You got the surgery.
The flat stomach. The lift. The lipo.
But then life kept lifing and the old patterns came back.
In this episode, I'm talking with longtime client Margot, a military attorney, podcast host, and mom of three, who opens up about the truth behind plastic surgery and what it can’t fix.
Because for all the money and time invested in a mommy makeover… it won’t change your habits.
It won’t heal your relationship with food.
And it won’t rewrite the patterns that got you here.
Here’s what we dig into:
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What really happens after a tummy tuck (that no one talks about)
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The myth of “bouncing back” after kids or surgery
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How binge eating can sneak back in—even when you're in shape
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Why so many high-achieving women burn out after finally hitting their goals
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The connection between stress, sabotage, and self-worth
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How Margot got back on track with her habits, health, and mindset
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And the powerful example she’s now setting for her daughters
Whether you’ve had surgery or not, this episode hits home for anyone who’s ever:
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Let themselves fall to the bottom of the priority list
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Thought “I should have figured this out by now”
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Struggled to stay consistent, even after getting results
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Wondered if they’re the only one who keeps slipping back
Spoiler: You’re not.
The solution isn’t another surgery. It’s a system, support, and strategy that actually fits your life—and gives you tools you can keep using long after the transformation pics stop.
“You can have the best surgeon in the world. But if you don’t fix what’s underneath… you’ll still feel like something’s missing.” – Nathalia
Check out Margot’s podcasts:
Military Murder
Connect on Instagram
Then come say hey on Instagram @nathaliamelofit and learn more about how Powerhouse Academy helps women rebuild from the inside out.
Let’s go.
Connect with Nathalia
Apply for the Powerhouse Academy
Get my favorite pre-workout HERE
More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
What Plastic Surgery Can’t Fix: Real Talk on Body Image, Bounce-Back Pressure & Lasting Change
Nathalia [00:00:01]
Nathalia introduces Margot—a long-time client, former Air Force attorney, and now true crime podcaster. They dive into her journey through motherhood, surgery, setbacks, and finally stepping into strength—physically and mentally.
From C-Sections to Core Strength and Walking Hospital Laps
Margot [00:02:56]
Margot shares how she joined Mother Strong League after her second C-section. She recalls walking hospital laps within days of delivery thanks to early support from Nathalia’s program, and how that helped her heal and rebuild confidence.
Life Happens: COVID, Peloton Dust, and Baby #3
Margot [00:07:47]
After staying consistent for a while, COVID derailed everything. Margot got a Peloton but barely used it. She later had a third baby in 2021, gained more weight, and found herself overwhelmed and burned out—leading her to ghost the program temporarily.
Mindset Over Macros: Why Powerhouse 2.0 Hit Different
Nathalia [00:12:43]
They discuss how the new structure of Powerhouse Academy—with mindset coaching and licensed counselors—would’ve supported her better back then. Margot admits she wasn't emotionally ready at the time but now sees the value in that added layer of support.
The Mommy Makeover Didn’t Fix the Habits
Margot [00:21:40]
Margot opens up about her mommy makeover—tummy tuck, implant removal, lipo—and how she felt amazing post-surgery… until life caught up again. She gained the weight back by the holidays and realized surgery didn’t change her relationship with food.
Back in the Gym, Back to Herself (and Inspiring Her Daughters)
Margot [00:36:40]
Since rejoining Powerhouse in early 2024, Margot has built consistency, ditched the all-or-nothing mindset, and rediscovered her strength. Now, her daughters work out with her in their home gym, and Margot finally feels like a role model again.
Military Attorney Turned True Crime Podcaster
Margot [00:49:00]
She shares how she left a stable military career to start Military Murder and The Alternate. With her legal background, she brings unmatched credibility to the genre and gives survivors a voice while educating the public about military and legal systems.
Why Lasting Change Isn’t a Quick Fix (and What Keeps Her Going)
Margot [01:00:19]
Margot reflects on therapy, her binge-eating patterns, and what keeps her grounded today. Spoiler: it's not perfection. It’s never letting it be more than two bad days in a row, staying connected to the community, and knowing her daughters are watching.
