoming Health Challenges and Embracing Life34:50 The Gifts of Adversity37:16 Becoming an Advocate for Change44:27 Navigating the Bariatric Journey51:13 Personalizing Your Path to Wellness01:02:30 The Power of Perspective and CommunityGrab over six months worth of meal plans and recipes to help you crush your bariatric journey! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/yTQCczSStNNq6vHIXlrQWant a free 30 minute consultation on how to optimize your bariatric journey? Take our free metabolic assessment! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/8cQk3uFhNTwp7iXAaszNReady to crush your goals apply to my 1:1 coaching program! https://go.busybariatrics.com/coachingofferFind me on Socials Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/myweightishistory?igsh=MTA1ejk2YW5idzRrZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrBusy Bariatrics https://www.instagram.com/busybariatrics?igsh=MTZidnV0Ym5lY29zZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@my_weight_is_history?_t=ZT-8trSpUP0NDS&_r=1Need Help Fueling your workouts Use Promocode BUSYBEE to save 20% off your first Order at Legion! https://legionathletics.rfrl.co/p75joNeed meals on the go while hitting your macros after Bariatric Surgery? NUTRE gives you 50% off your first order when you use promocode BUSYBEEhttps://www.gonutre.com/

In this episode, I sat down with the incredible Sherri Johnson — a bariatric stylist who gets it. We’re talking about the mental chaos of clothes shopping after surgery, what the hell to wear during all the weird body phases, and why your self-worth isn’t measured in dress sizes (even though the world tries to tell you otherwise).Sherri breaks down how to rebuild your wardrobe and your confidence post-op — without having a meltdown in the Target dressing room. We dive into body image, emotional weight, and how to stop hiding behind oversized hoodies and “someday” clothes.If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet post-surgery thinking, “What do I even wear now?”, this episode is for you.Grab over six months worth of meal plans and recipes to help you crush your bariatric journey! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/yTQCczSStNNq6vHIXlrQWant a free 30 minute consultation on how to optimize your bariatric journey? Take our free metabolic assessment! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/8cQk3uFhNTwp7iXAaszNReady to crush your goals apply to my 1:1 coaching program! https://go.busybariatrics.com/coachingofferFind me on Socials Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/myweightishistory?igsh=MTA1ejk2YW5idzRrZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrBusy Bariatrics https://www.instagram.com/busybariatrics?igsh=MTZidnV0Ym5lY29zZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@my_weight_is_history?_t=ZT-8trSpUP0NDS&_r=1Need Help Fueling your workouts Use Promocode BUSYBEE to save 20% off your first Order at Legion! https://legionathletics.rfrl.co/p75joNeed meals on the go while hitting your macros after Bariatric Surgery? NUTRE gives you 50% off your first order when you use promocode BUSYBEEhttps://www.gonutre.com/

In this conversation, I share my real-life experiences (the good, the awkward, and the surprisingly meaningful) navigating bariatric meetups. I talk about the common anxieties we all feelbecause yes, even I get nervous walking into a room full of strangers and I offer some no-fluff tips for making genuine connections. From staying vulnerable (without trauma-dumping), to avoiding the toxic trap of comparison, to actually following up with the cool people you meet, this episode is all about building real relationships in the bariatric community. Because let's face it, we didn’t do this journey to go it alone.

