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!

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Busy Bariatrics

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In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Gittleman, and we go deep into her incredible transformation — from bariatric patient to one of our powerhouse Busy Bariatrics coaches. Lisa gets real about the struggles no one warns you about: navigating perimenopause, dealing with injuries, and staying consistent when life tries to knock you off track.

We also dig into the secret sauce that helped her not just lose the weight but actually build muscle, change her mindset, and thrive in a way that lasts. Plus, Lisa talks about how community played a huge role in her success and why innovative coaching (and some serious tough love) is the key for clients who want results.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep momentum when hormones, injuries, and life get in the way — or how someone goes from struggling post-op to coaching others — this is the episode you can’t miss. Because Lisa proves that no matter where you are in your journey, your next level is still waiting for you.

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

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Busy Bariatrics

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What is goin’ on Busy Bariatrics?! In this episode, I’m breaking down how to lose 20 pounds before 2026 without turning your life into a 24/7 episode of Survivor. Spoiler: it’s not about eating celery until you cry or buying another $300 gadget that promises to melt fat while you nap.

I dive into the science (the real stuff, not the TikTok nonsense), share how to stop sabotaging yourself when the seasons change, and talk about why your environment might secretly be plotting against your waistline. I even drag myself a little with some personal stories—because if I can laugh at my own mistakes, you can definitely laugh at yours.

But listen, if you’re here thinking I’m about to hand you the entire blueprint in the show notes? Wrong podcast, Brenda. The only way to get the actual strategies is to hit play and listen all the way through.

Go grab your headphones, laugh a little, maybe cry a little, but definitely get BUSY.

Keywords

bariatric coaching, weight loss, habits, accountability, nutrition, bariatric surgery, fitness, lifestyle changes, community support, seasonal challenges

Takeaways

Losing 20 pounds is achievable with the right strategies.

Understanding the science of weight loss is crucial.

Tracking behaviors can help align actions with goals.

Engineering your environment can facilitate better choices.

Psychological barriers often hinder weight loss efforts.

Routine and support are essential for long-term success.

Seasonal challenges can impact weight loss; plan accordingly.

Building solid habits is key to maintaining weight loss.

Community support can enhance accountability and motivation.

It's important to take action and not just collect awareness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Coaching and Events

02:14 Losing 20 Pounds: The Challenge Ahead

07:01 Understanding the Science of Weight Loss

10:14 Behavioral Insights: Tracking and Accountability

15:59 Engineering Your Environment for Success

19:07 Overcoming Psychological Barriers to Weight Loss

23:39 The Importance of Routines and Support

27:07 Navigating Seasonal Challenges in Weight Management

30:37 Personal Updates and Reflections

36:22 Looking Ahead: Insights from Industry Leaders

Struggling with optimizing your metabolism after bariatric surgery? Take our free assessment!

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In this episode, I sit down with Lora Grabow to tackle one of the most overlooked pieces of the bariatric puzzle: your head. We’re talking about the mental and emotional work it takes to actually succeed long-term after weight loss surgery — and why skipping it can set you up for failure, even if the scale is moving at first.

Lora and I dive into the tough stuff: grief, old habits, emotional relationships with food, and why so many patients avoid the “headwork” even though it’s the key to keeping their results. We also break down the role community and support groups play in healing (and how to find the right ones), plus the exact mindset shifts you need to start making now.

If you think bariatric success is just about protein and portion sizes, you’re going to want to hear this. Because the truth is… the surgery can’t fix what’s going on between your ears.

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

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Busy Bariatrics

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In this episode, Robert DiMedio introduces Stacy Ironfield, a foundational figure in Busy Bariatrics, who shares her personal journey with bariatric surgery. Stacy discusses her struggles with health, including fatty liver disease and mobility issues, leading to her decision to undergo surgery. She reflects on her post-operative experience, emphasizing the importance of community support and the lessons learned from her journey. The conversation highlights the significance of maintaining healthy habits and the role of Busy Bariatrics in providing guidance and support to individuals on their weight loss journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Busy Bariatrics and Stacey Ironfield

02:18 Stacy's Journey to Bariatric Surgery

04:38 Post-Op Experience and Lessons Learned

05:34 Finding Support and Community in Busy Bariatrics

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most underrated superpowers in the bariatric world: community. I’m hanging out with Nerissa and Chris from the Bariatric Society, the dynamic duo behind those legendary retreats that leave everyone laughing, crying, and somehow doing both at the same time.

We’re pulling back the curtain on how they create these life-changing experiences — from the “oh-crap-I’m-getting-surgery” phase all the way through the messy middle and the big wins after. You’ll hear how having the right people in your corner can keep you moving forward when life (or your head) tries to knock you flat.

Whether you’re pre-op, post-op, or just lurking in a Facebook group wondering what this whole bariatric thing is about, this episode will hit. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, and you’ll probably feel a little less alone on this rollercoaster ride.

Tune in and find out why community might just be the missing piece in your journey — and no, it’s not just about the group selfies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Bariatric Society Retreat

01:03 Meet the Founders: Nerissa and Chris

02:31 The Passion Behind Event Planning

03:05 Creating Community in Bariatrics

03:16 Introduction to the Bariatric Retreat

04:48 Meet the Hosts: Nerissa and Chris

07:50 The Evolution of the Bariatric Retreat

13:38 Planning the Retreat: A Year-Round Effort

20:18 Behind the Scenes: The Teamwork Required

22:57 Memorable Moments from Past Retreats

27:07 The Unique Vibe of New Orleans Retreat

28:29 The Unique Vibe of New Orleans

31:56 Exploring the City: Food and Culture

35:53 Creating Connections: The Retreat Experience

40:14 Balancing Work and Personal Life

45:58 The Importance of Presence and Enjoyment

49:55 Final Thoughts and Call to Action