In this episode, I sat down with Derek — a marriage therapist who’s basically the bariatric world’s relationship whisperer — to talk about the real side of love after surgery. We're not sugar-coating it (and you know I don’t do sugar unless it fits my macros).

We got into the messy stuff: how the holidays and politics can turn even strong marriages into silent standoffs, why bariatric surgery can shake up a relationship dynamic fast, and what actually helps couples stay connected when life throws curveballs.

Derek broke down the Four Horsemen of Marriage (spoiler: these bad boys ruin more marriages than carbs), how to rebuild trust through tough conversations, and why rituals of connection — yes, even tiny ones — matter more than grand gestures. This one’s not just for the romantically partnered either. It’s for anyone who's navigating change and doesn’t want to drag relationship chaos along for the ride.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Relationships and Bariatrics

01:24 Navigating Holiday Stress in Relationships

03:27 Political Divides and Relationship Strain

04:49 Effective Communication in Major Life Decisions

06:58 Understanding Fear and Misinformation in Bariatrics

08:57 Ambassadorship in Bariatric Conversations

10:41 Opening Difficult Conversations with Loved Ones

12:45 The Importance of Trust in Relationships

14:11 Navigating Change After Bariatric Surgery

16:17 Finding the Right Time for Difficult Discussions

18:06 Building Connection Through Rituals

22:18 Maintaining Connection Amidst Change

25:16 Balancing Self-Care and Relationship Needs

28:53 Acknowledging and Validating Fears

32:20 The Four Horsemen of Marriage

32:47 The Four Horsemen of Relationship Deterioration

34:47 Understanding and Overcoming Criticism

36:19 The Dangers of Contempt in Relationships

37:12 Defensiveness: A Barrier to Communication

39:37 The Importance of Validation

40:05 Recognizing and Addressing Stonewalling

43:14 The Impact of Past Issues on Present Relationships

45:58 The Role of Therapy in Relationship Healing

47:57 Building Healthy Relationship Habits

49:12 Making Nutrition an Us Journey

50:44 Staying Active Together

51:43 Showing Up for Yourself

54:11 Finding Healthy Sources of Dopamine

In this episode of The Busy Bariatrics Podcast, I sit down with a man that EVERYONE should know, but probably don’t (and that’s a damn shame): Bill Streetman. He’s the G.O.A.T. of post-op success, the blueprint before blueprints were cool, and he’s been quietly crushing the bariatric game for over a decade while most folks are still trying to post reels of themselves dancing.

We get into his full story, from surgery to sustaining long-term results that most people only dream about. We’re talking discipline, mindset mastery, staying on track while living out of a suitcase, and why responsibility isn’t toxic, it’s transformative.

Bill’s not just walking the walk, he’s teaching it. His new book just dropped and it’s packed with real-world advice for anyone who wants to stop spinning their wheels and start making sustainable moves.

Bill has been talking on national stages advocating for bariatric surgery before most of us knew what WLS stood for. If you’ve never heard of Bill Streetman, consider this your official wake-up call.

Tune in. Take notes. This one’s pure gold. And Yes I'm biased cause the dude is my Hero.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Journeys

02:06 Bill's Transformation Story

04:18 Challenges of Travel and Weight Management

07:03 Mindset and Lifestyle Changes Post-Surgery

10:04 The Importance of Meal Planning

12:29 Empowerment Through Food Choices

14:20 The Role of Exercise in Weight Loss

16:58 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

19:17 Self-Analysis and the Decision for Surgery

22:49 Building a New Relationship with Food

24:11 The Importance of Eating Mindfully

28:08 Finding Your Best Weight

30:43 Overcoming Health Challenges and Embracing Life

34:50 The Gifts of Adversity

37:16 Becoming an Advocate for Change

44:27 Navigating the Bariatric Journey

51:13 Personalizing Your Path to Wellness

01:02:30 The Power of Perspective and Community

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In this episode, I sat down with the incredible Sherri Johnson — a bariatric stylist who gets it. We’re talking about the mental chaos of clothes shopping after surgery, what the hell to wear during all the weird body phases, and why your self-worth isn’t measured in dress sizes (even though the world tries to tell you otherwise).

Sherri breaks down how to rebuild your wardrobe and your confidence post-op — without having a meltdown in the Target dressing room. We dive into body image, emotional weight, and how to stop hiding behind oversized hoodies and “someday” clothes.

If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet post-surgery thinking, “What do I even wear now?”, this episode is for you.

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Need Help Fueling your workouts Use Promocode BUSYBEE to save 20% off your first Order at Legion! 

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Need meals on the go while hitting your macros after Bariatric Surgery? NUTRE gives you 50% off your first order when you use promocode BUSYBEE

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

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Bariatric Journey

02:48 The Importance of Pre-Surgery Preparation

05:55 Finding Sustainable Exercise and Nutrition

08:43 The Reality of Social Media and Self-Worth

11:23 Building Consistency and Overcoming Challenges

14:27 The Long Road to Success and Continuous Improvement

In this episode, I dive into the resurgence of step bets in the bariatric community and honestly, they’re starting to feel more like a casino for movement. I break down the cycle of shame these challenges often create, where the pressure to perform leads to guilt, failure, and that familiar feeling of “not enough.”

Instead of chasing external rewards and frantic step counts, I make the case for shifting from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation. It’s time we focus on what actually builds long-term health: strength training and sustainable fitness habits. I share some of my own experiences and insights on how to craft a realistic, balanced fitness plan that doesn’t just check boxes it supports your real life and your real well-being.

