Bariatric Mindset® Success Podcast

Is January really the magic month for transformation and change?Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances Vogel say… not a chance.In this episode, Kristin and Frances dismantle the New Year’s Resolution myth and explain why 91% of resolutions fail, often within weeks. (Hint: your nervous system does not recognize calendar dates.)Instead of dramatic “cheeseburger-to-salads” overhauls, they make the case for something far less glamorous—but infinitely more effective: small, sustainable changes that actually stick.You’ll learn why:* Massive goals overwhelm the brain* Perfectionism quietly sabotages progress* Willpower fails when regulation is missing* Self-sabotage is often self-protection, not lazinessThis episode is a must-listen if you’re tired of starting over every January and ready to build real consistency, self-trust, and long-term success—especially in a body shaped by trauma, diet culture, ADHD, or past weight loss attempts.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeKristin and Frances break down:* Why January has zero special power for change* How nervous system dysregulation—not lack of motivation—derails goals* Why restriction gets confused with “discipline” (and why that backfires)* How to stop restarting and start resetting* Why consistency is a regulation skill, not a personality traitThis conversation blends psychology, lived experience, and trauma-informed strategy—without shame, hype, or magical thinking.Key Takeaways* Only 9% of New Year’s resolutions succeed. January’s “fresh start” energy is cultural conditioning—not a behavior change strategy.* Drastic lifestyle overhauls fail because your brain can’t process multiple major changes at once. Sustainable change is built through incremental, repeatable actions.* Willpower and perfectionism are obstacles, not solutions. Long-term success depends on nervous system regulation, self-trust, and flexibility—not pressure.* Self-sabotage is protective, not broken behavior. Your system resists change when it feels unsafe—even when the change is “good.”* Consistency is something you practice, not something you’re born with. It’s built through small wins, not massive promises.Show SummaryDr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances Vogel challenge the deeply ingrained belief that January is the ideal—or only—time for transformation. Despite decades of cultural hype, research shows that most resolutions fail within weeks, with only a small fraction lasting the full year.They explain why grand, all-or-nothing goals overwhelm the brain and nervous system, especially for individuals with ADHD, trauma histories, or chronic decision fatigue. Life is unpredictable, and rigid plans collapse under real-world stress.Kristin emphasizes that sustainable weight loss and lifestyle change come from small, strategic steps, not massive yearly overhauls. Daily anchor habits—like prioritizing protein, hydration, movement, or emotional regulation—create momentum without triggering rebellion or burnout.The episode explores how diet culture confuses restriction with discipline, ignoring the original meaning of discipline as learning and practice. Perfectionism, scale obsession, and unrealistic timelines quietly sabotage progress, often leading to shame spirals and “start over” cycles.Kristin and Frances reframe self-sabotage as a nervous-system survival response—not a character flaw. When change feels unsafe, the body defaults to familiar coping mechanisms. True transformation requires felt safety, emotional regulation, and identity-based change—not just willpower.They also discuss:* Why pressure doesn’t create lasting progress* How to normalize setbacks without spiraling* The power of “crowd out, don’t cut out” nutrition* Why action builds motivation (not the other way around)* How small, repeatable habits build self-trust and identityThe episode closes with a powerful reminder: progress doesn’t have a deadline. Growth can happen in March, July, or October just as effectively as January—when it’s grounded in compassion, regulation, and honesty.Listen If You’re Ready To:* Stop restarting every January* Build consistency without burnout* Heal your relationship with food and your body* Create change that survives real life—not just perfect weeks Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

What if the holidays don’t test your discipline at all—but instead reveal how you relate to your body, your needs, and your identity under pressure?In this episode, Kristin and Frances challenge the perfectionism trap that derails so many bariatric and GLP-1 patients during the holiday season—and offer a more sustainable, psychologically grounded way forward.Frances shares her personal experience of having bariatric surgery just before Thanksgiving nine years ago—an unplanned crash course in learning how to cope, regulate emotions, and make intentional choices from day one. (Trial by fire, for sure.) Together, Kristin and Frances unpack why tools like surgery and GLP-1 medications are powerful—but not sufficient on their own.Throughout the conversation, they return to one essential truth:Lasting results require more than a tool. They require mindset, nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and self-leadership.You’ll hear practical, real-life strategies such as:* Using an 80/20 approach to nourishment versus enjoyment* Grounding your nervous system before entering triggering environments* Shifting from restriction-based thinking to identity-based decisions* Asking “Who am I becoming?” instead of “What shouldn’t I eat?”* Creating non-food-centered traditions that make the holidays meaningful againKristin and Frances also explore how seasonal depression and reduced sunlight amplify stress responses, why food tracking can serve as a neutral baseline tool (even when it’s uncomfortable), and how emotional eating often reflects unmet needs—not lack of discipline.If you’re tired of white-knuckling the holidays, starting over every January, or feeling like success disappears in December, this episode offers 10 mindset shifts to help you honor your journey right now—not later.Key Takeaways* Weight loss success depends on psychological and emotional work—not just medical interventions. Surgery and GLP-1s support physiology, but they cannot override unresolved coping patterns, trauma responses, or nervous system dysregulation.* Perfectionism during the holidays backfires. Viewing slip-ups as data instead of failure prevents all-or-nothing thinking and protects long-term progress.* Sustainable health comes from focusing on how you want to feel—not what you’re restricting. Shifting away from moralizing food choices reduces shame cycles and supports consistency.Show SummaryKristin and Frances explore why the holiday season is uniquely challenging for bariatric and GLP-1 patients and how perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking often sabotage progress. Rather than treating missteps as failure, they encourage listeners to view them as information—feedback that supports growth rather than derailment.Frances shares her experience of having surgery just before Thanksgiving, which required her to develop coping strategies immediately instead of postponing change until “after the holidays.” The hosts emphasize that waiting until January often reinforces a victim mindset and disconnects people from agency during the moments that matter most.They discuss why sustainable weight loss requires more than surgery or medication alone, stressing the importance of addressing underlying psychological and emotional factors such as trauma, childhood conditioning, stress eating, food noise, attachment patterns, and identity-based behaviors. Health is framed as holistic—encompassing biology, environment, mental health, lifestyle behaviors, relationships, and spirituality.The episode highlights how seasonal depression and reduced sunlight can activate fight-or-flight responses, making regulation and self-compassion even more critical. Rather than approaching the holidays with restriction or fear, listeners are encouraged to plan for enjoyment, connection, and nervous system support.Practical strategies woven throughout the episode include:* Setting time boundaries at social events* Eating protein first to stabilize blood sugar* Hydrating intentionally to prevent false hunger cues* Grounding before meals to prevent dissociation and overeatingKristin and Frances also examine emotional eating as a learned coping mechanism—often rooted in self-abandonment, stress, or unmet emotional needs. By learning to pause and ask what the body actually needs—comfort, connection, rest, or nourishment—listeners can interrupt automatic patterns and rebuild self-trust.The episode emphasizes treating bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medication as a partnership with behavior and lifestyle change, not a punishment, a negotiation, or a cure-all. They’re tools that require partnership with behavior, mindset, and lifestyle change. Comparing yourself to others or “testing limits” undermines self-trust. Sustainable success comes from honoring satiety cues, individual needs, and long-term self-leadership.Listeners are invited to shift holiday traditions away from food-centered focus toward experience-based connection—games, creativity, shared rituals, movement, and meaningful time together. By cultivating multiple sources of pleasure beyond food, reliance on eating as the primary emotional outlet naturally decreases.Kristin and Frances close by inviting listeners to release “perfect plan pressure” and anchor into identity. Asking daily, “Who am I becoming?” supports intentional decisions, strengthens self-trust, and creates momentum that lasts long after the holidays end.Final Thoughts…You don’t need stricter rules this season. You need regulation, intention, and self-trust.Progress doesn’t disappear in December—and it doesn’t require waiting until January.Chapters* 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Framing* 03:30 – Frances’ Surgery-Right-Before-Thanksgiving Story* 07:30 – Why Tools Alone Aren’t Enough* 11:30 – Holiday Perfectionism & All-or-Nothing Thinking* 15:30 – Seasonal Depression, Stress, & the Nervous System* 19:30 – Planning to Enjoy, Not Survive* 23:30 – The 80/20 Approach: Nourishment vs. Enjoyment* 27:00 – Emotional Eating & Unmet Needs* 31:00 – Respecting Your Tool (Don’t Test It)* 34:30 – Protein, Hydration, & False Hunger* 38:00 – Scheduling Downtime & ADHD-Friendly Regulation* 41:30 – From Food-Centered to Experience-Centered Holidays* 45:00 – Releasing the Perfect Plan & Tracking as Data* 48:30 – Identity Work: “Who Am I Becoming?”* 52:00 – Final Thoughts & Community InvitationTop 10 Holiday Mindset Tips for Bariatric & GLP-1 PatientsIn this episode, we walk through 10 practical, psychology-backed shifts to help you feel supported instead of sabotaged this season.1. Plan to Enjoy — Not to Survive The holidays aren’t something to “get through.” Decide ahead of time how you want to feel after events—connected, content, confident—and let that guide your choices instead of guilt or pressure.2. Ditch the All-or-Nothing Trap One cookie doesn’t erase progress. One “perfect” day doesn’t define success. Sustainable eaters think in patterns and averages, not extremes. Aim for nourishment and enjoyment.3. Anchor Before You Enter the Room Before food shows up, regulate first. Slow your breathing, drop your shoulders, and check in with your body. Regulation creates choice—dysregulation creates impulse.4. Respect Your Tool — Don’t Test It Your surgery or GLP-1 isn’t something to challenge or override. It’s a partnership. Eat slowly, chew intentionally, and stop at comfortable satisfaction—not discomfort.5. Stay Hydrated and Protein-First Hydration and protein stabilize blood sugar and reduce “false hunger.” Simple tools—like a shaker bottle or electrolytes—make a bigger difference than people realize.6. Manage Emotions, Not Menus Holiday cravings often signal stress, loneliness, or exhaustion—not hunger. Ask what emotion needs attention first, then choose food from a regulated place.7. Schedule Downtime Like You Schedule Meals Overbooked nervous systems seek relief—often through food. Protect rest, alone time, and decompression. Regulation prevents chaos snacking.8. Shift the Focus From Food to Experience Food doesn’t have to be the centerpiece. Create memories through connection, traditions, gratitude rituals, movement, music, or giving.9. Release the “Perfect Plan” Pressure Unplanned bites or missed workouts aren’t failures—they’re feedback. Self-leadership is about course-correction, not self-punishment.10. Decide Who You’re Becoming This Season Instead of leading with fear (“I hope I don’t regain”), anchor into identity: “I’m someone who listens to my body and respects my limits. ”That identity lasts long after the holidays end.Listener TakeawayYou don’t need stricter rules this season—you need better self-trust, regulation, and flexibility. Progress isn’t lost in December. It’s protected through awareness and compassion.If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone navigating the holidays after surgery or on a GLP-1. And if you want deeper support around mindset, emotional regulation, and long-term success, make sure you’re connected with us inside the Bariatric Mindset community. Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

