Explore every episode of the podcast The BariNation Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Recurrence Uncovered: Dr. Saniea Majid’s Guide to Chronic Disease Care | EP 265 | 10 Sep 2025 | 01:00:47 | |
Have you experienced weight recurrence after bariatric surgery, or worried about it happening to you? Do you want to understand how to manage your weight loss journey as a chronic disease? Tune in to this enlightening episode of the BariNation podcast to gain clarity! We know how daunting weight recurrence can feel after bariatric surgery, and that’s why we’re thrilled to bring you this powerful episode of the BariNation podcast. Joining us again is Dr. Saniea F. Majid, a dedicated bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist,to discuss weight gain as part of the chronic disease of obesity. Her research-driven insights and compassionate approach to patient empowerment will leave you inspired, equipped with tools to navigate your weight loss journey, and ready to advocate for your metabolic wellness with confidence. Weight recurrence isn’t your fault. Don’t forget! BariNation is proud to be this year's National Sponsor of TREO Foundation's The Walk: Stomp the Stigma. Sign up to join BariNation’s virtual team for the September 27th, 2025, The Walk: Stomp the Stigma, which raises awareness and access to care. There are also 12 in person walks happening and more being organized. To find a walk near you, or set one up visit the TREO Foundation website linked below. IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
RESOURCES:
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Saniea Majid, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist, founded the Weight Loss and Wellness Center in northern New Jersey, leading innovative bariatric surgery programs. She pioneered minimally invasive and endoscopic treatments, including New Jersey’s first adjustable gastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, while establishing MBSAQIP-accredited centers. Committed to obesity care, she expands access to treatments for childhood and adolescent obesity, integrating nutrition and behavioral health. As TREO Foundation president and ASMBS leader, Dr. Majid drives critical research and stigma awareness to advance bariatric community care. Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation. | |||
| Every Step Counts…TREO Foundation’s “The Walk…Stomp The Stigma” with President Dr. Saniea Majid | Ep 264 | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:13:54 | |
Are you ready to stomp the stigma around obesity care and treatment? Walk with us! Don’t miss this BariNation episode that’s all about empowering the bariatric community! BariNation is proud to be this year's National Sponsor of TREO Foundation's The Walk: Stomp the Stigma. Joining us is Dr. Saniea F. Majid, a bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist who’s leading the charge as President of the TREO Foundation. She and April discuss the Virtual Walk on September 27th, 2025 and how to find an In Person Walk near you. At the heart of this event is the TREO Foundation's work around the goal of impacting personal wellness and treatment improvement. People suffering from the disease of obesity face stigma in all aspects of their lives including medical providers. Dr. Majid discusses the importance of patient involvement, the role of the ASMBS conference in advancing critical research, and how the virtual team for the September 27th, 2025, The Walk: Stomp the Stigma, is going to be raising awareness and access to care. There are also 12 in person walks happening and more being organized. To find a walk near you, or set one up visit the TREO Foundation website linked below. Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation. IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
RESOURCES:
GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Saniea Majid, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist, founded the Weight Loss and Wellness Center in northern New Jersey, leading innovative bariatric surgery programs. She pioneered minimally invasive and endoscopic treatments, including New Jersey’s first adjustable gastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, while establishing MBSAQIP-accredited centers. Committed to obesity care, she expands access to treatments for childhood and adolescent obesity, integrating nutrition and behavioral health. As TREO Foundation president and ASMBS leader, Dr. Majid drives critical research and stigma awareness to advance bariatric community care. | |||
| Confronting Shame and Stigma in Obesity Care: Insights from the ASMBS Conference | Ep 255 | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:14:10 | |
Are you ready to confront the shame and stigma surrounding obesity? Want to join a community that empowers your bariatric journey? In this episode, straight from the ASMBS conference in Washington, DC, we unpack the Mason Lecture’s powerful insights on easing shame and stigma in obesity care. We delve into how these barriers hinder treatment, fuel weight regain, and even originate from medical providers, while highlighting how our patient community inspires us to overcome these challenges. Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time donation. IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
RESOURCES: ABOUT: If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty. We need your help to keep the BariNation Podcast in production. Your one-time or recurring donations help us ensure this free support remains open to everyone. Click Drive To Thrive - Donation to learn more and give. THANK YOU for your support! | |||
| 166: Walking Power With Drs. Pesta and McMann | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:58:52 | |
Walking is one of the most accessible types of movement, yet we often hear bariatric patients downplay the amazing role it can play along our journey. “All I did was walk today” is something we often hear spoken in the community, and we are on a mission to flip that script! Waking has tremendous health benefits that span all facets of our overall well-being. It positively impacts brain and cardiovascular health and can help us eliminate the visceral fat that often leads to dangerous medical issues. Walking truly is a powerful form of movement that is simple to incorporate into our day, free to everyone, and easy to enjoy in the company of others! Dr. Pesta and Dr. McMann join us for this amazing conversation about the power of walking and introduce us to the TREO Foundation, an organization on a mission to raise obesity awareness and power medical research that is making positive and profound impacts on patients' lives. Their virtual Walk From Obesity is happening on November 4th, 2023, and BariNation is proud to be hosting a virtual walking team! We are raising funds for this important research and moving together for a great cause! Click HERE to learn more about the TREO Foundation and join the Barination Virtual Walk Team! ____________________________________ If our podcast has helped you along your bariatric journey, help support it by becoming a monthly donor! Your support helps us fuel this labor of love and ensures that it reaches patients when and where they need it the most. Click the link in the show notes on our Spotify homepage and be the future of BariNation! Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 165: Bariatric Grief with Lora Grabow | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:47:25 | |
