Trans4m Bariatric Bodybuilding is committed to helping you elevate the next step in your bariatric fitness journey, and get you from Surgery to Stage! Born from standing in the same shoes that you are in, Trans4m Bariatric Bodybuilding is an online contest preparation and coaching service that offers highly specialized and adaptive training and nutrition programming that navigates the unique set of challenges that being a post-op bariatric weightloss surgery patient presents. Armed with real-world experience, and paired with extensive training and a passion to lift up the members of OUR community, we are confident that we can provide you with an enjoyable preparation experience, while coming into your first Transformation or Bodybuilding show in the best condition possible!
Achieve your competition goals, transform your body, elevate your fitness, and succeed on stage. We’ve done it… and so can you! Let’s Trans4m!
Why Trans4m?
Because we are, in fact… you.
Are you on a bariatric fitness journey and find yourself asking “What’s next”? Are you progressing and evolving and wondering what challenge you can tackle with this new strong body, mind and spirit?
If this sounds like you, then let me share what has been the single most empowering, educational and insightful experience that has changed the lense in which I see post-op bariatric life through!
BUILD YOUR BEST Competing in Transformation and Bodybuilding
Unique Expertise & Support
I'm not just a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach— I've walked the same bariatric journey. I understand the physical. mental. and emotional hurdles, and I've overcome them. I've been where you are and know exactly how to help you succeed!
Tailored Training Plans
No two bodies are the same. That’s why your training and nutrition plan will be fully customized to your needs. Together, we’ll create the best plan for YOUR body, not a generic one-size-fits-all approach.
Competition Coaching
From posing to tanning to what to wear, I’ll guide you through every step of your competition prep. I’ll provide resources and make sure you’re fully prepared, so you feel confident and ready.
Beyond the Stage
We don’t stop at the competition! After the show, you’ll get three weeks of reverse dieting and support to help normalize your body. Plus, you’ll receive a “Stage to Blank Page” plan to keep you on track as you move forward.
G.E.E.K OUT!
THE 4 PILLARS OF TRANS4MATION
Whether you want to compete to win or want a new challenge to overcome and celebrate your metamorphosis, Trans4m can help guide you every step by approaching each client with G.E.E.K. … our 4 Pillars of Trans4mation.
Growth
You will evolve physically, mentally and emotionally like never before. The strength, discipline, patience, and appreciation for yourself and what you are capable of achieving will transcend to other aspects of your post-bariatric life!
Education
We know all about calories and macros. But how do you navigate that with a reduced-volume stomach and a dramatically increased caloric requirement? And eating like a bodybuilder doesn’t have to be tasteless and boring! We'll teach you how to be ‘flexible, yet forgiving,’ using Foundational Meals that allow you to enjoy the process and adjust for post-competition life.
Empowerment
The biggest shift you will see is that you will feel empowered! You took the challenge, put in the work, and achieved! You will no longer 'think' or 'hope' that you can do something. You'll assess, plan, and execute — because if you can get in your best shape ever and battle the mental and emotional barriers of getting on stage, you CAN do anything!
Konfidence
(because a C ruins the acronym 🙂)
During this process, you will learn to be more comfortable in your body, your boundaries, your personal worth, and your achievements! You will enter your show confident that you have done your absolute best, you deserve to be on that stage, and that you are already a winner!
Our goal is not only to help you compete in the best condition possible, but also to experience contest preparation as a positive, enjoyable process that is repeatable, sustainable, and controllable…”
Happy Customers!
What Our Satisfied Clients are Saying
“I can’t recommend Rob enough. Extremely knowledgeable, patient and amazing through and through. He doesn’t just tell you what to do but explains the reasoning behind it and that speaks measures about a coach. He will hold you accountable, offer endless amounts of support and reassurance. He believes in you more than you believe in yourself. You couldn’t find a better coach to get you where you want to be whether it’s competing or just living a healthier life, Rob is the coach for you!!! Turns day one into day won ❤️!”
ZOE
“Working with Rob has been a life-changing experience. When I began my journey towards my first bodybuilding transformation competition, I had the determination but lacked the direction. Rob provided the perfect blend of expert guidance, customized training, and unwavering support that helped me push past every plateau and unlock my full potential. From planned workouts to dialed-in nutrition strategies, Rob was there every step of the way—challenging me, encouraging me, and holding me accountable. I know I will step out on that stage stronger, leaner, and more confident than I’ve ever been, and I couldn’t have done it without him. If you’re serious about transforming your body and mind, this is the coach you want in your corner!”
ARTHUR
“I met Rob randomly through a friend’s Instagram page. I had noticed his drastic weight loss journey and his victories on stage in a couple transformation shows. I did my due diligence and researched him a little and found out he had bariatric surgery like myself. I instantly knew I had to get in contact with him, as I myself was just starting to train for a transformation competition.