What if your lowest moment became the starting point for everything that followed?In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lloyd sits down with Tosha Stafford, The Regain Coach, for an unfiltered conversation about weight regain, emotional healing, and what it actually takes to create sustainable change after weight loss surgery.Tosha shares her journey from corporate America to bariatric surgery, through regain, alcohol use, and deep emotional work — including two years of consistent therapy that changed her relationship with food, stress, and self-worth.Together, they explore why regain isn’t failure, how emotional capacity drives behavior, and why willpower alone can’t withstand life’s hardest seasons. This episode is for anyone who’s tired of starting over — and ready to build real skills for lasting self-trust.Because winning isn’t just weight loss — it’s how you show up for yourself every day.Episode 18 | Guest Introduction – Tosha StaffordFor Episode 18, I’m joined by Tosha Stafford, widely known as The Regain Coach — a bariatric mentor who helps women rebuild confidence, structure, and self-trust after weight regain.Tosha didn’t set out to become a coach — she became one because she lived this journey herself. After bariatric surgery in 2013, significant weight loss, and then multiple seasons of regain during major life stress and medical complications, she learned firsthand what most people are never taught: surgery isn’t the finish line — it’s the starting point.Today, Tosha is the founder of Bari-Fit and the creator of programs like Winning Against Regain, The Success Playbook, and Back on Track, all built from the exact tools she used to lose regain and stay out of the shame-and-restart cycle.Her work is grounded in structure, mindset, and daily action — not perfection, punishment, or diet culture — and she’s known for helping women stop feeling like they “failed” their surgery and start showing up for their lives again.You can find Tosha at www.barifit.com and on social media @theregaincoach.Show SummaryDr. Kristin Lloyd welcomes Tosha Stafford, known as The Regain Coach, for a deeply honest conversation about weight regain, emotional healing, and what sustainable transformation actually requires after weight loss surgery.Tosha shares her early career in Corporate America, where constant travel, client entertainment, and long workdays slowly contributed to weight gain. At over 300 pounds, a humiliating incident at the Boise airport — where an airline employee demanded she purchase two seats — became a defining moment. Facing overwhelming shame and fear of losing her job, Tosha sought weight loss surgery not from a place of self-care, but survival.In 2013, she traveled to Tijuana for surgery. The physical changes followed quickly, supported by disciplined exercise and macro-based nutrition coaching. As her body changed, so did her confidence — and soon she was helping others navigate bariatric nutrition. But despite outward success, something deeper remained unresolved.Between 2016–2017, a “perfect storm” hit: marriage, becoming a stepmother to two teenagers, complications from cosmetic surgery, a stressful lawsuit, and a transition into self-employment. The weight returned — along with alcohol use, shame, and self-judgment. Tosha realized that despite being highly competent professionally, she lacked the emotional skill set required for this level of stress and identity transition.Instead of doubling down on dieting, Tosha committed to therapy every other week for two years, involving her husband Chris and her family in the process. During that time, she recognized her pattern of emotional eating and identified herself as a food addict — not as a moral failing, but as an adaptive response to unmet emotional needs she had never been taught to address.Together, Kristin and Tosha explore the reality that weight loss surgery removes a coping mechanism without replacing it. When food, alcohol, or control disappear, unresolved trauma, stress, grief, and emotional dysregulation surface. True healing requires learning how to self-soothe, set boundaries, assess emotional capacity, and redefine success beyond the scale.They discuss perfectionism, identity loss, sobriety, emotional regulation, family dynamics, and the importance of investing time, energy, and resources into real skill-building — not quick fixes. Drawing on metaphors like emotional “gas tanks” and post-traumatic growth, the conversation reframes struggle as information, not failure.Ultimately, Tosha shares how redefining “winning” transformed her life. Winning now means showing up with integrity, closing the kitchen when needed, honoring emotional limits, and choosing growth over self-punishment — even when it’s uncomfortable.This episode is a powerful reminder that thriving after weight loss surgery isn’t about trying harder, it’s about becoming more emotionally skilled, self-aware, and supported.Key Takeaways• Weight loss surgery is a tool — not a life solution. Major life stressors can override even the most “successful” surgeries, revealing that physical interventions alone don’t resolve emotional regulation, identity, or coping patterns.• Regain is not failure — it’s information. Weight regain often signals unaddressed emotional needs, stress overload, or skill gaps — not a lack of discipline or commitment.• Two years of consistent therapy changed everything. Rather than jumping back into dieting or “fixing” food, Tosha invested in deep emotional and psychological work — a step most people avoid but desperately need.• Willpower collapses under stress; skills sustain you. Lasting change comes from learning emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and alternative coping mechanisms — not from tighter rules.• Mental and emotional capacity matters daily. Operating at 20% capacity but expecting 100% performance is a recipe for burnout and relapse. Self-assessment must come before self-expectation.• Alcohol often replaces food when emotional hunger isn’t addressed. Removing food as a coping tool without addressing emotional needs can lead to substitute behaviors that feel just as destructive.• Winning isn’t the number on the scale — it’s how you show up daily. Success becomes defined by self-respect, boundaries, emotional honesty, and choosing alignment over self-punishment.Chapters00:00:00 - From Fear to Surgery: Tasha’s Journey Begins00:06:49 - From Macro Counting to Real Life Challenges00:09:25 - Struggling with Weight Regain and Shame00:13:49 - Learning to Prioritize Emotional Needs00:16:06 - The Hidden Emotional Work After Weight Loss Surgery00:18:14 - Weight Loss Surgery’s Hidden Emotional Toll00:20:34 - Reserve Your Top Five Percent Daily00:23:45 - High Performers Struggle with Asking for Help00:28:40 - Weight Loss Surgery Doesn’t Fix Your Brain00:35:30 - Choosing Zero Alcohol During Life Stress00:38:01 - Quitting Alcohol for Better Sleep00:40:39 - Learning New Skills in Sobriety00:42:27 - Learning Lessons and Simplifying Your Business00:49:32 - Managing Your Journey While Others Stay the Same00:52:49 - Setting Boundaries with Food for Success00:56:02 - Breaking Eating Habits and Finding Your Support00:58:40 - Choosing Growth Over Victim Mentality01:04:22 - Time is Your Most Valuable Resource01:12:11 - Redefining Winning Beyond the Scale01:15:33 - Winning is Anything That Makes You Smile01:18:18 - From Survival to Growth MindsetExtended Bio - Tosha StaffordTosha Stafford is a bariatric coach, mentor, and founder of Bari-Fit, best known for her work helping women navigate weight regain with structure, and real-life strategy.After reaching her highest weight just over 300 pounds, Tosha underwent bariatric surgery in 2013. Like many, she experienced significant weight loss — followed by seasons of regain during major life transitions, stress, and medical complications in both 2017 and 2024.Rather than giving up or chasing perfection, Tosha returned to the fundamentals: structure, mindset, and daily follow-through. Those tools didn’t just help her lose regain — they helped her rebuild confidence, stability, and self-trust.Today, Tosha works exclusively with women who feel stuck, discouraged, or embarrassed after regain.Her mission is simple:* Help women stop believing they failed their surgery* Restore structure without shame* Rebuild confidence through daily wins* And remind them that weight loss doesn’t define them — courage doesTosha is a guide, not a judge. A coach, not a critic. And her philosophy is clear: we don’t chase perfection — we chase wins.Website: www.barifit.comInstagram & Facebook: @theregaincoachSubscribe to the podcast to get updates on new episodes as soon as they are released.Connect with Bariatric Mindset & Kristin Lloyd at www.bariatricmindsetsuccess.comJoin our FREE Facebook Community, Bariatric Mindset MavensFollow on social @bariatricmindset and @kristinlloydcoaching Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Perfectionism might look like discipline or excellence on the surface, but underneath it’s often fear, shame, and a desperate attempt to control outcomes. In this honest and refreshing conversation, Dr. Kristin Lloyd and dietitian Kristin Willard, RDN unpack how perfectionism silently sabotages progress after weight loss surgery and while using GLP-1 medications.Kristin Willard shares her own lived experience cycling between intense commitment and complete burnout — and how that same all-or-nothing pattern shows up in her clients’ nutrition, exercise, and mindset. Together, they reveal why doing it perfectly isn’t sustainable, and how chasing 100% compliance only breeds shame, inconsistency, and exhaustion.From flexible ranges to the “even though, nevertheless” mindset shift, this episode offers compassionate, practical tools to help you build sustainable habits without the guilt. Whether you’re post-op, on GLP-1s, or simply tired of white-knuckling your wellness goals, this conversation will help you breathe again — and finally make progress that lasts.Key Takeaways* Progress beats perfection. The “80% good enough” mindset stops the all-or-nothing cycles that actually sabotage long-term success. Consistency matters more than intensity.* One off-plan meal doesn’t ruin your progress — shame does. It’s not the food that derails you, it’s the guilt spiral and perfectionist thinking that follows.* Use flexible ranges, not rigid rules. Calorie, protein, and weight ranges support self-trust and freedom while keeping structure intact.* Social media highlight reels fuel comparison and unrealistic expectations. True success comes from personalization — not perfection.* Self-compassion is a skill. Learning to say, “Even though I didn’t do it perfectly, nevertheless I’m still showing up,” rewires your mindset for resilience and long-term success.Detailed Show NotesWhen bariatric dietitian Kristin Willard, RDN, found herself swinging between workout obsession and total avoidance, she realized perfectionism was running the show. In this raw and insightful episode, she joins Dr. Kristin Lloyd to unpack how perfectionism undermines not only fitness goals but overall health, joy, and emotional well-being.The two Kristins explore the perfectionism spectrum — from food rules and tracking obsessions to the guilt and shame that follow even the smallest slip. They share why trying to be “perfect” is an impossible pursuit that only fuels burnout and emotional eating.Listeners will learn practical, compassionate tools including:* Setting ranges (not exact numbers) for calories, protein, and weight.* Using the “even though, nevertheless” mindset to reframe setbacks.* Intentionally practicing small “failures” to build emotional tolerance.* Shifting from “I blew it” to “I learned something.”* Recognizing that acceptance isn’t complacency — it’s clarity.They also address the influence of social media perfectionism, the illusion of control, and how unrealistic expectations can erode confidence for bariatric and GLP-1 patients. Through humor and honesty, both Kristins model what it looks like to trade shame for strategy, and perfection for peace.The episode closes with a powerful reminder: You don’t need to be perfect to be successful — you just need to keep showing up. Connect with Us Guest: Kristin Willard, RDNWebsite: www.bariatricmealprep.comInstagram: @bariatric.meal.prepHost: Dr. Kristin Lloyd, PhDWebsite: www.bariatricmindsetsuccess.comIf this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to:⭐ Subscribe to the Bariatric Mindset Success Podcast💌 Grab your FREE Food Noise Freedom Mini-Course 🎙️ Leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that good enough is more than enough. Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