Chapters

00:00 The Return of Step Bets

02:50 The Cycle of Shame in Fitness Challenges

06:00 The Problem with Output vs. Outcomes

08:47 The Science Behind Effective Movement

11:30 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

14:41 Building Sustainable Habits

17:26 The Dangers of Fear-Based Movement

20:08 Creating a Balanced Fitness Plan

23:15 The Path to Long-Term Success

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In this episode of The Busy Bariatrics Podcast, I sat down with Kristen Willard—a registered dietitian who lives and breathes bariatric nutrition. We talked about what actually works when it comes to meal prep after surgery, and why cookie-cutter meal plans don’t cut it when your stomach's been surgically resized.

Kristen broke down how to adapt your favorite recipes post-op, how to pivot when food intolerances pop up, and why flexibility—not perfection—is the real secret to consistency. We also got into the shift we’ve seen on social media, where more RDs are stepping up and cutting through the BS with real talk and evidence-based advice.

We dug into emotional eating, micronutrient gaps most people miss, and how to build a system that supports your goals even when life gets chaotic. If meal planning feels overwhelming or restrictive, this conversation is going to reframe it for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bariatric Nutrition and Meal Prep

02:51 The Evolution of Social Media in Nutrition

05:43 Understanding Meal Prep for Bariatric Patients

08:24 The Importance of Flexibility in Nutrition

11:30 Quick and Easy Meal Ideas for Bariatric Patients

14:21 Navigating Food Tolerances Post-Surgery

17:03 The Role of Protein in a Bariatric Diet

20:03 Challenges in Plant-Based Nutrition for Bariatric Patients

22:41 Revisiting Food Tolerances and Preparation Methods

24:58 Understanding the Balance of Now vs. Forever in Nutrition

28:19 Emotional Triggers and Food Choices

30:32 Mindfulness: The Space Between Impulse and Action

33:38 Overcoming Meal Prep Hurdles

37:31 The BUSY Method: Building Healthy Habits

39:52 The Importance of Micronutrients

40:53 Staying Active: Finding Joy in Movement

42:51 Showing Up for Yourself: Being Present

44:13 Finding Healthy Sources of Dopamine

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In this episode of The Busy Bariatrics Podcast, I sat down with Ryan Turner—a registered dietitian who made the jump from healthcare consulting to the world of nutrition (spoiler: we’re glad he did). We dug into what it really means to understand nutrition beyond just macros and calories, and how small, consistent habits drive long-term change.

One of the best takeaways? Ryan’s concept of ‘Habit 24’—getting in 24 ounces of fruits and veggies every day. Simple, doable, and a total game changer for anyone struggling with consistency.

We also talked about the power of community, why journaling and reflection matter more than perfection, and how parenting impacts the way we show up—not just for our kids, but for ourselves. If you're ready to take back control of your health with clarity and purpose, this one’s for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Turner

07:51 The Importance of Nutrition Education

15:33 Habit 24: A New Approach to Nutrition

29:26 Journaling and Mindset for Men

39:50 The Power of Daily Reflection

48:30 The Influence of Surroundings on Personal Growth

54:43 The Importance of Asking for Help

01:01:09 Rapid Fire Insights: Nutrition and Lifestyle

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In this episode of The Busy Bariatrics Podcast, I sat down with Jamie Mills—a registered dietitian, a fellow bariatric patient, and someone who just gets it on every level. We talked about her personal journey through weight loss, what it’s really like navigating GLP-1 medications, and how movement, nutrition, and mindset all have to play together if you're in this for the long haul.

Jamie opened up about the postpartum challenges no one prepares you for, what it means to build a real relationship with food, and how family dynamics (yes, even the well-meaning ones) can totally shape our eating habits—for better or worse.

We also got into the emotional and cultural side of food—how it’s never just about calories—and why showing up for yourself with realistic goals is the key to long-term success. If you’ve ever felt alone in the process, this episode is going to remind you that you’re far from it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jamie Mills and Her Journey

02:51 Understanding GLP-1 Medications

05:49 The Role of Movement and Nutrition

08:44 Mindset and Sustainable Habits

11:31 The Importance of Flexibility in Fitness

14:32 Coaching Techniques and Client Relationships

17:20 The Power of Personal Accountability

20:08 Long-Term Success and Motivation

31:33 The Importance of Commitment in Programs

34:06 Overview of the Tribe Membership Program

37:29 Understanding Goals and Accountability

39:58 The Balance of Consistency and Flexibility

43:46 Healthy Relationships with Food

49:03 Modeling Healthy Habits for Children

53:32 Lightning Round: Quick Insights and Tips

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Summer camp sold out faster than free samples at Costco — which is awesome. But here’s the thing: not everyone signed up. So in this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why some folks ghosted, claimed they didn’t have the money, or said they didn’t have the time.

We’ll dig into the psychology behind these excuses—because it’s not just about cash or calendar chaos. It’s about commitment, values, and what actually gets people moving (or freezing) when it comes to their bariatric journey.

If you ever find yourself wanting change but then making every excuse in the book, this episode is your reality check—with a side of salty accountability.

Trust me, it’s worth a listen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Overcoming Barriers in Bariatrics

03:01 Behind the Scenes of Summer Camp Planning

05:41 The Impact of Competition in Bariatric Coaching

08:49 Setting Limits and Intentional Coaching

11:39 Understanding the Psychology of Change

14:23 The Reasons Behind Ghosting in Coaching

17:33 Coping Mechanisms and Identity in Bariatric Journeys

20:12 Financial Priorities and Perceived Value

22:57 Time Management and Prioritization in Health

26:07 The Importance of Routine and Structure

29:12 Final Thoughts on Commitment and Change

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