My surgery was back in 2012 and being 13 years later, I had gained a good portion of my weight back after having my 3 children. I had been working to get the weight off and put muscle on for the better part of a year when I fell stagnant and hadn’t lost anything in months. Rob offered to help me adjust my nutrition to something that suited my body better and I couldn’t be happier that I agreed to his generosity.
Within 2 weeks my plateau had ended and I started seeing the scale go down. I also started to see definition in my muscles that I wasn’t seeing before. Rob provided me with a lot of information and knowledge when it came to training and nutrition. He was extremely helpful and encouraging. He went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable with all the choices I made with him.
I really have to thank Rob for making my competition prep effortless (to a degree), these last couple months. Not only did you understand and combat my challenges, you became someone I can trust to give me the best and honest advice when it comes to my health and my goals. You are not only a great coach but an amazing new friend that I know I will work with for a long time. Thank you for helping me reach my goals Rob, and thank you for getting me competition ready!”
STEPHANIE
Ana
“Rob has been an absolute game-changer on my transformation journey. His expertise in macros, movement, mindset, and posing is unmatched—and what sets him apart is how approachable he makes the process. Rob leads with heart, creating a safe, supportive community while equipping us with the tools to succeed. It’s clear he genuinely values every person’s journey. If you’re ready to take the next step in yours, you won’t find a better coach!”
HEATHER
“I can't thank Rob enough for the incredible transformation I've experienced under his guidance. His expertise in bodybuilding and fitness training has not only helped me build muscle and strength but also improved my overall health and confidence. Rob encouraged me to reach my personal goals and challenged me, supporting and pushing me through difficult challenges. The nutrition advice he gave me has been invaluable, making it easier to fuel my body effectively. I highly recommend Rob to anyone serious about achieving their fitness goals after bariatric surgery!”
MARYE
Packages
CHOOSE YOUR PLAN
$650 SALE $520
12 weeks
🥉 Starter Shred
Want to know what it takes to compete? Want to dip your toes in before taking the plunge? Or perhaps you want to begin your fitness journey the right way with a bang! Our 3-month Starter Shred package is the way to find out!
- Every client gets our full attention and effort!
- One-on-one onboarding call
- Fully customized training plan
- Bariatric-tailored and fully adaptable nutrition plan, focusing on Foundational Meals and adaptability to hit your goals
- State-of-the-art coaching and diet tracking app
- Weekly check-ins during prep, and bi-weekly as the show nears
- Premium daily access via text, phone, and video
- Education on exercise, diet, mindset, and behavior for long-term success
- BONUS: "Stage to Blank Page" program to continue after the show
$1250 SALE $1000
24 weeks
🥈 Pro Sculpt
Six months to sculpt your body and shed the fat that has held you back for so long! With the goal of stepping on stage and competing, Pro Sculpt is perfect for first-time competitors or anyone already in good shape and ready to level up.
- Every client gets our full attention and effort!
- One-on-one onboarding call
- Fully customized training plan
- Bariatric-tailored and fully adaptable nutrition plan, focusing on Foundational Meals and adaptability to hit your goals
- State-of-the-art coaching and diet tracking app
- Weekly check-ins during prep, and bi-weekly as the show nears
- Premium daily access via text, phone, and video
- Education on exercise, diet, mindset, and behavior for long-term success
- BONUS: 3 weeks of post-show follow-up
- BONUS: "Stage to Blank Page" program to continue after the show
20% off custom pricing
custom
🥇 Elite Comp-Ready
You’ve got big goals, and we’ve got the shoulders to support you! 1 show? 2 shows? 3 shows? Or a total transformation? Let’s chat and build a custom plan with multiple mesocycles designed to achieve your most elite results.
- Every client gets our full attention and effort!
- One-on-one onboarding call
- Fully customized training plan
- Bariatric-tailored and fully adaptable nutrition plan, focusing on Foundational Meals and adaptability to hit your goals
- State-of-the-art coaching and diet tracking app
- Weekly check-ins during prep, and bi-weekly as the show nears
- Premium daily access via text, phone, and video
- Education on exercise, diet, mindset, and behavior for long-term success
- BONUS: 3 weeks of post-show follow-up
- BONUS: "Stage to Blank Page" program to continue after the show
Who is Trans4m ?
Trans4m Bariatric Bodybuilding is the passion project of Rob Rafanan — a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, 2X Radical Body Transformations Winner, UFE Transformation World Champion, Bariatric Peer Mentor (University Health Network – Toronto), bariatric patient, and a survivor of an unhealthy, unhappy, and directionless 400+ lbs life. By age 35, Rob had lost mobility, was taking 15 medications, and was watching life pass him by. Bariatric surgery became the turning point — a second chance at life.