‘Tis the season for food, family… and emotional fatigue.In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances Vogel expose the truth about “energy vampires in Santa hats” — those well-meaning (and not-so-well-meaning) family members who can drain your energy faster than a buffet drains your willpower.Together, they unpack how to protect your peace during the holidays — not just from overeating, but from emotional overload, guilt, and toxic family dynamics. You’ll learn how to stay grounded, maintain your boundaries, and show up for yourself even in the most triggering environments.Whether you’re recovering from surgery or managing your health through medication, this episode will help you create a Holiday Survival Toolkit so you can stay cozy, not complacent — protecting both your emotional well-being and your long-term progress.In This Episode, We Discuss:* Why holiday stress and social anxiety have intensified post-pandemic — and what to do about it* How to identify and neutralize “energy vampires in Santa hats” who drain your emotional reserves* The “cozy, not complacent” approach to navigating the holidays without losing momentum* Setting healthy boundaries with food, family, and expectations — without guilt* How to handle body and weight comments with grace (and a sense of humor)* Practical exit strategies, scripts, and deflection tools to keep your peace intact Why protecting your energy isn’t avoidance — it’s alignmentKey Takeaways* Social anxiety has skyrocketed since the pandemic, making holiday gatherings emotionally harder than ever for bariatric patients — often more due to the people than the food.* Emotional energy drains lead to poor food choices. Protecting your peace protects your progress.* Boundaries are sacred. You can honor family traditions without betraying your own needs.* Preparation beats willpower. Having mental rehearsal, supportive allies, and exit plans ready helps you thrive under pressure.* “Their chaos isn’t your cue.” You don’t have to participate in others’ dysfunction just because you’re invited to the show.* Choose presence over perfection. Staying connected to your why helps you maintain momentum while enjoying the season.Episode SummaryDr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances Vogel dive into the emotional and psychological side of holiday survival for bariatric patients. Beyond the buffet tables and dessert trays, this episode tackles what truly derails progress: toxic family dynamics, emotional exhaustion, and guilt-driven eating patterns.Kristin shares personal reflections on navigating complex family relationships, grief, and guilt around her father’s last Christmas — highlighting the courage it takes to maintain boundaries without disconnecting from love. Frances brings practical insights on managing social anxiety and re-entry into family dynamics post-pandemic, along with tactical humor like “dysfunctional family bingo” to lighten heavy moments.Together, they emphasize that protecting your energy isn’t selfish — it’s essential. You’ll learn how to:* Set clear boundaries around food and conversation topics* Use short, assertive responses like “No, thanks,” or “I’m good for now” without overexplaining* Spot emotional triggers before they lead to mindless eating* Create your own “holiday peace plan” — identifying 3 joyful events, 3 personal boundaries, and 3 energy-restoring ritualsWhether you’re navigating passive-aggressive relatives, pressure to eat, or feelings of loneliness, this conversation offers both emotional validation and actionable tools to get you through the season with confidence, compassion, and grace.Mentioned in This Episode* “Survive the Holidays Masterclass” — Dr. Kristin Lloyd’s 3-part self-study on-demand training that helps you manage holiday triggers, set clear boundaries, and protect your progress.🎧 Includes: printable workbooks, scripts, and the Dysfunctional Family Bingo bonus!💰 Available now for just $99 — limited time only.👉 Grab your spot here before enrollment closes!Connect & Learn More* Website: www.bariatricmindsetsuccess.com* Follow on Instagram: @kristinlloydcoaching* Join the Free Facebook Community: Bariatric Mindset Mavens* Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listenFinal ThoughtProtecting your peace this season is a radical act of self-love.You don’t have to prove your worth through your plate or your politeness.You’ve earned the right to rest, reset, and reconnect with what matters most — you. Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

The surprising truth about why bariatric surgery and weight-loss medications seem to “stop working” might completely change how you approach your journey.Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances Vogel dismantle the myth that bariatric tools or GLP-1s lose power over time. In reality, these tools are neutral amplifiers—mirrors of your existing behaviors, not magic wands. Just as diabetes medication requires ongoing dietary management, weight-loss tools demand continual commitment to lifestyle, mindset, and emotional health.Together, they explore how metabolic adaptation isn’t failure—it’s biology—and why genuine transformation happens when you pair medical tools with mental, emotional, and behavioral growth. You’ll learn how emotional eating, hormonal shifts, and trauma responses can hijack progress, and how self-leadership, boundaries, and consistency bring you back into alignment.This conversation goes beyond motivation—it’s a call to radical honesty, self-responsibility, and compassionate discipline. Whether you’re using surgery, medication, or mindset work, this episode helps you reclaim your power and partner with your tools instead of giving them your power.Key Takeaways✅ Bariatric tools are neutral amplifiers, not magic fixesSurgery and GLP-1s magnify your current habits. If you’re consistent and intentional, they work with you; if you’re in avoidance or chaos, they mirror that back. The tools don’t fail—behavioral alignment does.✅ Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition—not a moral flawLike diabetes or hypertension, long-term management requires ongoing care, emotional regulation, and nutrition—not shame or quick fixes.✅ Your body’s adaptation isn’t failure—it’s feedbackPlateaus are part of biology, not proof something’s “broken.” Learn to read your body’s cues, not fight them.✅ Discipline isn’t punishment—it’s consistency with compassionRigid “120% perfection” burns you out. Sustainable transformation lives in the 80-20 zone: consistent, flexible, human.✅ Emotional work is non-negotiableDistinguish between physical hunger, emotional hunger, and habitual triggers. True mastery comes from awareness, not avoidance.✅ Personal responsibility = power reclaimedYour tools are only as effective as the self-leadership behind them. Healing means moving from victimhood to ownership and partnership with your own body.Episode Highlights* The hidden danger of vanity-driven surgery vs. wellness-driven transformation* How shame, comparison, and all-or-nothing thinking sabotage progress* The “small boundary pushes” that derail results faster than big slip-ups* Why menopause, stress, and trauma can reignite emotional eating* How to prepare your nervous system for life’s “storms” before crisis hits* The mindset shift from external validation to internal accountability* Why emotional regulation and nervous system safety matter more than willpowerReflection PromptAsk yourself:“Am I partnering with my bariatric or medical tool—or handing my power over to it?”Journal on where you’ve outsourced responsibility to the tool instead of using it as a mirror for growth. Where are you ready to step back into partnership and self-trust?🎧 Listen if you’re ready to…* Break free from all-or-nothing thinking* Stop blaming your body or your tools* Build sustainable, emotionally intelligent habits* Reclaim power and peace in your post-surgery or medication journeyBariatric Mindset is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.If you’re new here, WELCOME!!Remember to hit the subscribe button if you haven’t already —and check out my Survive the Holidays Masterclass Series, now just $99.You’ll get 3 trainings, workbooks, and real tools to walk through the season without chaos, shame, or food spirals.GLP-1s might shrink your hunger. Surgery shrinks your stomach.I help you shrink the self-sabotage.This isn’t about meds vs mindset—it’s about making all of it mean something.I’m not anti-med. I’m pro-wholeness.Let’s get you there.Check out Kristin’s work at Bariatric Mindset Find Kristin on Facebook or on Instagram @kristinlloydcoaching Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

This isn’t about candy, calories, or control — it’s about the patterns and the thinking that keeps you stuck.In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lloyd calls out the real holiday horror story: the 4 P’s that quietly sabotage weight loss success every year — Perfectionism, Procrastination, People-Pleasing, and Powerless Thinking.You’ll learn how these sneaky survival patterns masquerade as motivation but actually keep you looping in shame, delay, and self-abandonment. And more importantly, you’ll discover the 3 P’s that heal you: Pause, Perspective, and Practice.Because lasting change isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness, regulation, and repetition.In This Episode: * Why magical thinking (“I’ll start fresh after the holidays”) is the real trick, not the treat.* How the 4 P’s show up in your thoughts, food choices, and emotional responses.* The difference between connection and compliance — and why only one creates freedom.* How “Powerless Thinking” is really a lack of pause power — and how to reclaim it.* The Viktor Frankl principle that changes everything:“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose.”* The 3 practices that build that space — and how to use them daily.* Why your nervous system, not your willpower, drives your holiday habits.* How to replace “I can’t stop” with “I can pause, and choose.”Key Takeaways* The 4 P’s That Haunt You:* Perfectionism – breeds shame and all-or-nothing thinking.* Procrastination – delays progress in the name of comfort.* People-Pleasing – trades peace for approval.* Powerless Thinking – convinces you “I can’t” when really, you haven’t practiced the pause.* The 3 P’s That Heal You:* Pause – The sacred space between urge and action.* Perspective Shift – Seeing obstacles as opportunities for mastery.* Practice – Repetition turns awareness into embodiment.* Connection ≠ Compliance:Connection is self-led choice aligned with your truth.Compliance is fear-based behavior rooted in guilt, shame, or external validation.* Your Pause = Your Power.Every pause is a portal back to your freedom, your integrity, and your self-trust.Journal Prompts to Reflect On* Where am I relying on magical thinking instead of mindful action?* When was the last time I paused before reacting?* Am I connecting — or just complying — with my goals?* What would practicing progress instead of perfection look like this week?Mentioned in This Episode* Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl* The B.L.A.S.T.E.D. Check-In (Bored, Lonely, Angry/Anxious, Stressed/Sad, Tired, Emotional, Deprived/Disconnected)* The Survive the Holidays Masterclass Bundle – your essential toolkit for staying sane, steady, and self-led this seasonClosing Thoughts The scariest part of the holidays isn’t the candy bowl — it’s believing you’re powerless.Your pause is your power.Your perspective is your protection.Your practice is your path.Connect with Dr. Kristin Lloyd & Bariatric Mindset:🌐 Bariatric Mindset Success💌 Subscribe on Substack: Bariatric Mindset Success💬 Join the Bariatric Mindset Mavens Facebook group Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