Grief is an emotion that is triggered by the loss of something. Grief indicates a loss of connection, a severance between us and something or someone. Bariatric patients can experience grief along their journey but not realize it in the moment. We can be filled with feelings of sadness, anger, and resentment and wonder why we are feeling these things, especially when we think we should only be feeling happiness and joy after surgery. Turns out, grief is a normal emotion after surgery and recognizing it is the first step to move through it. In this episode, we sat down with Lora Grabow, an amazing bariatric therapist and expert in the BariNation Support Community to understand grief from our bariatric lens. We wanted to know why it happens, how to recognize it, and what we can do to move through it. We invite you to join Lora in her upcoming Growing Through Grief class on Thursday, October 17th at 4:30pm PST / 7:30 pm EST in our Support Community. Learn in real time from the experts, with the support of your bariatric peers! Visit www.barination.mn.co to become a member and RSVP to the class! Follow Lora on Instagram @bariatric.therapist and visit her online at loragrabow.com Have you experienced grief along your bariatric journey? Was the emotion of grief something you expected to encounter in your post op life? Respond to these questions on our Spotify homepage or keep the conversation going in the Community! ________________________________ If our podcast has helped you along your bariatric journey, help support it by becoming a monthly donor! Your support helps us fuel this labor of love and ensures that it reaches patients when and where they need it the most. Click the link in the show notes on our Spotify homepage and be the future of BariNation! Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co
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| Episode 164: Looking Fallward | 20 Sep 2023 | 01:27:46 | |
The season is changing and we are looking fallward! April, Jason, and Natalie sat down for a reflective conversation about the season ahead and what they are hoping it will hold for them. Jason made a big breakthrough during our conversation that he is hopeful will help him get to back to a place of holistic wellness. And all three shared some things that have been making a positive impact on their bariatric journeys! If you have been struggling with some major changes in your personal life and finding that you are having a hard time being okay, this episode is for you. Goodby summer, hello fall! _________________________________________________________ For 10% off all ProCare Vitamins and supplements, use code BariNation.Join our Patreon to help support the podcast by going to patreon.com/BariNationPodcast. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co | |||
| Episode 163: Modern Self-Care with Stephanie Ristow | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:50:10 | |
Self-care is having a *moment*. But for good reason. Our modern lives can make caring for ourselves seem antiquated. There is a feeling that if every second of our lives is not filled with something useful or progressive towards our goals, it is actually empty. This is simply not true. Self-care is not something we do to brush off feelings of pain, anger, or frustration. They are actions we can take that actually make a positiv impact on our life. So what does modern self-care look like? How does a busy mom of two, entrepreneur of multiple thriving businesses, active wife, aunt, and adult child do to show reguard for her own health? You might be suprised! Listen or watch on to find out! Spoiler alert- hanging out with your friends, specifically your bari friends made the list :) We also had a wonderful conversation about the upcoming fall Bariatric Soceity Retreat in San Antonio, Texas! JOIN US! For more information about this amazing Retreat and to purchase tickets, visit www.bariatricsociety/retreat. Use code BariNation when you check out for $20 off your ticket! Follow Stephanie on Instagram at @one_hungry_mother and on her business page, Bariatric Society, at @bariatricsoceity. _________________________________________________________ For 10% off all ProCare Vitamins and supplements, use code BariNation. And if your purchase a vitamin subscription, you can get access to a 4-week trial and a discounted monthly rate!Join our Patreon to help support the podcast by going to patreon.com/BariNationPodcast. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co
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| Episode 162: Taking a Leap of Faith with Chef Ked | 16 Aug 2023 | 00:58:00 | |
How do we know it is time to take that leap of faith and pursue something that is more aligned to our purpose and mission in life? After bariatric surgery, many patients find themselves wanting something more, something bigger. They realize they have been holding back from pursuing their dreams and are no longer satisfied waiting on the sidelines of their own life. Big decisions require some meaningful conversation and our friend and fellow bariatric patient, Kedric Barrent sat down with BariNation to explain exactly how he did it! Follow Kedric on Instagram @keduncut and let him know how his story inspires you to take your own leap of faith! _________________________________________________________ For 10% off all ProCare Vitamins and supplements, use code BariNation.Join our Patreon to help support the podcast by going to patreon.com/BariNationPodcast. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co
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| Episode 161: Committing to Our Bariatric Life with Herb Lentz | 01 Aug 2023 | 01:06:02 | |
This week we chatted with BariNation community member, bariatric patient, and dear friend Herb, to chat through how he is choosing himself and his bariatric journey, even when life gets hard. Herb has always shown us what it means to love and be true to ourselves and our hearts, and he shares some of his gems of wisdom with us and you, our listeners! You can follow Herb on Instagram @herbiatric and connect with him in the BariNation community. _________________________________________________________ For 10% off all ProCare Vitamins and supplements, use code BariNation.Join our Patreon to help support the podcast by going to patreon.com/BariNationPodcast. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co
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| 160: Summer Check-In: How We’re Showing Ourselves Love | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:50:13 | |
This week, we (April, Jason, and Natalie) sat down with each other for a much needed check-in. Having time to have raw and real conversations has been rare these days, so when we had the time we made it happen. Life hasn’t slowed down, in fact it’s only ramped up, this summer and we needed some time to break down the walls and give each other an update. As we spoke, we realized that self-love really isn’t the flashy, toxic positivity we all tend to see online. Instead, it looks like: allowing ourselves to feel our feelings, sticking to our bariatric basics while life feels chaotic, and practicing being present in our day to day lives. As you listen to this episode, we want to know: How are you practicing self-love this summer? Feel free to let us know on Instagram, Threads, and in the BariNation membership community! ______________________________________________ Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co