5 years post-op and I'm finally ready to admit something... The "after" photo isn't the end of the story. It's barely the middle.I remember thinking once my surgeon rearranged my insides, everything would magically fall into place. The weight would drop, confidence would skyrocket, and I'd immediately become that person who meal preps on Sundays and never hits snooze on 5am workouts. Reality? I still record this podcast from my basement. Still struggle with protein goals some days. Still have moments where I look in the mirror and don't recognize the person staring back.But here's what they don't tell you in the pre-op classes:The real transformation isn't about the scale. It's about showing up for yourself when nobody's watching. It's about building the kind of consistency that doesn't abandon you when life gets chaotic. Five years later, I'm proud of things that have nothing to do with pants size.I'm proud that I can lift weights that used to terrify me.I'm proud that food is just food now – not the enemy, not my comfort.I'm proud that my kids see what resilience looks like in real time.I'm proud that I trusted myself enough to keep going.The journey doesn't end when the "dramatic weight loss" slows down. That's actually when the real work begins. So if you're standing at the beginning, middle, or five years into your own journey, remember this: Progress isn't linear. Healing isn't perfect. And contrary to what social media suggests, you don't need to have it all figured out.You just need to keep showing up.What's one non-scale victory you're proud of today? Drop it below, I read every comment and could use some inspiration myself. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Bariatric Journey02:48 The Importance of Pre-Surgery Preparation05:55 Finding Sustainable Exercise and Nutrition08:43 The Reality of Social Media and Self-Worth11:23 Building Consistency and Overcoming Challenges14:27 The Long Road to Success and Continuous Improvement

In this episode, I dive into the resurgence of step bets in the bariatric community and honestly, they’re starting to feel more like a casino for movement. I break down the cycle of shame these challenges often create, where the pressure to perform leads to guilt, failure, and that familiar feeling of “not enough.”Instead of chasing external rewards and frantic step counts, I make the case for shifting from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation. It’s time we focus on what actually builds long-term health: strength training and sustainable fitness habits. I share some of my own experiences and insights on how to craft a realistic, balanced fitness plan that doesn’t just check boxes it supports your real life and your real well-being.Chapters00:00 The Return of Step Bets02:50 The Cycle of Shame in Fitness Challenges06:00 The Problem with Output vs. Outcomes08:47 The Science Behind Effective Movement11:30 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation14:41 Building Sustainable Habits17:26 The Dangers of Fear-Based Movement20:08 Creating a Balanced Fitness Plan23:15 The Path to Long-Term SuccessLike my rants? Get em daily on my email list plus grab six months of meal plansGrab over six months worth of meal plans and recipes to help you crush your bariatric journey! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/yTQCczSStNNq6vHIXlrQ

In this episode, I sat down with Derek — a marriage therapist who’s basically the bariatric world’s relationship whisperer — to talk about the real side of love after surgery. We're not sugar-coating it (and you know I don’t do sugar unless it fits my macros).We got into the messy stuff: how the holidays and politics can turn even strong marriages into silent standoffs, why bariatric surgery can shake up a relationship dynamic fast, and what actually helps couples stay connected when life throws curveballs.Derek broke down the Four Horsemen of Marriage (spoiler: these bad boys ruin more marriages than carbs), how to rebuild trust through tough conversations, and why rituals of connection — yes, even tiny ones — matter more than grand gestures. This one’s not just for the romantically partnered either. It’s for anyone who's navigating change and doesn’t want to drag relationship chaos along for the ride.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Relationships and Bariatrics01:24 Navigating Holiday Stress in Relationships03:27 Political Divides and Relationship Strain04:49 Effective Communication in Major Life Decisions06:58 Understanding Fear and Misinformation in Bariatrics08:57 Ambassadorship in Bariatric Conversations10:41 Opening Difficult Conversations with Loved Ones12:45 The Importance of Trust in Relationships14:11 Navigating Change After Bariatric Surgery16:17 Finding the Right Time for Difficult Discussions18:06 Building Connection Through Rituals22:18 Maintaining Connection Amidst Change25:16 Balancing Self-Care and Relationship Needs28:53 Acknowledging and Validating Fears32:20 The Four Horsemen of Marriage32:47 The Four Horsemen of Relationship Deterioration34:47 Understanding and Overcoming Criticism36:19 The Dangers of Contempt in Relationships37:12 Defensiveness: A Barrier to Communication39:37 The Importance of Validation40:05 Recognizing and Addressing Stonewalling43:14 The Impact of Past Issues on Present Relationships45:58 The Role of Therapy in Relationship Healing47:57 Building Healthy Relationship Habits49:12 Making Nutrition an Us Journey50:44 Staying Active Together51:43 Showing Up for Yourself54:11 Finding Healthy Sources of Dopamine