What if the stories you tell yourself about food are actually keeping you stuck?In this powerful and deeply relatable episode, Dr. Kristin and Frances Vogel unpack how our internal food narratives—formed from childhood conditioning, diet culture, and emotional survival—can quietly sabotage our relationship with food, our bodies, and ourselves.Frances shares her vulnerable personal journey from internalized shame and food restriction to food freedom and self-compassion. Together, they explore how seemingly harmless beliefs (“I can’t be trusted with food,” “I’ll never have self-control,” “healthy people don’t eat that”) become the very scripts that keep us trapped in self-fulfilling prophecies.Through raw stories and real psychological insight, Dr. Kristin and Frances dismantle diet culture’s perfectionism, “all or nothing” thinking, and external validation traps. You’ll learn how to shift your food story one choice at a time—because the goal isn’t to control food, but to reclaim your power, rebuild trust with your body, and reauthor your narrative from the inside out.Chapters 00:00:01 - Stories That Keep You Stuck00:03:56 - Food Stories and Self-Limiting Beliefs00:08:56 - Changing Fitness and Food Narratives00:13:59 - Building Small Habits for Big Changes00:16:03 - Rewriting Your Food Story and Identity00:21:09 - Food Narratives and Shifting Mindset00:23:40 - Food Memories and Emotional Connection00:25:16 - Finding Alternative Comfort Tools00:27:39 - Redefining Comfort Food vs Using Food for Comfort00:36:41 - Comfort Food vs Using Food for Comfort00:39:54 - Controlling Your Narrative in Relationships00:43:40 - Questioning “I Can’t” Stories00:47:03 - Questioning Your Self-Limiting Stories00:50:10 - Rupture and Repair in Relationships00:53:22 - Shifting Your Story to Change Behavior00:57:02 - Defining Personal Health Standards01:01:33 - Finding Your Starting Point Today01:04:36 - Creating Your New Weight Loss StoryKey Takeaways✅ Your food story began long before you realized it.Early experiences—like being told “fat people shouldn’t eat that”—often turn into lifelong scripts that drive guilt, shame, and restriction.✅ “All or nothing” thinking keeps you from finding balance.If you can’t do it perfectly, you might not do it at all—and that story quietly reinforces the idea that you’re failing when you’re not.✅ The real problem isn’t food—it’s your inner narrative.Your self-talk determines whether food feels like the enemy, a comfort, or a neutral tool for nourishment.✅ Tiny, consistent shifts create new identities.As James Clear teaches in Atomic Habits, small daily actions—like putting on your workout clothes or choosing one balanced meal—compound into identity-level transformation.✅ Healing is slow, deliberate, and worth it.Freedom isn’t found in another diet. It’s built through mindful, compassionate choices that reshape who you believe yourself to be.✅ Comfort food isn’t the enemy—emotional avoidance is.Learn to separate using food for comfort from enjoying food that’s comforting. One regulates emotion; the other connects you to memory, joy, and culture.✅ Your truth isn’t fixed—it’s re-writeable.The moment you question your “I can’t” stories, you begin creating new evidence that you can.Episode SummaryDr. Kristin Lloyd and Frances Vogel shine a light on how deeply ingrained stories about food, body image, and worthiness influence every choice we make. From food shame and emotional eating to perfectionism and identity, they reveal how rewriting our personal narratives leads to genuine freedom. Whether you’re post-op, on GLP-1s, or simply healing your relationship with food, this episode will challenge the way you see yourself—and remind you that you hold the pen to your next chapter.Connect with Dr. Kristin Lloyd & Bariatric Mindset:🌐 Bariatric Mindset Success💌 Subscribe on Substack: Bariatric Mindset Success💬 Join the Bariatric Mindset Mavens Facebook group Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Twelve years. Two hundred pounds lost. And more lessons learned than any surgeon, nutritionist, or wellness plan could have ever prepared her for.Dr. Kristin Lloyd marks her 12-year surgiversary by getting brutally honest about what life is really like after gastric sleeve surgery and a 200-pound weight loss.In this deeply personal milestone episode, Dr. Kristin Lloyd pulls back the curtain on her 12-year journey after gastric sleeve surgery — not to glorify the before-and-after, but to tell the truth about what happens after the “honeymoon phase” ends and real life begins.She reveals that surgery was the catalyst—not the cure. What she thought would “fix” hunger and cravings actually became a mirror reflecting the deeper emotional work ahead: trauma, anxiety, ADHD, and years of using food for comfort and control.This episode isn’t a highlight reel—it’s the truth about transformation, maintenance, and the messy middle no one talks about.Kristin shares how, in the early days, she believed surgery would “fix” her hunger, silence her cravings, and finally bring peace to her relationship with food. But what she discovered was far more complex. The surgery was only the catalyst — the spark that forced her to confront the emotional, psychological, and energetic roots of her patterns.True healing, she discovered, goes far beyond the food stuff. It’s about uncovering the emotional wounds, nervous system imbalances, and self-protective patterns that once made food feel like safety, control, or love — and learning to meet those needs with compassion instead of criticism.From navigating trauma, ADHD, and anxiety, to realizing how “eating clean” can quietly morph into disordered control, Kristin takes listeners through the messy, sacred middle of healing — the part where the body changes faster than the mind and heart can catch up.It’s an honest look at the emotional and spiritual evolution required for lasting transformation. Kristin discusses how she learned to partner with her body instead of policing it, and how nervous system regulation became her foundation for healing. She explains why shame never works long-term, how self-trust became her superpower, and what it truly means when emotional eating doesn’t disappear… but evolves.Listeners will hear about the realities of maintenance during major life transitions — motherhood, perimenopause, and identity reinvention — and how curiosity, compassion, and consistency replaced punishment and perfectionism.This episode is a love letter to anyone who’s ever thought, “I thought I’d be further along by now.” It’s a reminder that your healing doesn’t have an endpoint — and that peace, not perfection, is the new goal weight.Chapters00:00:01 - Welcome to Bariatric Mindset Podcast00:02:46 - Partnering With Your Body for Healing00:06:50 - Creating Safety and Awareness in Eating00:16:00 - You Can’t Hate Yourself Into Healing00:18:57 - Self-Compassion Over Self-Criticism for Lasting Change00:23:15 - Reparenting Yourself Through Self-Compassion00:27:32 - Nervous System and Emotional Eating00:31:36 - Healing Stress Addiction and Food Patterns00:35:48 - Maintenance Isn’t Sexy, It’s Sacred00:39:11 - From Obsession to Body Wisdom00:41:19 - Building Body Trust During Perimenopause00:43:29 - Scale Doesn’t Tell Whole Story00:54:42 - Identity Reinvention and Self-Concept Change00:57:26 - Relapse Isn’t Failure, It’s Feedback01:01:24 - Peace is the New Goal Weight01:05:42 - Finding Inner Power Beyond Weight Loss01:10:38 - Gratitude Beyond Success and Body Partnership01:12:56 - You Are The Hero Of Your JourneyKey Takeaways* Why the real work begins after the honeymoon phase (12-24 months post-surgery)* How to partner with your body instead of punishing or “fixing” it* The danger of “eating clean” extremes turning into disordered eating* Why shame-based motivation never works—and self-compassion always wins* How to develop self-trust using loving, parental inner dialogue* What it means when emotional eating evolves rather than disappears* How to expand your nervous-system capacity so you can feel safe in your body* Why peace—not perfection—is the new goal weightBariatric Mindset is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Celebrating my 12 year Surgiversary, I’m offering some amazing specials to guide you on your journey, for support this holiday season and beyond. Get access to my 3-1 Surviving the Holidays Masterclass Bundle for only $99, or get the Survive the Holidays Masterclass Bundle for FREE when you sign up for the Surgiversary Savings Bundle. You’ll get the Self-Reinvention Starter Pack — six powerful on-demand modules that spark lasting change, shift old patterns, and help you rebuild self-trust from the inside out. These are the foundational and fundamental lessons I’ve been teaching in my practice for years inside my groups - and now I’m offering them as a self-study, on-demand option! They are life changing!PLUS… you’ll also get bonus access to my Survive the Holidays Masterclass Series — 3 trainings in one to help you move through the holidays with confidence, calm, and control.It’s your roadmap to long-term growth, healing, and behavioral change — all in one place.🔥 Don’t sleep on this — this deal is way too good to miss! Get access to the surgiversary savings bundle today!Available now for a one-time investment of $549 or choose flexible payment plans starting at just $49/month.Connect with Dr. Kristin Lloyd & Bariatric Mindset:🌐 Bariatric Mindset Success💌 Subscribe on Substack: Bariatric Mindset Success💬 Join the Bariatric Mindset Mavens Facebook group Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 11: From Fear to Flow - Redefining Fitness with Geof Shuford Show Notes:In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lloyd sits down with Geof Shuford, personal trainer, mindset coach, author, and founder of Coaching for Bariatric Success, to redefine what fitness truly means for people healing from diet culture, trauma, and burnout.After navigating ADHD, divorce, and his own transformation, Geof discovered exercise not as punishment—but as play, therapy, and freedom. For over a decade, he’s helped bariatric patients and GLP-1 users rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence through movement that honors both body and mind.Together, Kristin and Geof unpack how trauma, perfectionism, and gym anxiety keep people stuck—and how a trauma-informed, nervous-system-aware approach can make movement healing again.You’ll discover:* Why exercise is a nervous-system regulator, not a self-discipline test* How to rebuild strength, safety, and self-trust in your body* The “50 First Dates” approach to finding movement you actually enjoy* Why chasing joy, not metrics, creates long-term success* How to measure progress beyond the scale with functional wins that matterKristin shares how rediscovering swimming helped her manage ADHD and reconnect to her body, while Geof shares stories of clients who overcame movement fears and found confidence in their strength. Together, they invite listeners to drop the “shoulds,” break up with perfectionism, and fall in love with movement again.If you’ve ever struggled to find consistency or joy in fitness—whether you’ve had bariatric surgery, take GLP-1s, or just feel disconnected—this episode will help you move from fear to flow.Chapters 00:00:00 - Exercise as Meditative Practice00:03:48 - From Gym to Bariatric Support00:06:11 - Bariatric Journey and Fitness Motivation00:13:01 - Strength Training Won’t Make You Bulky00:16:02 - 50 First Dates with Exercise00:18:21 - Find an Activity You Love00:22:27 - Weight Trauma and Gym Anxiety00:25:04 - Gym Shame, Sweat, and Childhood Trauma00:30:09 - Overcoming Gym Intimidation00:33:41 - Overcoming Gym Insecurities00:36:30 - Dealing with Judgment and Fear00:39:40 - Relearning Your Body for Mobility00:47:52 - Start Slow with Short Sessions00:54:02 - Mindful Movement and Body Awareness00:56:57 - Non-Scale Victories and MindsetKey Takeaways• Movement is medicine for the mind. Fitness can be a form of meditation, regulation, and self-therapy—especially for those navigating ADHD, anxiety, or life transitions like divorce or major weight loss.• Bariatric surgery is a beginning, not the finish line. Long-term transformation requires continued strength, mobility, and mindset work to sustain results and rebuild self-trust.• Joyful, trauma-informed movement heals where discipline alone can’t. When exercise feels safe and playful, the nervous system opens to growth, consistency, and confidence.• Myths like “strength training makes women bulky” are fear-based distractions. True strength training builds metabolic health, confidence, and functional freedom—not bulk.• You don’t need to love the gym—you need to find your flow. Think “50 first dates with movement.” Experiment until you find what makes your body feel alive and your mind at peace.• Progress isn’t just scale-based. Functional wins—lifting groceries, climbing stairs, playing with your kids—reveal genuine healing and self-trust returning.