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| BONUS EPISODE: LGBTQIA+ And Bariatric Journeys | 30 Jun 2023 | 00:54:00 | |
Natalie sat down with four BariNation members (Casey, Cyndi, Herb, and Jack) who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ Community to talk about how their bariatric lives and journeys to accepting their sexuality are similar. From realizing that there isn’t one point you come out as LGBTQIA+, to having difficult conversations in order to honor your true self. This conversation is deeply uplifting and sheds a light on this subsect of our bariatric community. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co
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| Episode 158: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:32:27 | |
We are exceptionally proud to announce the groundbreaking collaboration between BariNation, a renowned provider of educational resources and support, and the esteemed Kentucky Bariatric Institute to revolutionize the field of bariatric medicine. With a shared commitment to transformative change, BariNation and Kentucky Bariatric Institute are poised to make a lasting impact on bariatric lives across the nation and beyond. April, Jason, and Natalie found the aftercare their surgeons provided inadequate. When their search came up dry, they sought out to create exactly what they needed: a safe and educational online community platform where they could continue their journey to metabolic wellness alongside their bariatric peers. Our visionary approach to education and support finds a perfect match in the distinguished Kentucky Bariatric Institute. By combining the power of a digital learning community and the extensive resources with Doctor Eric Smith's exceptional patient care and surgical excellence, this combination will create an all-encompassing experience that truly puts patients at the center of their care plan. We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking collaboration; the future shines bright for individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle. BariNation and Kentucky Bariatric Institute are poised to inspire transformative change, paving the way for a healthier, happier future. ________________________________________________ Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Join today for a 14 day trial, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Would you like to help support the BariNation podcast? Maybe you’re looking for more support but not quite ready to join the membership community. Join our Patreon for additional content, community, and support along your bariatric journey. Click this link to join now (https://patreon.com/BariNationPodcast?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link)
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| 157: Eating with the Seasons, with Kayla Girgen, RD | 21 Jun 2023 | 00:41:29 | |
Jason and Natalie sat down with Kayla Girgen, RD - one of our incredible dietitian experts in the membership community - to discuss how our eating can change with the seasons, both on the calendar and within our bariatric life. They delved into how important it is to check-in with yourself every so often, to not give up when something doesn’t sit well, and how to really make sure you are eating a well rounded plate. You can follow Kayla on Instagram at @kaylagirgenrd, and you can take one of her incredible classes in the BariNation community! ________________________________________________ Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Join today for a 14 day trial, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Would you like to help support the BariNation podcast? Maybe you’re looking for more support but not quite ready to join the membership community. Join our Patreon for additional content, community, and support along your bariatric journey. Click this link to join now (https://patreon.com/BariNationPodcast?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link) Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| No One Left Behind: New ASMBS President Dr. Richard Peterson’s Mission For the Future Of Obesity Care & Treatment | Ep 254 | 25 Jun 2025 | 01:06:12 | |
Are we doing enough to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against obesity? What if bariatric surgery is not just about weight loss, but about treating a chronic, misunderstood disease? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard Peterson, the newly elected president of the ASMBS, to talk about his mission to No One Left Behind. From his military roots to his passionate advocacy, Dr. Peterson delves deeply into why obesity is considered a disease, how bariatric surgery is a critical form of medical care rather than a cosmetic procedure, and what must change to ensure equitable access, education, and support for all. Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
RESOURCES:
OTHER RESOURCES: GUEST RESOURCES: BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Peterson serves as the Chief of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery for UT Health San Antonio and is the medical director of the Christus Weight Loss Institute at Westover Hills. Dr. Peterson is highly active in both clinical and academic aspects of bariatric surgery. He is the current president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS), a past president of the Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery (TABS) and has chaired several committees for the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), including the Public Education Committee and the Communications Committee. He moderates and runs the largest online bariatric journal club on Facebook and serves as the Social Media Editor for Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases (SOARD), the official journal of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). ABOUT: If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty. We need your help to keep the BariNation Podcast in production. Your one-time or recurring donations help us ensure this free support remains open to everyone. Click Drive To Thrive - Donation to learn more and give. THANK YOU for your support! | |||
| 156: The Importance of Vitamins with Dr. Edmund Chen, MD | 07 Jun 2023 | 00:35:52 | |
This week, Jason sat down with our friend and bariatric surgeon Dr. Edmund Chen to talk about how important it is for bariatric patients to take their vitamins pre and post surgery. We know that bariatric life can be extremely daunting, and we have a lot of daily goals and tasks we need to meet. Vitamins should always be our top priority for life-long health and wellness! No matter your age or stage, you never outgrow your need for vitamins! ______________________________________ Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Join today for a 14 day trial, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Would you like to help support the BariNation podcast? Maybe you’re looking for more support but not quite ready to join the membership community. Join our Patreon for additional content, community, and support along your bariatric journey. Click this link to join now (https://patreon.com/BariNationPodcast?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link) Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| Episode 155: Yoga as a Mindset Tool with Jody Bonansinga, RYT 200 | 17 May 2023 | 00:56:37 | |
