Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life

Kyla Holley
  • 4.7 (3)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life is a straight-talking, compassionate podcast about the real journey with  weight loss surgery or life on a GLP-1 Medication. Hosted by bariatric therapist, and award winning podcast host, Kyla Holley,  this show goes beyond the scale to explore mindset, emotions, habits, identity, relationships, and long-term success. Each episode blends practical guidance, psychological insight, and honest conversations about the wins, the struggles, and the surprises no one warns you about. If you’re preparing for surgery or navigating life years after it, this podcast is your reminder that the goal isn’t just a smaller stomach — it’s a bigger, fuller life. Kyla Holley was the winner of the Best Psychology Podcast at the Women in Podcasting Awards 2024. *The content shared on Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life is based on the personal experiences, professional observations, and opinions of the host and any guests. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s medical situation is unique. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own qualified medical practitioner before making any changes to their health care, diet, exercise, medication, or treatment plan. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinical relationship with the host. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult your healthcare provider promptly. In case of a medical emergency, please contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.

  1. 5D AGO

    Why Before & After Photos Can Mess With Your Mind

    In this episode of Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life we explore the impact of before-and-after photos on people on bariatric or GLP-1 weight-loss journeys, and how social media comparisons can mislead and harm. Kyla Holley explains why two snapshots don’t tell the full story, offers practical tips—take private before photos, avoid unhealthy comparison, curate your feed—and encourages focusing on personal progress and lasting change rather than surface images. The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

    22 min

  2. MAR 23

    Enjoy Nights Out Without the Overwhelm

    In this episode of Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life, Kyla Holley offers practical tips for socialising, dining out and going on holiday after bariatric surgery or while using GLP‑1 medications. Advice includes reviewing menus ahead, prioritising protein, sharing or taking leftovers, choosing accommodating venues (tapas, sushi), setting boundaries, and being cautious with alcohol and body changes. Listeners will learn mindset strategies and actionable planning to enjoy parties, work dinners and travel confidently while maintaining long‑term success. If this episode resonated with you, you’re not alone. The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

    28 min

  3. MAR 17

    When Obesity Begins in Childhood: A Bariatric Surgery Perspective - Dr Evan Nadler

    Join our host Kyla Holley and guest Dr. Evan Nadler Childhood obesity is one of the most complex and misunderstood health issues of our time—and the conversation often misses the bigger picture. In this episode of Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life, I sit down with a bariatric surgeon to explore what really happens when obesity begins in childhood. We move beyond the usual narratives of “eat less and move more” to talk about genetic, environment, stigma, and the long-term impact of growing up in a larger body. Is there an ethical question that needs to be addressed? Listen to find out more ... Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon   Evan P Nadler MD, MBA Obesity Explained | Evan P Nadler MD, MBA www.youtube.com/@obesityexplained Evan Nadler MD, MBA | LinkedIn

    34 min

  4. MAR 11

    Who Am I Now? The Identity Shift After Major Weight Loss

    Losing a significant amount of weight can change your body dramatically — but what many people don’t expect is how deeply it can affect their sense of identity. In this episode of Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life, we explore the emotional and psychological experience of becoming someone physically different, while internally still feeling like the same person. For many people who undergo bariatric surgery or take GLP-1 medications, weight loss can bring freedom, health improvements, and new opportunities. But it can also raise unexpected questions like: Who am I now? Why does the world treat me differently? Why hasn’t my confidence caught up with my body? Host Kyla Holley dives into the identity shifts that often accompany major weight loss — from outgrowing old roles and labels to navigating new ways of being in relationships, social situations, and even your own mind. This is the side of weight loss that isn’t talked about enough: the journey of rebuilding your identity in a new body. Reflection Questions for Listeners As you listen, you might like to reflect on: • How much of my identity has been shaped by my weight? • What roles have I carried because of my body size? • Who am I becoming now? • If weight was no longer part of my story, how would I describe myself? Remember Your identity is not defined by your weight — before or after weight loss. True transformation is not just physical. It’s about building a life and identity that feels authentic, empowered, and sustainable. Join the Community If this episode resonated with you, you’re not alone. The Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life Community is a supportive space for people navigating life after bariatric surgery or while taking GLP-1 medications. Inside, we explore the emotional, behavioural, and psychological side of weight loss — the parts that matter long after the scale changes. Join the community here: https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Follow the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Because weight loss may change your body — but the real journey is learning how to live fully in your life. Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

    27 min

  5. MAR 2

    The Foundations for Success: My Pre-Op Patient Roadmap

    This week I focus on pre-op preparation for bariatric surgery, covering what the surgical team looks for and how the pre-op psychological and behavioral sessions work in my practice. Topics include working with dietitians, texture modification after surgery, weight-loss expectations, relationships and identity changes, common immediate post-op feelings and cognitive effects of very low calorie intake, plus practical tips for communication and getting the right support. Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Please join our fabulous Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life community here https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

    32 min

  6. FEB 23

    The Weight is Over?

    In this episode, Kyla Holley discusses the challenges and strategies for maintaining weight after bariatric surgery or weight loss. She emphasizes the importance of developing skills for weight stability, monitoring, and building trust in oneself to sustain long-term success. Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Please join our fabulous Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life community here https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

    20 min

  7. FEB 16

    When Weight Loss Rewrites Your Relationships

    Welcome to Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life. In this episode Kyla discusses how significant weight loss—whether from surgery or GLP‑1 medication—can change friendships, intimate relationships, and how society treats you. She shares real examples, highlights challenges like jealousy, role shifts, and excess skin, and explains why people may react differently. The episode emphasizes open communication, identifying who truly supports you, and finding peer support through an online community. Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Please join our fabulous Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life community here https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

    22 min

  8. FEB 9

    The Number One Fear After Weight Loss Surgery!

    In this episode of Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life we tackle the common fear of weight regain after bariatric surgery, explaining why small regain is often biologically normal and how past dieting history influences expectations. Kyla Holley outlines the main behavioral causes and possible medical contributors. Practical prevention and recovery strategies are provided: prioritize protein, return to structured meals, limit liquid calories, watch easy-to-overeat foods, build muscle with strength training, and stay connected to your medical team or support community so you can act early and without shame. Kyla Holley is a Therapist and the Director of The Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour www.acfeb.com Please join our fabulous Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life community here https://www.skool.com/bariatric-success/about Join our comprehensive 6 week Change your Relationship with Food online course Join me here Need the Change your Relationship with Food Journal and Workbook by Kyla Holley? Then click here Buy from Amazon

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life is a straight-talking, compassionate podcast about the real journey with  weight loss surgery or life on a GLP-1 Medication. Hosted by bariatric therapist, and award winning podcast host, Kyla Holley,  this show goes beyond the scale to explore mindset, emotions, habits, identity, relationships, and long-term success. Each episode blends practical guidance, psychological insight, and honest conversations about the wins, the struggles, and the surprises no one warns you about. If you’re preparing for surgery or navigating life years after it, this podcast is your reminder that the goal isn’t just a smaller stomach — it’s a bigger, fuller life. Kyla Holley was the winner of the Best Psychology Podcast at the Women in Podcasting Awards 2024. *The content shared on Smaller Stomach, Bigger Life is based on the personal experiences, professional observations, and opinions of the host and any guests. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s medical situation is unique. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own qualified medical practitioner before making any changes to their health care, diet, exercise, medication, or treatment plan. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic or clinical relationship with the host. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult your healthcare provider promptly. In case of a medical emergency, please contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.

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