• Self-compassion beats perfectionism every time. Sustainable fitness and healing come from curiosity, flexibility, and patience, not punishment or comparison.Connect with Geof Shuford & Coaching for Bariatric Success:🌐 Coaching for Bariatric Success📘 Now What? What to Expect in your First Year after Bariatric Surgery on Amazon💌 Subscribe on Substack: Coaching for Bariatric Success🎧 The Weight of Change Podcast & The Lean In PodcastConnect with Dr. Kristin Lloyd & Bariatric Mindset:🌐 Bariatric Mindset Success💌 Subscribe on Substack: Bariatric Mindset Success💬 Join the Bariatric Mindset Mavens Facebook group Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 10 - Breaking Through The Food Noise: Silencing Diet Culture and Reconnecting to Hunger WisdomEver wonder why you can’t stop thinking about food even when your stomach isn’t growling? Or even right after you’ve eaten? In this eye-opening episode of Bariatric Mindset Success, Dr. Kristin Lloyd unpacks the phenomenon of food noise—those relentless food thoughts that hijack your mind.Food noise isn’t a character flaw. It’s your body and brain sending notifications, shaped by biology, psychology, trauma, diet culture, and even neurodivergence like ADHD. Dr. Lloyd explains how:* Sleep deprivation can push your body to crave 300–400 extra calories a day.* Highly processed foods trick your brain into addictive cycles while leaving you malnourished.* Low interoception (difficulty sensing your body’s internal cues) makes it hard to tell the difference between true hunger and head hunger—especially for those with ADHD, a history of trauma, chronic stress, or following bariatric surgery.Dr. Lloyd goes deeper into how trauma and diet culture disrupt body trust. For trauma survivors, disconnecting from hunger cues often served as protection when the body didn’t feel safe. But in the long term, that same disconnection makes it harder to distinguish true physical hunger from emotional appetite. Add in diet culture’s constant message that hunger is something to fight or suppress, and you’ve got the perfect storm for shame, restriction, and rebound eating.You’ll also discover how autopilot eating and dissociation are survival responses—not laziness or lack of willpower. Your nervous system is wired for protection, not happiness, and when it’s dysregulated it will grab for the fastest way to self-soothe. Understanding this helps you step out of judgment and into curiosity about what your food noise is really telling you.The game-changing insight? Hunger is sacred. It’s a primal, physiological signal that deserves respect, not ridicule. When you can separate hunger from appetite, and when you can see emotional eating not as failure but as a coping mechanism that once worked for you, you open the door to true healing.Throughout this conversation, Dr. Lloyd shares practical insights and tools to help you reconnect with your body: developing emotional literacy, increasing interoception (awareness of internal signals), and practicing nervous system regulation. She reminds listeners that breaking free from food noise isn’t about silencing your body—it’s about learning to listen differently.🎧 Tune in now to Breaking Through the Food Noise: How to Tune Into Hunger Signals Beyond Diet Culture, and grab Dr. Lloyd’s free Food Noise Freedom course in the show notes to start your journey toward food peace.Chapters 00:00:00 - Understanding Food Noise Beyond Hunger00:02:51 - Understanding Food Noise and Sleep Connection00:08:35 - Understanding Food Noise and Stress00:11:17 - Understanding Hunger vs Appetite After Surgery00:15:37 - Trauma, Dissociation and Autopilot Eating00:19:04 - Breaking Free from Body Disconnection00:21:49 - Understanding Hunger vs Appetite Signals00:28:45 - Sugar Creates More Sugar Cravings00:31:48 - Food Noise and Emotional Eating00:34:55 - Tools for Healing and Self-Care00:37:00 - Building Skills Beyond GLP-1 Medications00:38:56 - Food Noise as Emotional Symptom00:41:30 - Understanding Non-Biological Food Cravings00:44:13 - Breaking Food Noise Patterns00:47:33 - Understanding Food Noise Beyond HungerKey Takeaways • Food noise is your body’s notification system, not a personal failureThose intrusive food thoughts aren’t proof you’re “weak.” They’re signals—set off by sleep loss, ADHD, trauma, stress, or even processed food chemistry—that your body and brain need something.• Trauma survivors often lose body awareness as a survival strategyWhen your body once felt unsafe, disconnecting from hunger cues was protective. But that same disconnect now makes it hard to tell the difference between physical hunger and emotional “head hunger.”• Autopilot eating is a nervous system response, not lazinessMindless eating is often your body’s way of coping with dysregulation or overwhelm. The fix isn’t more restriction—it’s learning to regulate your nervous system and build safer ways to cope.• True hunger vs. appetite is a game-changerHunger is a sacred, primal physiological need. Appetite, on the other hand, can be driven by emotions, environment, or habit. Knowing the difference helps you respond to your body with compassion instead of control.• Diet culture has trained us to mistrust our own hungerRestriction makes hunger signals louder, not weaker. What looks like “emotional eating” is often your body overriding deprivation. Healing requires unlearning diet rules, not doubling down on them.• Neurodivergent brains face unique challenges with food noiseADHD and low interoception (trouble sensing body cues) make it harder to notice when you’re truly hungry or satisfied. This isn’t about willpower—it’s about wiring.• Healing food noise starts with curiosity, not criticismWhen you notice food thoughts, ask: is this hunger, appetite, boredom, stress, or something deeper? That one shift can turn “shame spirals” into moments of self-connection.Bariatric Mindset is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.✨ Ready to quiet the chaos of food noise?Grab my FREE mini-course: Food Noise Freedom and start learning how to decode your body’s signals today.If you haven’t already:👉 Subscribe here on Substack to get fresh tools, insights, and mindset shifts delivered straight to your inbox.👉 Join our free Facebook group, Bariatric Mindset Mavens, where thousands of bariatric patients are breaking free from diet culture and finding real support on the journey.Your freedom starts with one click—don’t wait. See you on the INSIDE!! Bariatric Mindset is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 9 - Food, Shame & Survival: From Disordered Eating to Eating DisordersThe most shocking revelation? How childhood food shaming—being nicknamed “Thunder Thighs” or sneaking food in secret—doesn’t just shape eating habits. It ripples across family systems, rewiring how generations relate to food, body image, and even self-worth. It’s time to tackle the fears around food and elements of body shaming that lead to disordered eating and eating disorders. Let’s cut to the chase: Which lies of diet culture are still running your relationship with food, your weight, and your body?In this raw and revealing episode, Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances Vogel dismantle the toxic diet mentality that fuels disordered eating, secrecy, and shame. They discuss the differences in disordered eating and eating disorders to get clear on how they are classified and defined. They facilitate a deeper discussion to dispel “good” vs. “bad” food labels—showing how these cultural scripts hardwire guilt into every bite, especially for larger-bodied individuals who feel policed when eating in public.Kristin shares unfiltered stories of eating in hiding, ordering multiple meals to disguise intake, and navigating the gray area between overeating and undiagnosed binge eating disorder. Bariatric surgery, ADHD, hormonal shifts, and later-life diagnoses add another layer, revealing how biology, brain chemistry, and diet culture collide in destructive survival loops.Together, Kristin and Frances explore:* The real difference between disordered eating patterns and diagnosable eating disorders* How ADHD, anxiety, and perimenopause amplify food struggles (and why “mindful eating” advice often backfires)* How parents can break generational shame cycles by teaching food balance without creating restriction trauma* The promise and pitfalls of GLP-1 medications, and how they address only one piece of “food noise”* Why even “healthy” foods like nuts or peanut butter can fuel cycles of overconsumption and shame* How to shift identity from “dieter” to “nourished person” using nervous system regulation, community, and self-awarenessFrances also reflects on growing up as the tallest of her siblings—labeled “the big one” and restricted by a well-meaning but parent also steeped in diet culture. That early food policing created secretive eating and shame that carried into adulthood. But through therapy, parenting differently, and conscious healing, she demonstrates how cycles can be broken.This isn’t just about food—it’s about identity, survival, and reclaiming the power to nourish instead of punish.Whether you’ve lived through bariatric surgery, are exploring GLP-1 treatments, or simply want to untangle diet culture’s grip on your life, this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and strategies to finally break free. CHAPTERS 00:00:01 - Welcome to Bariatric Mindset Podcast00:05:02 - Fear of Eating in Public00:07:35 - Hiding Food Orders and Family Dynamics00:10:42 - Breaking the Cycle of Food Shame00:13:24 - Childhood Food Restrictions and Family Dynamics00:16:26 - Teaching Kids Healthy Food Relationships00:21:32 - Childhood Sugar vs Modern Cereal Choices00:22:30 - Vacation Cravings and Food Choices00:25:51 - Finding Food Balance Framework00:27:44 - Disordered Eating vs Eating Disorders00:32:38 - ADHD and Binge Eating Connection00:37:57 - ADHD and Emotional Eating Connection00:40:15 - ADHD Diagnosis During Perimenopause00:43:43 - Medication Adjustments and Hormone Therapy00:48:13 - Healing Diet Culture and Finding What Works00:51:35 - Questioning Your Normal Food Relationship00:53:38 - Overcoming Post-Surgery Food Fear00:55:26 - Moving Beyond Diet Mentality and Transfer Addiction00:58:19 - Building Community Support for Emotional Eating Recovery01:00:19 - Changing Coping Strategies After SurgeryKEY TAKEAWAYS* Secret eating behaviors often stem from judgment, not “food addiction.”Frances’s stories of eating in private and ordering multiple meals to disguise consumption highlight how external shame—rather than internal compulsion—can drive patterns that look like binge eating but are really survival strategies.* Food restriction in childhood leaves deep psychological scars.Being labeled “the big one” amongst her siblings, and restricted from age 10, shows how early shaming and parental attempts at control can seed lifelong disordered eating, regardless of actual body size.* Breaking generational cycles requires food neutrality.Kristin and Frances stress that it’s not enough to simply “avoid diet talk.” Parents must actively teach children about hunger cues, balance, and nutrition without attaching morality to food.* Disordered eating exists on a spectrum—from stress eating to binge eating disorder.Not all overeating equals an eating disorder. The difference lies in secrecy, loss of control, and shame, which are markers of binge eating rather than occasional overeating.* Diet mentality and “all-or-nothing” thinking keep people stuck.Whether it’s labeling foods as “good” or “bad” or turning to extreme resets like pouch resets, some people even turn to fasting as an attempt to create ‘control’, diet culture disguises restriction as health, feeding shame cycles instead of healing them.* Neurodivergence and hormones complicate eating patterns.ADHD, anxiety, and perimenopause all play into food regulation. Many bariatric patients show ADHD traits, using food as a way to self-soothe the nervous system, which helps explain why “just eat mindfully” advice often fails.* GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery address biology, not psychology.While these tools can quiet physical hunger signals, they don’t resolve emotional eating, nervous system dysregulation, or the deeper identity work needed for lasting change.* Even “healthy foods” can trigger disordered patterns.Peanut butter, nuts, or cereal may be nutritious, but they can still be over-consumed and tied to guilt or compulsion, proving that food neutrality—not food rules—is key.* Identity shifts are essential for healing.Moving from “dieter” to “nourished person” requires nervous system regulation, community support, and reframing food as nourishment rather than punishment or reward.Additional Questions for Growth* How has diet culture brainwashed you—into fearing food, hating your body, and chasing weight as proof of worth?* What does healthy eating actually look and feel like for you—not what the rules say it should be?* What rhythms or habits feel “normal” and sustainable for your unique body?* Are you still following diet culture’s rules, or are you beginning to trust your body’s signals?* In what ways are you listening to your body right now? And if it feels hard, how are you practicing that skill?* Do you pause to check in with your body throughout the day, or do you notice yourself pushing through on autopilot?* Since surgery—or since starting GLP-1s—have you noticed yourself shifting toward new coping behaviors?