This week, BariNation spoke with Jody, a bariatric patient and yogi, all about how utilizing yoga practices has not only become her professional passion, but an incredible tool for navigating life after surgery. From complications to life-changing revelations, Jody tells us how she uses yoga and it’s mindset to spring her forward through all that life has thrown at her. You can find Jody on instagram @jodybyoga for more information on her and her practice. She is also hosting a yoga retreat in the beautiful Costa Rica next spring! Follow her for more info. ______________________________________ Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| Episode 154: Utilizing our Tools with Dr. Eric Smith | 03 May 2023 | 01:11:07 | |
In this week’s episode, we sat down with dear friend and bariatric surgeon, Doctor Eric Smith, to discuss how we can fully utilize our bariatric tools so that we can live our best lives after surgery and beyond. The conversation took an incredible turn, as always, as we not only acknowledged medical weight loss and being diligent about follow up with our programs, but acknowledging our intentions behind our bariatric journey. Are we setting ourselves up for failure by expecting this to be easy, all while combating the naysayers for saying the exact same thing? This was one of our most favorite conversations, and one you definitely do not want to miss! You can follow Dr. Smith on socials @doctorericsmith_ and you can find his practice at https://kentuckybariatricinstitute.com/. __________________________________________________ Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| Episode 153: Springing Forward Check-in with April, Jason and Nat | 26 Apr 2023 | 01:04:26 | |
April, Jason and Natalie sat down to check in with each other and to reflect on the amazing strides that BariNation has seen in the last few years. Spring brings forth change, and change can be scary and daunting if we aren’t looking at it from the perspective of evolving, not just changing for the sake of change. April, Jason and Natalie all had incredible revelations in the last few months. BariNation is growing and evolving, and the three founders are needing to release some control and learn how to move through the grief that comes with this type of change. How are they able to handle so much change? Through peer support, attending expert lead support groups, and reflecting back on how far they have come. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days free, then it’s just $39 a month! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| Episode 152: Tackling Emotional Eating with Lora Grabow, LMSW | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:52:44 | |
In this episode, Jason and Natalie sat down with Lora Grabow, LMSW; bariatric therapist and BariNation mindset expert to decode, define, and talk through the mountain that is emotional eating. Emotional eating affects everyone, bariatric and non-bariatric, and doing the headwork and work of weight loss surgery is vital to our success before and after surgery, as well as our life beyond. Follow Lora on Instagram @bariatric.therapist and check out her online course “Headwork for Healthy Weightloss” online at www.loragrabow.com. Lora also leads four support groups a week in the BariNation membership community built around emotional eating support as well as support in navigating life pre and post surgery. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days! After that it’s just $39 a month. Find us at https://barination.mn.co
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| Episode 151: Utilizing Peer Support Along our Bariatric Journey | 12 Apr 2023 | 01:41:36 | |
In this episode, we welcomed back dear friend, therapist, and bariatric patient Sarah Smith for a conversation about peer support. We defined what peer support is, what we gain from peer support, and how peer support has added to our lives. We learned that peer support is based on its own pillars: experience, strength and hope. When we seek those who have the shared experiences, such as bariatric surgery or weight loss medications, we find strength in seeing how they live their journeys, and find hope in what is to come. Studies have shown that those who engage in peer support are more successful in their recovery and post-op life! You can find Sarah on instagram @bari.grateful, and within BariNation as one of our mental health experts. Sarah leads a weekly support group for those struggling with transfer addiction after surgery. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 150: Moving Through WLS Complications with Melanie Lindell, Therapist | 05 Apr 2023 | 01:22:38 | |
Most bariatric patients will not experience any complications after their surgery but 1% will. Complications can happen at any stage of your journey, even years or decades after. Complications present patients with a landscape they never envisioned living in and require a great deal of strength, support, and care to navigate through. Melanie Lindell, a bariatric patient and trauma therapist, has lived through and is currently living through her own WLS complications. She joined us to talk about how patients can navigate these uncharted waters in healthy and effective ways. If you have not experienced WLS complications but are living in a heightened state of stress, anxiety, or worry, this episode is for you, too. April has been struggling to find balance in her life, and in this episode, Melanie and Jason help her unpack some of the reasons. Learning to let go of our fight-or-flight responses is something we can all work on, and Melanie expertly guides us through that process. Melanie will host a bi-weekly Complications Support Group in BariNation starting on Monday, April 10th. If you are navigating WLS complications alone, join us. Here you will find a safe and supportive environment to share your story, contain your emotions, and learn to navigate this period of your journey with love and support. Connect with Melanie in the BariNation Membership Community on Instagram at @myroux_n_why and online at https://lindellcounseling.com/ Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| Episode 149: What We Wish We Knew: The Commitment | 30 Mar 2023 | 01:01:57 | |
Jason sat down with three of our BariNation members, DeAnn, Meagan, and Herb, to talk about what it truly means to commit to their bariatric lives. From coming to the brutal reality that bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix, to accepting and loving yourself fully, they talk about it all. We are so grateful for each of these patients and friends, for being vulnerable and sharing all parts of their journey. Be sure to follow their journeys on Instagram!DeAnn: @d_Ann_PNWMeagan: @sleevedlifeofmegsHerb: @herbariatric Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| Episode 148: What We Wish We Knew: Life in Maintenance with Elle | 24 Mar 2023 | 00:59:34 | |
