A veteran of the bariatric community, Yelena Kibasova is a 16-year weight loss surgery (WLS) post-op who is maintaining a 140-pound weight loss. With a love for fitness and coaching, she is certified as a NASM personal trainer and NETA group exercise instructor. She is also an award-winning writer and experienced speaker.

Yelena is dedicated to making fitness accessible; she teaches virtual Zumba and strength training classes that are equipment-free and perfect for beginners. When coaching her clients for weight loss, regain, or maintenance, Yelena draws from her personal experience, education, and evidence-based research. Her coaching plans focus on improving physical, mental, and social well-being without the cycle of yo-yo dieting, guilt, or shame.

Yelena shares the ups and downs of her weight-management journey with humor and honesty. You’ll find her under @morethanmyweight on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. She also speaks at conferences, including Bariatric Connect, ObesityHelp, Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), and WLSFA.

"Maintaining my weight loss strongly depends on accountability. I share my journey with the world by blogging, posting on social media, speaking at conferences, and attending local support groups. I openly share my journey with my coworkers and fitness students. That’s what my personal accountability looks like." - Yelena Kibasova, WLS & GLP-1 Advocate

Connect with Yelena Kibasova:
Website, Facebook, Instagram,
TikTok, OH Articles