* What early coping strategies did you once label as “self-sabotage,” but were actually survival at the time? And today, what could you choose instead that supports growth, not just survival?Looking for additional community or to connect with the Bariatric Mindset Team?Check out our FREE Facebook Community: Bariatric Mindset MavensFollow Bariatric Mindset on Instagram @bariatricmindsetFollow Bariatric Mindset on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube @bariatricmindsetAlso, you can grab one of Kristin’s free trainings at Bariatric MindsetLooking forward to connecting with you! Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 8 - Deconstructing Diet Culture’s Grip: Ditching Diet Mentality, The Path to Healing Hunger, Appetite, Hormones And Headspace Beyond Bariatric Surgery & GLP-1s. What if the tool that quiets your hunger doesn’t teach you how to handle your appetite? What if the very solutions we're turning to for weight loss are actually masking deeper emotional wounds?Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances Vogel make a clear distinction: hunger is physiological; appetite is psychological. GLP-1s and bariatric surgery can legitimately lower hunger and quiet part of “food noise,” but they don’t teach emotion regulation, somatic/nervous-system skills, or stress management. In this episode, Kristin and Frances dive deep into the dark side of diet mentality, revealing how medical solutions for weight loss like GLP-1s and bariatric surgery can quiet hunger yet gloss over the deeper drivers of appetite: unresolved trauma, anxiety/ADHD, body-image wounds, and diet culture’s Trojan Horse, ‘thinness’.In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Lloyd shares her vulnerable journey through bariatric surgery, discovering that weight loss wasn't the magic cure she expected. The discussion explores how "food noise"—a complex mix of hormones, emotions, and environmental triggers—drives our relationship with eating, and why society's obsession with thinness creates more harm than healing.The speakers challenge the diet industry's grip on our minds, explaining how genetic factors, stress responses, and neurodiversity all play crucial roles in our food behaviors. They warn against the "honeymoon phase" of weight-loss interventions and emphasize the critical need for psychological screening and therapy alongside any medical treatment.From understanding "reverse body dysmorphia" after surgery to recognizing how early shame shapes our relationship with food, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap for breaking free from punitive diet cycles and embracing bio-individual nutrition approaches.This episode highlights the importance of pairing medical tools with self-regulation so you don’t get stuck in diet mentality or fall into all-or-nothing spirals. With the right support, skills, and strategies, you’ll have what you need to thrive well beyond the ‘honeymoon period.Ready to transform your relationship with food and your body? Listen now to discover why lasting change requires addressing the mind and the body, not just the scale. Expanded Show Notes Diet culture says “eat less.” Your body says “feed me.” Your mind says “fix this feeling.” Different problems; different tools.In this candid conversation, Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances Vogel clarify a crucial truth:* Hunger = physiological need (energy deficit, hormones, circadian rhythm).* Appetite = psychological drive (emotions, thoughts, conditioning, environment, reward).GLP-1s and bariatric surgery can reduce hunger and quiet the biological portion of “food noise.” That’s real help. But food noise isn’t only biology—it also includes appetite drivers: anxiety, ADHD patterns, stress responses, learned coping, and environmental cues. Medical tools don’t teach emotion regulation, somatic/nervous-system skills, or identity-level mindset—and without those, people often hit the post-intervention honeymoon crash, swap coping (transfer addictions), or white-knuckle their way back into shame cycles.Dr. Lloyd shares vulnerable moments from her own bariatric journey and the realization that weight loss didn’t resolve anxiety or self-soothing. Together, she and Frances map the sustainable path: use medical tools for hunger; train regulation skills for appetite. Build strength, prioritize protein, sleep, and stress skills; recalibrate body image (reverse body dysmorphia is common); and design a bio-individual plan that fits your brain and your life.Covered in this Episode * Food noise = hunger (biology) + appetite (psychology). Treat the right thing with the right tool.* Regulation > willpower: Interoception, somatic resets, and emotional skills for stress-eating moments.* The honeymoon trap: Appetite drops ≠ coping cured. How to prevent regain and transfer addictions.* Neurodiversity & stress: Why ADHD/anxiety change cues, routines, and reward—and how to adapt your plan.* Body image recalibration: Navigating reverse body dysmorphia after rapid change.* Identity over rules: From punitive dieting to process—strength, protein, sleep, mood, compassion.Chapters 00:00:01 - Diet Mentality00:02:26 - Trauma and Obesity Connection00:05:01 - Diet Mentality and GLP-1s00:14:01 - Mindset Shift Around Food Choices00:18:04 - Genetics and Carb Sensitivity00:20:02 - Diet Mentality and Tracking Patterns00:23:30 - Transitions, Anxiety, and Dieting00:25:58 - Weight Set Point and Body Image00:28:45 - Puberty, Body Image, and Diet Mentality00:30:13 - Diet Mentality and Body Image00:34:26 - Acceptance During Perimenopause00:36:50 - Diet Mentality and Body Acceptance00:42:43 - Inner Work for Body Acceptance00:44:46 - Bariatric Tools and Diet Mentality00:47:49 - Healthy Relationship with Food00:49:33 - Diet Mentality vs Compassionate HealthKey Takeaways * Tools, not cures. GLP-1s and bariatric surgery can lower physiological hunger and quiet the biological slice of food noise—but they don’t resolve root drivers like trauma, anxiety, ADHD, or entrenched emotional-eating patterns. Pair medical tools with therapy and somatic/nervous-system work.* Beware the honeymoon trap. The early appetite drop can mask unresolved coping. When the honeymoon fades, old patterns resurface. Plan for this: build regulation skills, strength training, protein habits, and support before the dip.* Hunger ≠ appetite. Treat the right problem. Hunger is physical (energy need); appetite is psychological (emotion, reward, environment). Use food/protein/sleep for hunger; use emotion regulation, stress tools, and boundaries for appetite.* Lasting change is paired care + personalization. Sustainable results come from compassionate, integrated care (medical + psychological) plus bio-individual nutrition and simple tracking (protein, timing, sleep, stress) to spot your levers—not one-size-fits-all rules.* Identity over rules, skills over willpower. Ditch all-or-nothing. Train an identity of “strong, regulated, well-rested” and practice skills that keep you steady (interoception, urge surfing, somatic regulation skills). That’s how you prevent transfer addictions and post-intervention backslides.Looking for additional community or to connect with the Bariatric Mindset Team? Check out our FREE Facebook Community: Bariatric Mindset MavensFollow Bariatric Mindset on Instagram @bariatricmindsetFollow Bariatric Mindset on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube @bariatricmindsetAlso, you can grab one of Kristin’s free trainings at Bariatric Mindset Looking forward to connecting with you! Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 7 - Leaning Into Discomfort: Unlocking Your Path to Emotional Freedom and GrowthCan punching a bag really be therapeutic? Does discomfort really lead to growth? Have you ever thought reaching your weight loss goal would finally bring you lasting happiness?The truth is, growth doesn’t come from the finish line—it comes from how we face discomfort along the way.In this candid and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances unpack the essential link between discomfort, resilience, and personal transformation. They challenge the myth that weight loss alone guarantees happiness, showing instead how unresolved emotions often resurface—especially during major life transitions like perimenopause and menopause. They also reveal why leaning into discomfort—especially during life transitions like menopause—can be the true catalyst for lasting emotional freedom and personal growth, rather than the ‘mid-life crisis’ it’s so often mistaken for.Through raw stories and professional insight, including Dr. Lloyd’s personal account of releasing anger through kickboxing, the conversation sheds light on how society’s conditioning often prevents women from fully expressing their emotions. Together, they unpack the deeper layers of healing that bariatric patients—and anyone navigating emotional eating—must face to truly transform.Together, they explore:* Why facing uncomfortable emotions leads to deeper growth than avoiding them* The myth of “permanent happiness” after weight loss surgery and why “happily ever after” doesn’t begin or end at the scale* Navigating emotional regulation during hormonal changes* Breaking free from people-pleasing, societal expectations, and family dynamics that suppress expression* Creating healthy boundaries with family and loved ones* The healthy and productive expression of anger and frustration (without guilt or shame) * Practical ways to build resilience: from journaling to creative expression to safe community supportListeners are invited to shift their relationship with discomfort—not as something to avoid, but as a catalyst for authentic growth and healing. Ready to see discomfort as the doorway to freedom instead of the roadblock to happiness? Tune in now to learn how facing your emotions head-on can transform not only your weight loss journey but your entire life.Chapters 00:00:00 - Discomfort as a Path to Growth00:02:49 - Understanding Emotional Discomfort and Regulation00:06:13 - Handling Discomfort for Personal Growth00:10:36 - Expressing Anger Without Hurting Others00:12:19 - Embracing Emotional Responsibility00:15:05 - Embracing Discomfort for Healing00:17:10 - Embracing Discomfort for Personal Growth00:19:35 - Owning Emotions and Validating Feelings00:23:29 - Understanding Frustration and Communication00:31:40 - Understanding Emotional Breakdowns00:35:31 - Shifts in Modern Parenting00:39:18 - Understanding Emotions and Personal Growth00:47:20 - Managing Disappointment and Self-Talk00:51:24 - Embracing Disappointment in Life00:53:33 - Holding Space for Discomfort00:57:09 - Embracing Discomfort for GrowthKey Takeaways * Feel It to Heal ItAvoiding emotions like anger or frustration only makes them louder. Finding healthy outlets (like movement, journaling, or safe conversations) allows you to process instead of suppress.* Discomfort = Growth, Not DangerWhen you reframe discomfort as a signal for resilience rather than a threat, it becomes fuel for transformation.* Happiness Isn’t on the ScaleWeight loss can change your body, but it doesn’t erase emotional struggles. True peace comes from regulating emotions, not just dropping pounds.* Boundaries Build FreedomYour well-being comes first. Supporting loved ones is valuable, but not at the cost of your emotional health. Boundaries are an act of self-respect.* Progress > PerfectionEmotional regulation is a practice, not a one-time achievement. Like learning to lift weights, small reps build lasting strength.* The Big Shift: Comfort zones don’t create growth—discomfort does. By facing what feels hard, you create space for freedom, authenticity, and deeper healing. Are you ready to see discomfort differently? What’s one area of life where leaning into discomfort could open the door to growth for you? Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 6 - Beyond the Scale: Surgery, GLP-1s & Lifestyle Shifts for Lasting Health and Weight MaintenanceBecause lasting results aren’t about the pounds lost, but the muscle, health, and confidence you keep.Explore the truth behind GLP-1s, bariatric surgery, and the lifestyle changes that make results last.What if everything you thought you knew about weight loss was incomplete?In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Kristin Lloyd sits down with world-renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Eric Smith—widely recognized for his transformative work on TLC’s 1000lb Sisters—to unpack the revolutionary shifts reshaping obesity treatment. From the headline-making rise of GLP-1 medications to the proven long-term impact of bariatric surgery, this candid conversation moves beyond the outdated “eat less, move more” narrative and dives deep into the real science, strategies, and challenges of achieving sustainable weight management.Together, they challenge the stigma around obesity, exploring why it’s finally being recognized as a medical condition—not a personal failure—and how this shift is changing lives.What You’ll Learn in This Episode* Why GLP-1 medications are a game-changer—but not a silver bullet—in obesity treatment* The critical differences between medication-based treatment and bariatric surgery (and what most people miss)* The non-negotiables of sustainable success: nutrition, supplementation, and protein intake* How strength training protects muscle and reshapes body composition during weight loss* The financial and psychological realities of both GLP-1 use and bariatric surgery* Why patient education and self-advocacy are the real keys to long-term transformation* How mindset work, emotional regulation, and ongoing support drive lasting weight maintenance—long after surgery or medicationDr. Smith pulls back the curtain on the truths most people don’t hear about long-term weight management. From preventing nutrient deficiencies to addressing food addiction and the root cause of most “food noise,” the conversation highlights both the promise and the pitfalls of modern treatments.This episode is not about chasing numbers on a scale—it’s about understanding obesity as a complex disease, shifting the conversation to health, longevity, and quality of life. If you’re ready to see weight loss through a new lens and explore the tools that actually support sustainable change, this episode is for you.Chapters 00:00:00 – Bariatric Surgery & GLP-1 Medications00:03:57 – Impact of Media & Big Pharma on Obesity Awareness00:07:57 – GLP-1s vs. Bariatric Surgery: Benefits & Limitations00:16:21 – Advocating for Your Health & Better Education00:18:59 – Weight Loss, Muscle Mass & Nutritional Deficiencies00:23:09 – The Long-Term Commitment of Medication Use00:25:44 – Diet, Vitamins & Recovery After Bariatric Surgery00:28:39 – Support Systems: Programs, Providers & Patient Choices00:30:11 – Post-Bariatric Challenges with GLP-1s00:33:06 – Food Labels, Industry Manipulation & Consumer Choices00:35:21 – Food vs. Food Products: What Are We Really Eating?00:41:05 – Food Noise, Addiction & Emotional Coping00:42:46 – Medication vs. Surgery: Navigating Patient Decisions00:45:47 – Choosing a Healthy Lifestyle That Lasts00:47:54 – Obesity Treatment Approaches: Complexities & Challenges00:50:16 – The Role of Support in Long-Term Health Journeys00:53:42 – Obesity, Food Systems & The Bigger PictureKey Takeaways* Obesity is a medical condition, not a personal failure. Shifting the lens from blame to treatment reduces stigma and creates space for more compassionate, effective care.* Bariatric surgery remains the most effective long-term intervention for significant and sustained weight loss, though it requires lifelong commitment to nutrition, supplementation, and follow-up care.* Long-term weight maintenance is often harder than initial loss. Whether through surgery or medication, patient education, accountability, and ongoing support are essential for lasting results.* Lifestyle shifts—especially strength training, protein intake, and whole-food nutrition—are non-negotiable. They protect muscle, improve body composition, and help ensure weight loss translates into better health.* While still just one tool in the toolbox of care, GLP-1 medications represent an important advancement in obesity treatment. They shift the conversation beyond willpower and toward medical understanding—while highlighting the need for ongoing research, supervision, and patient education.* Body composition matters more than the number on the scale. Losing fat while preserving lean mass is the cornerstone of sustainable weight loss.* Patient education lays the foundation for long-term success. Understanding food’s impact on the body and mental health, the financial realities of ongoing treatment, and the role of supplementation equips patients to make informed choices.* Patient advocacy is critical—but it starts with education. Once patients understand their options and needs, they can confidently navigate providers, insurance, and long-term treatment plans.* The food industry’s role can’t be ignored. Processed foods, engineered cravings, and misleading labels create additional hurdles, making whole-food awareness essential for long-term health.Speaking of Food Noise, I’m so excited to share that I’ll be giving a full presentation on this very topic at the 2025 Bariatric Symposium! 🎤This event brings together some of the top experts in bariatrics to share the latest insights, strategies, and tools for long-term success — from surgery to GLP-1s, nutrition, mindset, fitness, post-op life, and everything in between.If you’ve ever struggled with food noise, weight regain, or just wanted deeper guidance for your journey, this is an event you don’t want to miss.You can sign up for the waitlist using my personal link here: Bariatric Symposium Registration. I’d love to see you there! Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 5: From Diet Culture to Food Freedom - The Bariatric Mindset ShiftFood isn’t the enemy. It’s primal. It’s connection. It’s community. And it will always be part of our lives, even after bariatric surgery. That’s why the conversation needs to go deeper—it has to be about healing with food instead of demonizing it. Often, that healing includes facing our hunger—not just the physical kind, but the deeper hunger for what we truly desire in life. When we learn to honor both, food becomes a way to nourish and sustain us, rather than harm or control us.In this episode of the Bariatric Mindset® Success Podcast, Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances share their personal transformations and dismantle some of the biggest myths surrounding post-op life. They challenge the misconception that bariatric surgery means saying goodbye to enjoying food forever, highlighting instead that the real work is about shifting how we relate to food.Kristin and Frances explore the messy, human side of recovery—moving from emotional eating, diet-culture thinking, and even food addiction patterns to creating a more conscious, connected, and compassionate relationship with food. They discuss how old habits of using food as punishment or reward keep people trapped in cycles of restriction and bingeing, and why true healing requires a mindset shift that surgery alone can’t provide.Listeners will learn why honoring both physical and emotional hunger is key to lasting success, and how cravings often point to unmet needs rather than personal weakness. Kristin speaks openly about her journey as a recovering emotional eater, while Frances shares her perspective on navigating food changes with diabetes. Together, they shine a light on the grief and resistance many patients feel around food after surgery—and how those feelings can be transformed into empowerment, joy, and self-trust.Beyond food, they dive into the importance of movement, particularly strength training, reframing it from a punishment for overeating into a practice that supports longevity, mental health, and self-celebration. They also stress the role of community support, encouraging listeners to surround themselves with people who understand the complexities of life after bariatric surgery.What You’ll Take Away from This Episode:* How to reframe food as a partner in healing rather than an obstacle to overcome* Why food rules like “good” vs. “bad” keep you stuck in diet mentality—and how to break free from them* The connection between cravings, emotions, and unmet needs (including patterns of food addiction)* The importance of community in long-term weight management and mindset work* How embracing discomfort and change opens the door to sustainable growth* Why recovery is not a quick fix, but an ongoing process of self-discoveryIf you’ve ever wondered whether enjoying food after surgery is possible, or if you’ve struggled with guilt, cravings, food addiction, or fear of regain, this conversation will give you the insight and encouragement you need. It’s not about perfection—it’s about shifting perspective, building resilience, and creating a relationship with food (and yourself) that lasts a lifetime.Chapters00:00:00 - Bariatric Newbies: Myths and Realities00:03:50 - Finding Balance with Food Choices00:05:41 - Understanding Post-Surgery Insights00:06:59 - Lessons Learned After Bariatric Surgery00:09:40 - Bariatric Mindset and Ditching Diet Culture00:12:28 - Understanding My Relationship with Food00:14:45 - Understanding Our True Hunger00:16:52 - Understanding Food Addiction and Recovery00:18:48 - Understanding Weight Regain Challenges00:20:58 - Lifelong Journey of Healthy Living00:22:35 - Understanding Movement After Surgery00:24:13 - Embracing Strength Training for Longevity00:26:39 - Honoring Your Future Self00:29:45 - Changing Your Relationship with FoodKey Takeaways* Redefine Your Relationship with Food: Shift from comfort eating and diet-culture “good vs. bad” rules to conscious, nourishing choices.* Cultivate Emotional Awareness: Recognize the emotional ties to food so healing goes deeper than what’s on your plate.* Choose Lifestyle, Not Punishment: View healthy habits as lifelong practices that bring joy and freedom, not restriction.* Lean on Community: Recovery is less isolating when you connect with others who understand the journey.* Embrace Growth Through Discomfort: True transformation requires stretching beyond comfort zones and navigating challenges with resilience.Ready to transform your relationship with food and discover life beyond dieting? Tune in to this episode for authentic conversations and practical insights from those who've walked the path of bariatric surgery success. Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 4 of the Bariatric Mindset Podcast, Dr. Kristin Lloyd and Coach Frances explore the transformative power of vulnerability and how it serves as a catalyst for healing, growth, and authentic connection. This candid discussion sheds light on the role vulnerability plays in shaping healthier relationships with food, body image, and personal identity, particularly for those navigating post-bariatric life.The episode begins with Frances sharing her personal journey, emphasizing the difficulty—and necessity—of creating safe environments where individuals can be open about their struggles. Fear of judgment, shame, and stigma often keep people silent, but when vulnerability is embraced within supportive groups, it fosters breakthroughs, connection, and deeper self-awareness. Both speakers highlight how courage is not about avoidance but about facing internal struggles head-on, even when painful.A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the impact of shame. Shame often leads to isolation, hyper-independence, and disconnection from others. In medical settings, stigma can reinforce this silence, making it harder for individuals to seek help. By breaking the cycle of shame and embracing openness—even in small, manageable steps—individuals can begin to rewrite their narratives. The speakers reference Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability, underscoring that willingness to share is essential for connection and healing.The discussion also touches on the importance of adopting a plan-agnostic approach to nutrition. Every person’s dietary needs are unique, and rigid restrictions often fuel guilt, food aversions, and feelings of failure. Instead, the hosts advocate for a supportive, non-judgmental environment where people can safely share their experiences with food. By normalizing open conversations about food relationships, addiction tendencies, or emotional eating, communities can provide validation and support rather than criticism.Another critical point raised is how vulnerability interacts with our nervous systems. Because our primal wiring equates vulnerability with danger, opening up can feel threatening. Recognizing this, the speakers stress the need for compassionate communities that ease these fears and help individuals reframe vulnerability as an act of courage. They also point out that negative self-talk and internalized weight bias amplify shame, and they encourage listeners to practice “judgment detox”—not only toward others but also toward themselves.The hosts challenge the pervasive diet mentality that promotes perfectionism, arguing instead for flexibility, self-care, and balance. True transformation doesn’t come from flawless food choices or rigid routines but from slowing down, resting, and making conscious decisions. They remind listeners that food itself is not the enemy; it is the emotional context around food that requires healing. Redefining failure as simply part of the process of trying helps dismantle the guilt-shame cycle that so often derails progress.Throughout the episode, Kristin and Frances weave in stories from community members, including those who feared success due to past traumas, to illustrate how limiting beliefs can block joy and growth. They stress that when individuals numb difficult emotions, they often numb joy as well, highlighting the need to feel fully in order to heal fully. Vulnerability, then, becomes the doorway to joy, connection, and freedom.The episode closes with gratitude and a reminder of the power of community. By listening, holding space, and showing up authentically, individuals create the conditions for collective healing. Vulnerability is reframed not as weakness but as strength—the very thing that allows for deeper relationships, sustainable lifestyle changes, and a richer, more compassionate life.Chapters00:00:02 - Exploring Vulnerability and Breakthroughs00:02:51 - The Power of Vulnerability in Healing00:07:54 - Forgiveness and Vulnerability in Healing00:10:31 - Embracing Individualized Nutrition00:14:03 - Overcoming Vulnerability in Group Settings00:16:33 - Understanding Protection Mode00:19:24 - Overcoming Shame and Vulnerability00:21:53 - Overcoming Fear of Vulnerability00:26:31 - Understanding Movement and Mental Health00:29:14 - Embracing Vulnerability and Learning00:31:36 - Understanding Our Relationship with Food00:34:23 - Overcoming Shame and Food Cravings00:36:46 - Overcoming Judgment and Shame00:42:04 - Embracing Vulnerability and Compassion00:44:13 - Finding Community and Belonging00:46:17 - Understanding Feelings of Not Belonging00:48:41 - Understanding Emotional Numbing00:51:51 - Overcoming Fear of Weight Loss00:55:13 - Embracing Vulnerability for Growth00:59:03 - Creating Safe Spaces for VulnerabilityKey Takeaways• Vulnerability is a critical component of the healing process, allowing for authentic expression and connection.