Trigger Warning: Discussions about disordered eating. Sometimes the universe aligns and turns lemons into lemonade. April was able to sit down with Elle, BariNation community member and bariatric patient for an incredibly impactful conversation about Life in Matinaiance. Elle was on a mission to finally conquer her obesity but discovered something even greater in the process, her truest self. In this episode, she will share how she has flipped her understanding of what it means to be living a life in maintenance and is embracing her strongest skills to craft a life that is whole. We are so thankful that Elle is willing to share her powerful story with us. Follow her on Instagram @schony_wlsedition Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co
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| Episode 147: What We Wish We Knew: Life in Maintenance | 22 Mar 2023 | 01:24:56 | |
This week, April sat down with three amazing community members who are in the Life in Maintenance stage, Casey, Laura, and Fiona. In this powerful episode, each person shared what Maintenance has meant to them, how different it has ended up appearing in their lives, and how they are living to adjust to all that life is throwing their way. They each will share some powerful insights and the real and raw aspects of their journeys. While each person’s path to Maintenance has looked very different, the bigger aha moments are remarkably similar. We are so thankful for the bravery each woman has shown in sharing their story. Follow them on Instagram if you want to connect with them! Casey can be found at @caseysjourneytohealth, Laura can be found at @lauraleepreston and Fiona can be found @neversayneverfiona Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co
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| ASMBS Preview: Navigating the Path to Revisional Surgery Through Lifting Shame & Stigma | Ep 253 | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:15:50 | |
Have you ever wondered what happens when bariatric surgery doesn’t go as planned—or when life throws new challenges your way after weight loss? In this episode, April, Natalie, and Jason openly discuss the realities of obesity, the emotional toll of weight recurrence, and the hope that revisional surgery can bring. Together, they explore how bariatric surgery is not a one-and-done solution, but rather a lifelong medical tool in the treatment of obesity. If you or someone you know is facing the possibility of revisional surgery, this empowering conversation will remind you that you are not alone—and that obesity is a disease, not a personal failure. Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one time donation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
RESOURCES:
ABOUT: If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty. We need your help to keep the BariNation Podcast in production. Your one-time or recurring donations help us ensure this free support remains open to everyone. Click Drive To Thrive - Donation to learn more and give. THANK YOU for your support! | |||
| Episode 146: What We Wish We Knew: The Honeymoon | 15 Mar 2023 | 00:44:54 | |
This week, Natalie sat down with Alycia, James, and Lori to discuss what life is like at what we call “The Honeymoon.” This stage can be during the first year or two after surgery, when things seem easier, weight comes off, restriction is still strong, and the zest for bariatric life is there. However, the three of them explained that the honeymoon doesn’t always mean it’s easy all the time! They chat about mindset work, ordering at restaurants, and the struggles when restriction lessens. Alycia is a lover of bright colors and eyeglass frames, 41 year old mom of 2 toddlers and a bonus Army of 1. Always the tallest and largest in her class, Alycia always knew she was meant to stand out. After her second delivery, Alycia had reached her highest weight and wasn’t able to do a lot of day to day things without physical and physiological struggles. Fast forward to 12/15/21, dubbed her other (re)birthday, Alycia had RNY and hasn’t looked back. She founded F.A.B. Fitness May ‘22 and hopes to make a positive impact in the Bariatric community and beyond. You can visit her website at Www.fabfitnessllc.com. James is a mid-thirties bariatric dad that decided to change his life after learning he'd become a girl-dad. James works every day to stay committed to the bariatric lifestyle with a little humor, lots of sweat, and a nice cigar. Lori had RNY at age 60 and at 14 months post-op she is loving the life she is making for herself. Lori goes to CrossFit three times a week and walks or goes to Zumba twice a week. At almost 100lbs down Lori is looking at living her best story yet! Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| Episode 145: What We Wish We Knew: Pre-Op | 08 Mar 2023 | 00:44:08 | |
This week Natalie sat down with three pre-op patients and BariNation community members Ashley, Helina, and Lisa. They chatted about all things pre-op, including what they wish they knew before taking the leap into the bariatric journey. From not realizing how tedious the process could be, to learning that mindset work is a vital component to success. Ashley is a wife, mom of two (2yrs and 5yrs), and school psychologist in NY. Her VSG is scheduled for 4/5/23. She enjoys watching documentaries (including too much true crime), watching reality tv, and learning about/trying new things. Ashley’s hoping VSG helps fight the fatigue that holds her back from doing things she wants to do. She’s looking forward to spending this summer working on and caring for herself and being active with her kids and husband. Helina struggled with her weight for as long as she can remember and tried just about every diet out there. Over a year ago she started researching WLS, got referred to OHSU in February 2022, went through personal hardships, was waitlisted for the program at OHSU, but was finally able to start her pre-op journey on 07/12/22. She’s struggled with a food addiction for a long time and has found food as a comfort. But with going back to therapy and mindset work she knows she can do the hard things. She also knows and believes she’s worthy and deserving of choosing herself and her health. Lisa has been working through a lot of mindset work to prepare for her journey. She has been involved in the BariNation community, and is looking forward to the rest of her life. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| Episode 144: Pre-Op Love (What We Wish We Knew) | 01 Mar 2023 | 01:16:06 | |
This month on BariNation, we are focusing on pre-op love! Our pre-surgery selves play a vital role in our lives. They fought for surgery, they battled food addiction, and they shaped the life we are living today. April, Jason, and Natalie reflected on what they wish they knew prior to committing to surgery. From realizing they had a food addiction, to “damn, I wish I knew headwork was a thing!” they get deep into their “Why” of having surgery in the first place. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 142: The Power of Resistance Movement | 14 Feb 2023 | 01:02:54 | |
