28. Grief, Grit, and a 200-Pound Comeback with Sian Comerford

It’s winter in Minnesota, prime resolution season, and today’s guest is a living reminder that transformation isn’t just a New Year’s idea…it’s a life-saving decision.Sally sits down with Sian Comerford, a 41-year-old mom of five from Indiana, small business owner (she bakes gourmet, deep-dish cookies!), and an absolutely unstoppable human who has lost over 200 pounds over five years. After grief, depression, and years of using food for comfort following her husband’s sudden death, Sian hit a turning point that forced her to reclaim her health.In this conversation, Sian shares what actually worked:Gastric sleeve surgery as a tool (not a magic fix)Building a medical and personal support teamLearning how to navigate food addiction and mindsetFinding a family at the gymAnd training hard enough that climbing the equivalent of the world’s tallest building became…a casual Sunday challenge.This episode is packed with hope, honesty, and practical reminders that you don’t have to start strong, you just have to start.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeSian’s incredible transformation: from 400 to 167 poundsThe difference between gastric sleeve vs. gastric bypassWhy support matters: weight loss doctor, nutritionist, and therapyFood addiction and the mental side of bariatric surgery: “negotiating between your brain and your belly”How a near-tragic moment with her daughter became a wake-up callWhy she lives by: “One foot in front of the other”Her fitness routine: early mornings, structured programming, metabolic finishers, and serious cardioStair Master goals that got wild: climbing the Burj Khalifa... and then someWhy she believes: “Eat the cookie” (and how restriction backfires)How lifting changed her identity: not “skinny,” but strong“Gym bros” aren’t scaryWhy she’s getting certified through NASM to become a personal trainerThe mindset shift from “new me” to “I love me, how do I level up?”Listener TakeawaysIf you’re trying to make a change this year, here are your reminders from Sian’s story:Start smaller than you think you “should.” Consistency beats intensity.Tools help, but mindset is the real long game.Get support: medical, nutritional, emotional, and community support all count.Don’t wait to feel confident confidence comes after you start showing up.Your “why” gets stronger when it’s bigger than you.Mentioned in This EpisodeGastric sleeve surgery (and what it actually does)Fairlife protein shakes, collagen peptidesNinja Creami (protein ice cream hack!)NASM personal training certificationSupport the MissionIf this episode encouraged you, inspired you, or helped you believe change is possible, please share it with a friend and consider supporting the bigger mission.We’re raising $1 million for medical research, and every single dollar raised by listeners like you truly makes a difference.Learn more + donate at UnstoppableStoriesThatMove.com