Ep 40: Client Spotlight | How Support Removed the Overwhelm After WLS with Nicole
This post is a companion to Episode 40 of the Bariatric Nutrition Coach Podcast. Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
In this episode I sat down with Nicole — a military veteran and mum of two from Florida — who reached out to me while she was still waking up from anaesthesia after her gastric sleeve surgery. Her story is one I know many people will deeply relate to.
Why Nicole Had Surgery
Nicole was fit in her military years but gradually gained weight over time. The moment that broke through her resistance was her son's sixth birthday party — she wasn't in a single photo because she hated how she looked. She was on blood pressure medication, her health was suffering, and she knew something had to change. Bariatric surgery had carried a stigma for her — it felt like a last resort, even like failure — but eventually she recognised that the disease of obesity was fighting against her body's own biology, not her willpower.
The Mental Journey
Nicole described the emotional side of her journey as the most significant part. The physical changes were visible and rewarding, but the mental shift — learning to commit to herself the way she committed to others, moving from motivation to discipline, and leaving the dieting mindset behind — was the real work.
What Made the Difference
For Nicole, having personalised support rather than a one-size-fits-all approach was the key. When she changed jobs mid-journey and her schedule shifted, she needed guidance that adapted with her — not a standard plan. She learned to build structure, eat regularly, and find her own rhythm. More than a year on, she runs in the mornings, is off all medication, and is fully present in her family's life.
Her Wisdom for Others
Invest in yourself. Find a bariatric specialist who truly understands this journey. Go back to the basics when things feel off track. And remember your why — especially on the days when motivation is nowhere to be found. Discipline, not motivation, is what keeps you going.
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