Jason and Natalie sat down with Kylie Hansen, a bariatric patient, and Certified Personal Trainer, to talk about what resistance movement is, why it is so important for us as bariatric patients to focus on, and what that could look like at different stages post-op. Kylie also explained how resistance movement was key to her success as a bariatric patient, and how she turned that into her passion for helping others learn to love moving their bodies. Jason and Natalie made some key connections as to how they utilize resistance movement along their journeys, and how it has helped them progress. You can follow ch Kylie on Instagram at @kyliehansen.vsg Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 141: Weight Loss Medications | 08 Feb 2023 | 00:54:31 | |
Obesity is a chronic, lifelong disease with no known cure. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for the disease and has the highest and longest treatment efficacy rates. But new medications have been developed that support the treatment of the disease in multiple ways. These new GLP-1 medications work in multiple ways in our bodies and are proving to be a powerful adjunct or secondary treatment for the disease. Many post-op patients are onboarding these medications to help them lose their regained weight or reach a weight that allows them to be metabolically well. Bariatric surgeon, Dr. Matthew Weiner, and Clair Paulye, PA-C, joined us to talk about how these medications work and why they are such a powerful treatment option for anyone struggling to manage their disease of obesity. Follow Dr. Weiner on Instagram @drmatthewweiner and visit him online at www.poundofcureweightloss.com. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 143: Self-Love is Treatment with Chris Baker | 01 Feb 2023 | 01:15:11 | |
Jason and Natalie sat down with Chris Baker, a bariatric patient, philanthropist, father and husband. Chris is the founder and Executive Director of The Other Ones Foundation, a nonprofit on a mission to transition Austin's unhoused neighbors into an engaged community through shelter, opportunity, and support. He started The Other Ones Foundation in the summer of 2017 to bring his innovative ideas for addressing homelessness to life via a client-centered, people-first approach. They talked about the male perspective on body positivity and how society's norms can hinder men from experiencing that toward themselves, as well as how community and love are really what make this bariatric experience successful. Showing up for ourselves, for others, and the community can help propel us forward in the most unconventional ways. Chris took us through his journey to self love, as well as how he loves others through his work. You can follow Chris and his organization at @toofound on Instagram or online at toofound.org You can follow Chris on his personal Instagram @it_aint_christopher Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 140: Surgery Won't Be Enough with Dr. Eric Smith, DO | 31 Jan 2023 | 01:19:32 | |
Bariatric surgery will not be the only thing that helps us find and maintain our happy, healthy weight. As patients, many of us believe that surgery will be the one thing, the only thing that will get us to a low and sustainable weight. Sure, we know there will be challenges and changes ahead, but surgery will be “the ticket” out of obesity and into our goal pants. We are here to tell you this is categorically false. Surgery will be the primary treatment you will onboard to treat your disease of obesity, but to find and maintain a happy, healthy weight; you will need many other secondary or adjunct treatments along your journey. Obesity is a chronic and lifelong disease that has no known cure. The disease will present in new and challenging ways throughout our lives, even when your most visable symptom (excess weight) has disappeared. Dr. Eric Smith, the director of the Kentucky Bariatric Institute, joins the BariNation crew for this powerful discussion that will empower you with the education you need to embrace your bariatric life. Dr. Smith is an advocate for patients and their lifelong care and believes in the power of community. Follow Dr. Smith on Instagram @doctorericsmith_ and visit him online at https://kentuckybariatricinstitute.com/ Are you feeling alone or stuck along your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! Members can join virtual support led by bariatric therapists, classes taught by registered dietitians, wellness coaches, and movement experts, and meetups hosted by patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Find April @actively_april, find Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and find Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 139: January 2023 Goals Check-In | 25 Jan 2023 | 01:03:17 | |
It’s one thing to have a goal; it is another thing to achieve it. April, Jason, and Natalie are on a mission to achieve some big thing this year, and they sat down to review how it has all been going. They shared what has been working well for them and what has stopped them in their tracks. Join the BariNation crew for an insightful conversation about growth, change, and decision making. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 138: Why We Make “Bad” Decisions with Melanie Lindell | 18 Jan 2023 | 01:21:48 | |
Why do we make “bad” decisions? Why is it so hard sometimes to make decisions aligned to our goals? Why is it easier on some days and harder on others? Well…humans, on average, make 35,000 unique decisions every day, and at least 227 of them are food-related. That’s A LOT of thinking. No wonder we reach a decision-making breaking point and rely on our automatic choices! To reach our goals, we have to become the person who thinks and does things aligned with that goal. We need to make decisions about what we do and think, and these decisions will either move us toward our goals or away from them. When it comes down to it, goal achievement is about decision-making, not necessarily about taking action. We sat with BariNation expert and friend Melanie Lindell to understand why we make decisions that are not aligned with our goals and onboard new tools to help us fight decision fatigue and make more aligned choices. Follow Melanie Lindell on Instagram @myroux_n_why or join BariNation to interact with her in upcoming support groups! Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 137: Why Our New Year's Resolutions Fail | 11 Jan 2023 | 01:22:13 | |
Why do we give up on our goals? How can we be so motivated one day and the next day, completely abandon them? 92% of New Year's resolutions go unmet, and we wanted to know what we can do to keep our heads in the game. We sat down with Rodolfo to better understand the mindsets behind giving up on our goals and learn new insights and tools to help us stay committed, even on the hard days. Follow Rodolfo Alvarez on Instagram @rodolfoalvarezx or join BariNation to interact with him in our Being Me Cohort! Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| ASMBS President Dr. Rogers on Shifting the Obesity Conversation from Shame to Biology & Treatment | Ep 252 | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:39:43 | |
What if bariatric patients could shift the narrative around obesity from shame and blame to biology and treatment? Today, Dr. Ann Rogers, the current president of the ASMBS, joins us again to help us break down the stigma of obesity, challenge outdated measures like BMI, and openly discuss the truth: obesity is a disease, not a personal failure. This episode is your call to action—start the process, seek support, and share your story to empower others on their journey. Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month!