Rob embraced that chance and poured his energy into fitness and movement, shedding the weight that once held him back. As his body transformed, so did his mindset. Rob began competing in Transformation Bodybuilding competitions, celebrating his journey and inspiring others battling obesity.
Today, through Trans4m Bariatric Bodybuilding , Rob is on a mission to support, educate, and empower others in the bariatric community. His goal? To help others develop a positive, sustainable post-surgery lifestyle — just like he did.
WORKING HOURS
Balanced Meals Consumed
Stepped on Stage
Perfect Bodies
Media
Our Journey Through the Spotlight
Recognized & Featured
Podcasts
How to Prepare for a Bodybuilding or Transformation Competition with Bariatric Athlete Rob Rafanan
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about our bodybuilding prep plans, workouts, nutrition, and how we can support your fitness journey post-surgery. Let us guide you every step of the way!
Send us a message through the Contact Us section. We’ll set up your intake call to discuss what your requirements and expectations are and begin your journey “from Surgery to Stage!
Our program is a customized, bariatric-friendly plan to build muscle, lose fat, regain strength, and transform your body after bariatric surgery. Putting into practice real-life experience with implementing body recomposition approaches from the bariatric patient perspective, our program encourages learning sustainable, easy and repeatable habits and applications built upon our G.E.E.K.Pillars, to not only help get you “stage ready”, but also to make sure your bariatric fitness journey continues after you step out of the spotlight.
Most clients notice visible changes within a couple of weeks, however will FEEL the results alot sooner. Through commitment, consistency, proper training, and accountability, you can expect to see noticeable results in less than a month!
Stepping on Stage is a wild, sometimes intimidating, but extremely rewarding and fulfilling challenge that I can’t wait for you to experience! It can feel daunting with so many things to be aware of, but don’t worry, I will guide you step by step through it all! From choosing a show, to working on a long-term plan, to posing, tanning and everything else between, I will walk you through it all so you just need to focus on your diet and training, and can step into “Show Day” feeling relaxed and confident that all the boxes have been checked!
Though packages vary in length and customized strategic approach based on what our goals are, every service package, whether 3, 6, or a custom length package, includes the same high-level and attentive approach to your Trans4mation!
- Every client gets our full attention and effort!
- One-on-one onboarding call
- Fully customized training plan
- Bariatric-tailored and fully adaptable nutrition plan, focusing on Foundational Meals and adaptability in order to hit your goals and to ensure a positive balance during your contest prep experience
- State of the art coaching and diet tracking app, taking client-coaching collaboration to the highest level of convenience, efficiency and accessibility!
- Weekly check-ins for the duration of the prep, and bi-weekly check-ins as the show approaches to allow program adjustments
- Premium daily access via text, phone and video chat! (yes, I said daily!)
- Focus on teaching you exercise, dietary, mindset and behavioural habits and principles that will allow you to come into your show in the best condition possible, but also empower you to continue these practices afterwards to enjoy a fully balanced, active, healthy and self-sufficient lifestyle
- A COMPLIMENTARY additional 3 weeks of follow-up post-show to guide you through the “reverse dieting” process and to coach you through the physical, mental and emotional challenges of coming down from that “Show High”! (6 month minimum package required)
- A COMPLIMENTARY “Stage to Blank Page” training and nutrition program based on the next phase in your fitness journey, so that you are able to continue using what you’ve learned, confident and empowered that you will be able to get continued results!
Yes—designed specifically for post-op clients. Every step is carefully tailored to support your fitness goals while meticulously working around the physical, mental and emotional challenges that often limit post-op weightloss surgery patients.
Yes! While designed for post-bariatric clients, anyone serious about fitness and transformation is welcome to join and benefit from our structured and comprehensive coaching services.
No prior experience is required. We work with all levels, guiding you from the basics and helping you develop the mindset and habits for long-term success. Our state of the art coaching and diet app will include thousands of exercises that we will tailor to match your fitness level, physical considerations and availability to equipment.
Absolutely! Each plan is crafted based on your surgery type, how long post-surgery you are, your goals, fitness level, dietary limitations and lifestyle—ensuring your transformation is safe, effective, and sustainable.
I am passionate about keeping my finger on the pulse of your progress, challenges, and successes. In order to do that, we will officially communicate weekly to bi-weekly for check-ins, and I’m available daily to answer any questions you may have. This provides me with data that will allow us to adjust your programming to ensure that you are constantly progressing. In general, plan to update your diet and training programming every 4–6 weeks, based on progress towards your goals. Regular plan updates help avoid plateaus, keeping your workouts fresh and your body steadily improving.
Contact us
Send us a message and
let’s
together!
