In this episode, I sit down with Char Holmes to unpack the real side of bariatric coaching — the wins, the failures, and everything in between. Shar opens up about how vulnerability and lived experience shaped her as both a client and a coach, and why embracing failure was the turning point that changed everything.

We dive deep into the tools that build confidence and lasting change: self-reflection, accountability, asking the hard questions, and building a community that actually lifts you up. Shar also shares how she’s learned to navigate nutrition and fitness in a way that works for real life (not just a perfect plan on paper).

If you’re struggling with self-doubt, afraid to fail, or just want to know what separates a good bariatric journey from a great one, this is the episode you can’t miss. Because the truth is… success isn’t about being perfect — it’s about what you do next.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Community Building in Bariatrics

02:56 The Impact of Vulnerability and Authenticity

05:52 Navigating Life Changes and Embracing Solutions

08:36 Building Confidence as a Skill

11:32 The Role of Resourcefulness in Overcoming Challenges

14:25 The Importance of Lived Experience in Coaching

17:28 Common Themes in the Bariatric Community

20:13 Crafting a Plan for Personal Growth

23:09 The Power of Community and Continuous Learning

31:05 Authenticity in Coaching

33:44 The Role of Coaches in Personal Growth

35:12 The Importance of Community and Connection

38:36 Finding Balance in Life and Work

47:48 Embracing Consistency and Failure

54:13 The Power of Storytelling and Shared Experiences

01:01:02 Asking Questions and Seeking Guidance

Listen… nobody reads podcast descriptions. You’re probably skimming this right now thinking “blah blah blah, just hit play.” But since you’re here — and since Google cares way more about keywords than your attention span — let’s get into it.

This episode is all about how to build muscle after bariatric surgery. Not fake toning, not endless cardio sweat-fests, but real-deal progressive overload, training splits, and resistance training for bariatric patients who want to stop looking “skinny weak” and start looking strong, confident, and sculpted.

I’ll break down:

• How often you should lift if you want actual results (spoiler: more than once every time you “feel motivated”).

• The truth about nutrition and macros after weight loss surgery if your goal is muscle, not just surviving on chicken air and sadness salads.

• Why consistency is sexier than motivation — and how bariatric patients can finally build a body they love long-term.

Whether you’re fresh out of surgery or years into maintenance, this episode will show you exactly what it takes to go from “I lost weight” to “dang, I lift.”

And hey, if you actually read all this? Congratulations — you’re one of six people in podcast history who made it past line three.

In this episode, I sit down with Mel Godfried to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving bariatric community. From running massive events like JVY to securing sponsorships and keeping a platform alive when the odds are stacked against you, we talk about the side of bariatric support no one else sees.

Mel shares her personal bariatric journey and why staying connected to others who “get it” is everything when it comes to long-term success. We also dig into the nitty-gritty of event planning, fundraising, and the financial realities that make most people quit before they ever see real impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how bariatric communities come together (and stay alive), or you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes chaos of big events, this conversation is a must-listen. We talk resilience, personal growth, the evolution of bariatric podcasting, and how to maintain healthy habits while juggling it all.

Because the truth is: building a bariatric platform isn’t easy — but when you hear how Mel does it, you’ll realize why it’s worth every second.

My Resources and Special Offers

Join my email list for inside tricks to crush your bariatric journey!

Want a free 30 minute consultation on how to optimize your bariatric journey? Take our free metabolic assessment!

Ready to crush your goals apply to my 1:1 coaching program!

Find me on Socials

Instagram

Busy Bariatrics

Tiktok