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
RESOURCES:
OTHER RESOURCES: GUEST RESOURCES: Ep. 250 - Individualized & Innovative Approaches to Diagnosing and Treating Obesity The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission Report BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Rogers is the Director of the Penn State Health Surgical Weight Loss Programs. She is currently serving as the President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), with her term concluding in June 2025 at the National ASMBS Conference in Washington, D.C. ASMBS MISSION: To enhance the well-being of individuals affected by obesity and associated illnesses through the progression of metabolic and bariatric surgical techniques and other medical interventions. ABOUT: If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty. We need your help to keep the BariNation Podcast in production. Your one-time or recurring donations help us ensure this free support remains open to everyone. Click Drive To Thrive - Donation to learn more and give. THANK YOU for your support! | |||
| 136: The Imposter Syndrome and The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy | 04 Jan 2023 | 01:39:28 | |
Did you know that only 8% of people fulfill their “new year's resolutions”? Setting our goals and intentions in the new year fills us with hope and can add a little fuel to our motivation and willpower tanks. But these feelings can be quickly replaced by guilt, shame, and defeat. Why does this happen, and what can we do to keep working toward our goals when hope fades? Our friend Melanie Lindell, therapist and bariatric patient, joins us to share two of the mechanisms that contribute to our goal achievement struggles and shares ideas on how to move past the Imposer Syndrome and the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy to help us reach our goals! Follow Melanie on Instagram @myroux_n_why or join BariNation to interact with her from her patient and expert perspectives! Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 134: Looking Back on 2022, Looking Ahead to 2023 | 28 Dec 2022 | 01:24:18 | |
What a year 2022 has been! At times, it was the year that would never end. And in other times, the year went by in a flash. This year was filled with travel, tragedy, and triumphs, and through all those things, we connected, learned, and grew. In this episode, Jason, April, and Natalie reflect on the year that has been and share our biggest takeaways. We then look forward to 2023 and share who we want to be, why we want to become that person, and how we think we can become that person. We hope this episode allows you to reflect on your year and identify who you want to be int he new year, too! Cheers to 2022, friends! Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 134: Holiday Help | 21 Dec 2022 | 00:56:53 | |
**Trigger warning: Trauma is mentioned in this episode. We do not share specific traumas we have experienced, but we do discuss it in very broad and general terms. The holidays can be a real mixed bag of emotions. Some years, the holiday “spirit” is readily available, you are inspired to give back, you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, and the season fills you with joy. In other years, you never want to hear a holiday song and the tree can stay int he forest. This season can be “heavy” for a few reasons, we could be fighting against traditions that no longer serve us, we could be thinking about traumatic experiences from seasons past, and we could be grieving the loss of people, places, and things. In this episode, April, Jason, and Natalie deep dive into these topics and share how they have impacted their holidays. By sharing our experiences, we can find meaningful ways to move through these experiences and lower the temperature throughout our holiday. Are you feeling alone or isolated on your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 133: Connected Relationships and Bariatric Surgery | 08 Dec 2022 | 01:37:29 | |
Bariatric surgery only works on our physical body. Most of our actual work as patients must be done in our emotional world; it lives in the work we have to do with the people we love the most. But how do we foster these relationships as our relationship with ourselves changes rapidly before and after surgery? How do we invite them to join us on our journey if we don't even know where our journey is taking us? We sat down with Devon Colvin, a Licensed Professional Counselor, to talk about what it means to have a connected relationship with our spouses, partners, friends, and family and how we can work to stay connected throughout our bariatric journey. Follow Derek on Instagram and TikTok @thegiantherapist and check out the app he recommended at https://www.gottman.com/couples/apps/ Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 132: Mind Your Plate | 01 Dec 2022 | 00:39:39 | |
Have you had an experience where someone else was more concerned about your plate of food, what you were eating, or what you weighed than you were in the moment? Jason recently had an experience with his family over Thanksgiving that solidified his commitment to his bariatric lie. At the moment, he could have responded with anger and frustration. But he chose a different path, chose a different mindset, and chose a different reaction. And in doing so, he chose a different future for himself. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 131: A Bari Happy Thanksgiving! | 23 Nov 2022 | 00:50:03 | |
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that could go either way. Either we are excited to reconnect with family and friends, or we are worried about encounters with said family and friends. And how do bariatric patients navigate a holiday that is centered around eating? April, Jason, and Natalie each took some time to reflect on how they celebrated Thanksgiving in the past and how it has shifted after bariatric surgery. In this episode, you will hear from each of them as they share from the heart in a new way. This episode is not just about surviving but thriving during difficult situations. We hope this episode leaves you inspired with new tools to try and a hopeful feeling for your celebrations ahead. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 130: Community, Connection, and Celebration | 16 Nov 2022 | 00:54:51 | |
Community, connection, and celebration are the rewards we earn for doing the work of weight loss surgery. Obesity is a chronic and lifelong disease with no cure, but we can learn to manage it and maintain a weight that keeps metabolic disease at bay. The work, in many, is endless. But the rewards are priceless. We talked with some of our beloved BariNation Community Members about how community, connection, and celebration have impacted their journey before and after surgery. Their insights will leave you inspired, uplifted, and recommitted to your journey and our amazing shared community. Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 129: When Surgery Is Not Enough with Timisha Malone, LMSW | 09 Nov 2022 | 00:57:08 | |
We believe, or are led to believe, that surgery would be the only thing we would need to find success after surgery. Our stomachs will be altered, and we will eat less. Poof, the weight will magically disappear, never to return. What happens when we discover that surgery is not enough? How do we deal with the shattering news that to lose and maintain a new low weight, we need many different kinds of adjunct treatments? What do we do when the work of weight loss surgery feels too big, too much, and overwhelming? We sat down with our friend and BariNation Expert Timisha Malone to talk about movement, but the conversation went much further than that. Timisha helped us understand why this “news” can be so devistanting and gave us tools to help us find our way through it all! Follow Timisha on Instagram at @time_for_a_change_rny or join her in one of her many BariNation therapist-led support groups in our Membership Community! Are you feeling alone or stuck in your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 128: BariNation Turns ONE! It's All About Community, Connection, and Celebration | 02 Nov 2022 | 01:07:35 | |