• Creating safe spaces free of judgment significantly enhances personal growth regarding food and body image.• Redefining failure as a part of the journey can transform one's mindset and facilitate true healing.• Shame thrives in silence, but when acknowledged and shared in supportive environments, it loses power and opens the door to deeper healing and self-acceptance.What did you love best about this episode? Let’s talk—drop your thoughts in the comments. Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 3: Decoding Desire — Healing Through Self-Compassion: Navigating Emotional EatingIn this deeply honest conversation, Kristin Lloyd, PhD and certified coach Frances Vogel unpack the tangled web of desire, hunger, and emotional eating—especially for bariatric and GLP-1 patients. They break down the difference between hunger, appetite, and “food noise,” revealing how trauma, stress, and ingrained habits shape eating patterns.They begin by drawing a clear line between biological hunger (your body’s physical need for fuel) and psychological appetite (the mental pull toward food, often sparked by emotions like stress, boredom, or loneliness). This distinction is crucial because emotional triggers can blur the lines, leading to impulsive eating that’s more about soothing feelings than feeding the body.Kristin and Frances explore how emotional eating is rarely about the food itself, but instead about the deeper, often unspoken needs we try to meet through eating. These patterns are deeply tied to psychological cravings, making the healing process much more layered than simply “eating less” or “following the plan.”They stress that true transformation requires more than dietary changes—it’s a lifelong journey of self-awareness, self-compassion, and reconnection with one’s body. By viewing cravings not as flaws but as valuable messages, you can start to decode what your body and emotions are truly asking for.The conversation also highlights the transformative impact of self-compassion on emotional well-being. A kinder, more accepting approach to food doesn’t just reduce shame; it strengthens your ability to tune in to your body’s wisdom and respond in ways that honor your whole self.Finally, they underline the importance of community—surrounding yourself with people who “get it” can make the difference between staying stuck in old cycles and building the confidence to move forward. Healing is not linear, but with the right tools, awareness, and support, it becomes a path toward greater freedom, trust, and joy in your relationship with food.Reflection Prompt: As you consider your own journey, ask yourself—What emotions might be driving my cravings?Chapters 00:00:02 - Understanding Food Noise and Desire00:02:35 - Understanding Food Cravings and Emotions00:05:25 - Understanding Cravings and Urges00:08:57 - Understanding Emotional Eating00:11:18 - Understanding Hunger and Appetite00:18:10 - Understanding Body Awareness and Trauma00:21:08 - Understanding Desire and Food Relationships00:27:31 - Struggles with Food and Shame00:29:39 - Understanding Emotional Eating and Moderation00:40:17 - Understanding Body Regulation and Surgery00:42:42 - Understanding Emotional Eating Reduction00:45:57 - Understanding Post-Bariatric Surgery Challenges00:49:07 - Navigating Life Changes and Wellness00:50:52 - Understanding Hormonal Changes and Choices00:53:56 - Understanding Hunger and Metabolic Changes00:57:08 - Understanding Food Desires and Trauma01:00:55 - Understanding EMDR and Somatic Therapy01:02:22 - Understanding EMDR and Somatic Interventions01:06:45 - Understanding Healing and GrowthKey Takeaways * Hunger vs. Cravings: True hunger is biological. Cravings are often psychological, shaped by emotions like stress, boredom, or loneliness. Learning to tell them apart is essential.* Emotional Eating Runs Deep: It’s rarely just about the food—psychological cravings reveal the complex relationship we have with nourishment, comfort, and self-soothing.* Self-Education = Empowerment: Healing is a lifelong journey that goes beyond diet changes. Self-awareness and self-compassion are the real catalysts for lasting transformation.* Cravings Are Clues: Instead of seeing cravings as flaws, recognize them as messages. Responding with curiosity and compassion can shift patterns for good.* Compassion Changes Everything: A kind, accepting approach to food can boost emotional well-being and help you reconnect to your body’s wisdom.* The Power of Community: Support from those who understand your journey fosters connection, reduces shame, and helps you navigate challenges with more resilience.Reflection Prompt: What emotions might be driving your cravings? Let’s talk—drop your thoughts in the comments. Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of self-harm and emotional distress. Please take care when listening.Disclaimer: This conversation is not a substitute for therapy or professional mental health care. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a licensed provider or a crisis support line in your area. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for immediate, free, 24/7 support.In this deeply honest episode of Bariatric Mindset Success, Dr. Kristin Lloyd is joined by Bariatric Mindset Coach Frances Vogel to explore the raw and often-overlooked reality of identity transformation after weight loss surgery.Together, they unpack the emotional unraveling that comes with shedding not just pounds — but past versions of yourself.Kristin shares how losing 150 pounds led to unexpected emotional fallout, the impact on motherhood, marriage, and self-worth, and how living in her parents’ basement during a personal rock bottom moment sparked a powerful rebirth that led to the creation of Bariatric Mindset®.They dive into:* How childhood trauma shapes identity and weight struggles* Why people-pleasing intensifies after surgery (and how to break free)* Navigating emotional transitions and hormonal shifts* Building new support systems that don’t enable old habits* How to rebuild your self-image beyond numbers, roles, or expectationsThis episode is a powerful reminder: weight loss doesn’t erase your pain — it reveals what’s still unhealed.If you've ever asked yourself, “Who am I now?” — this conversation will speak directly to your soul.Chapters 00:00:00 - Navigating Identity After Bariatric Surgery00:02:16 - Rediscovering Identity After Weight Loss00:05:10 - Journey of Weight Loss and Identity00:10:34 - Struggles with Identity and Mental Health00:14:02 - Identity Transformation After Surgery00:19:59 - Finding Identity as a New Mom00:22:35 - Struggles with Identity and Support00:26:19 - Finding Voice and Identity Transformation00:32:46 - Navigating Life After Bariatric Surgery00:35:45 - Identity Beyond Body Image00:38:56 - Embracing Identity Shifts in Life00:41:05 - Coping with Life's Unexpected Changes00:43:24 - Exploring Identity After Bariatric Surgery00:48:10 - Exploring Personal Values and Identity00:51:06 - Embracing Curiosity Over Judgment00:53:46 - Embracing Your Main Character EnergyKey Takeaways * Losing weight doesn’t fix your identity — it forces you to face it. The real transformation begins after the scale changes, when you're left asking, “Who am I now?”* Healing your self-worth requires more than a smaller body — it takes emotional excavation. Shedding pounds doesn’t automatically shed the shame, the trauma, or the people-pleasing patterns.* True success isn’t just about how you look — it’s about how deeply you know yourself. Self-acceptance is holistic: mind, body, nervous system, and soul.* The wrong people can keep you stuck in the old story. Creating a supportive community isn’t optional — it’s survival for your new identity.* Rock bottom isn’t the end — it’s the start of your rebirth. When everything falls apart, it’s an invitation to rewrite who you are on your terms. Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe

In this powerful premiere episode of Bariatric Mindset Success, we’re not sugarcoating a damn thing.I’m joined by one of our very own Bariatric Mindset team coaches, Frances Vogel, who shares her deeply personal journey — from childhood trauma and emotional eating to reclaiming her health, her body, and her identity.Seven years post-op and 90 pounds down, Frances gets real about what the before-and-after photos don’t show: the emotional excavation, the identity unraveling, the grief no one warned her about, and the inner work it took to rebuild from the inside out.This conversation is honest, healing, and a powerful reminder that the weight coming off is not the end of the story — it’s the beginning.We explore essential topics like:* How unhealed trauma shapes eating patterns and body image* Navigating perimenopause and hormonal shifts after weight loss surgery* The power of strength training for body composition and confidence* GLP-1 medications and hormonal balance — what to know* Why sleep, stress, and self-awareness matter more than you thinkAnd we pull back the curtain on:* What no one prepares you for after the weight comes off* How trauma impacts transformation (and what to do about it)* The pivotal mindset shifts that helped Frances rise* Why psychological resilience — not just weight loss — is the real success storyAs you’ll hear, Frances brings wisdom, compassion, and real-world insight into what true transformation takes — and it goes far beyond just losing weight.🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to rise beyond your past.Whether you’re just starting your journey or you're deep in the trenches, this episode is your reminder: you are not alone. And your healing goes way deeper than the scale.Chapters 00:00:01 - Frances Vogel's Bariatric Journey00:01:53 - My Weight Loss Journey00:04:28 - Importance of Movement for Mental Health00:07:11 - Journey Through Plastic Surgery Experiences00:10:06 - Trusting Yourself on the Weight Loss Journey00:11:36 - Trusting the Healing Process00:14:50 - Expectations Around Weight Loss Surgery00:17:20 - Mindset Shifts Before Weight Loss Surgery00:20:05 - Transforming My Eating Habits00:22:18 - Understanding GLP-1s and Weight Loss Surgery00:25:43 - Bariatric Surgery and Lifelong Healing00:28:26 - Importance of Joy and Sleep00:30:09 - Mindful Eating and Life Priorities00:32:15 - Balancing Indulgence and Health00:34:42 - Empowerment Through Food Choices00:36:31 - Overcoming Food Shame and Triggers00:40:17 - Mindset vs. Motivation in Weight LossKey Takeaways Here are key insights from Frances’s journey:1. **Mindset Matters**: Your relationship with food often stems from deeper emotional issues. Understanding these can help reshape habits.2. **Redefining Success**: The scale doesn’t define health. Focus on strength training and overall well-being instead.3. **Empower Your Choices**: Adopt the 80-20 lifestyle—80% healthy choices, with room for indulgences to combat binge mentality.4. **Embrace Tools for Growth**: Medications like GLP-1s are not failures but tools that assist in your journey towards health.5. **Prioritize Joy**: Mindfulness in food choices leads to a positive mindset and a more fulfilling life.How have you prioritized mindset in your journey? Share your thoughts below! Get full access to Bariatric Mindset at bariatricmindset.substack.com/subscribe