From Over 570lbs to Strict Pull-Ups: David Fennell on Addiction, Bariatric Surgery, and the Power of Community

Season 1 Episode 297

At his heaviest, David Fennell saw 573 on the scale. Today, he’s knocking out strict pull-ups and training with a CrossFit crew that helped pull him out of the darkest stretch of his life. In this episode we cover David’s full arc: growing up in poverty, learning grit early, using food to self-medicate, the wild swings of 75 Hard, regaining the weight during lockdown, and the decision to fly to Mexico for bariatric surgery just days after burying his mother. He opens up about the mental health fallout that followed, kidney stones, a torn shoulder, and why he chose a GLP-1 (tirzepatide) to quiet the “food noise” while rebuilding standards, strength, and sanity. Most of all, we talk about community—the 6 a.m. class that kept him showing up, the simple wins, and why “just show up” isn’t cliché when it saves you.

Highlights:

Addiction vs. “just discipline” and why shame never works
Bariatric surgery, the first 6 months, and grieving the old coping habits
CrossFit as a lifeline: standards, accountability, and starting over at 44
GLP-1s without the stigma: using tools while protecting muscle and health
The rule that never fails: show up, do what you can today, come back tomorrow

If you’ve ever thought you’re too far gone, this conversation is proof you aren’t. Listen, take one step today, and keep the promise you make to yourself.

Follow David Fennel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/fentastic_76/

Read David's article on Crossfit.com: https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/the-differentiator-is-crossfit-david-fennel-goes-from-550-pounds-to-strict-pull-ups

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Published on 1 day, 2 hours ago

Podcast Episode Details

From Over 570lbs to Strict Pull-Ups: David Fennell on Addiction, Bariatric Surgery, and the Power of Community