Birthdays are a big deal. They signify growth, change, and the passage of time. It is hard to believe that one year ago, on November 4th, East2West_WLS became BariNation. The shift was needed and necessary. We were ready to acknowledge a shift in our community and live out our values more meaningfully. We believe that when we unite as a nation of bariatric patients, we can create the support and community we need to find lasting success. This year has been filled with so many firsts; new connections and friendships, new opportunities, new learning curves, and a lot of GROWTH! In this episode, April, Jason, and Natalie reflect on the year that has been, talk about what we have learned, and share a vision for our bright, BariNation future! If you are looking for extra support along your bariatric journey from experts, clinicians, and patients just like you, join the BariNation membership community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 127: Commitment and Consistency with Dalton and Rob | 26 Oct 2022 | 01:17:15 | |
We all have some *feelings* about movement. For many of us, movement was (or is) a punishment for eating decisions that were not aligned with our goals. We were determined to work off that bad decision one grueling mile or rep after another and rarely saw any lasting results. To find long-term success before and after bariatric surgery, movement must become a part of our lives. So how do we shift from a place of resistance and dread to a place of joy and celebration? In this episode, our friends and fellow patients Dalton and Rob share with us how they have embraced movement as a part of their identities and how their stumbles and “failures” led them to a newfound commitment to themselves and consistent routines centered around movement. Follow Dalton @msslwht and Rob @my_weight_is_history on Instagram for some movement inspiration and motivation! If you are looking for extra layers of support along your bariatric journey from experts, clinicians, and patients just like you, join the BariNation membership community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @activley_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| Body Composition Measurement Role in Treatment For Obesity Care With Dr. Nina Crowley | Ep 251 | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:20:43 | |
Are you still relying on the scale to measure your health? Have you ever wondered what your body is made of? Today, we’re exploring a topic that’s revolutionizing the way we approach weight loss, fitness, and long-term health: body composition. What is it? Why does it matter? And where do we even begin? Dr. Nina Crowley, a clinical expert in bariatric care and weight management, discusses what body composition reveals, beyond just the pounds on a scale. She explains how bioimpedance technology works, why BMI isn't the whole story, and how understanding your muscle mass and fat mass can completely change your approach to health. Whether you’re newly post-op, years into your journey, or just getting curious about what’s under the surface, this conversation is for you. IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
RESOURCES:
OTHER RESOURCES: GUEST RESOURCES: Beyond BMI: Understanding Body Composition & Obesity YouTube Video https://secambca.com/ask-your-provider-to-offer-body-composition-analysis/ https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/all-about-body-composition/ BIOGRAPHY: Nina Crowley, PhD, RD, is a nationally recognized expert in obesity care and a longtime advocate for patient-centered communication and access to treatment. She began her career as a bariatric dietitian and led the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program at the Medical University of South Carolina. Nina now serves as Director of Clinical Education and Partnerships at seca. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Obesity Action Coalition, advancing education, advocacy, and the use of body composition to support individualized care beyond the scale. ABOUT: If the BariNation podcast helps power your bariatric journey, become a monthly podcast supporter and help us produce the show! Visit www.barinationpodcast.com and help us support people treating the disease of obesity with humor, humility, and honesty. We need your help to keep the BariNation Podcast in production. Your one-time or recurring donations help us ensure this free support remains open to everyone. Click Drive To Thrive - Donation to learn more and give. THANK YOU for your support! | |||
| 126: Our Movement Stories | 19 Oct 2022 | 01:07:39 | |
There are three pillars of bariatric success after bariatric surgery. If surgery is the foundation of our journey, the pillars are what support everything that is built on that solid base and movement is one of those pillars. While a majority of our weight will be lost through dilligetnation attention to nutrition, movement ensures we live long, healthy lives. Before surgery, movement was a form of punishment, a way to absolve our eating or drinking sins and pay for the wrongs we committed along the way. After surgery, movement is a celebration of what your bodies can do, but it does not mean we move in the ways we should. In this episode, Jason, April and Natalie share their personal movement stories and discuss the role movement has played in their lives post-op. And to no ones surprise, a conversation about movement quickly took a deep dive into our self-worth, our shifting mindsets, and our long-term goals. If you are looking for extra layers of support along your bariatric journey from experts, clinicians, and patients just like you, join the BariNation membership community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @activley_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 125: Taking a Chance on You with Tabitha Johnson, Therapist | 12 Oct 2022 | 00:43:34 | |
Jason and Natalie sat down with Tabitha Johnson to talk about her journey with movement. Tabitha explained that her relationship with movement didn’t begin until the last year. For her, the opportunity presented itself, and she took it by the reigns, made it happen, and now feels empowered to continue building her strength. They discussed her journey to Summer Shredding and how her movement has improved her relationship with her family. Tabitha’s piece of advice? “Just try something. It doesn’t have to be in the gym or to get to a fitness competition.” Follow Tabitha on Instagram @therealbariboss and join her Healthy Habits Support Group in the BariNation Membership Community, where she is a Mindset Expert! If you are looking for extra layers of support along your bariatric journey from experts, clinicians, and patients just like you, join the BariNation membership community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @activley_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||
| 124: Finding Freedom, Joy, and Peace Through Movement with Leanne | 05 Oct 2022 | 01:23:47 | |
Leanne said something so powerful in our conversation with her. She said she used to be a quitter, and that statement stopped us in our tracks. We can all identify with that statement. We have quit ourselves on diets, mindsets, or hopes and dreams. Life after bariatric surgery is about living it differently than ever before, and Leanne found a way to stop quitting on herself and her dreams. In this amazing conversation, Leanne shared how she found freedom, joy, and peace in our life through movement. She shares with us some strategies we can all use to welcome movement into our life and discover just how committed we can be to our new life, our new mindset, and our new future after bariatric surgery. Follow Leanne on Instagram @leanne_latley and join one of her movement classes in the BariNation Membership Community, where she has joined us as a Movement Expert! If you are looking for extra layers of support along your bariatric journey from experts, clinicians, and patients just like you, join the BariNation membership community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @activley_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers | |||