Have you ever found yourself shrinking—physically or emotionally—just to make others feel more comfortable? We’ve been there. But what if you permitted yourself to take up space, to share, to grow, and to heal? That’s precisely what BariNation is about: creating space for every part of your journey, with people who get it.

Today, Natalie speaks with two amazing BariNation community members, Herb and Christine, a host and regular attendee of The Beginner Bariatrics group. They’ve not only walked the walk, but they’ve also made it their mission to help others feel safe and seen along the way. We discuss the emotional weight of obesity, the power of community, and the unexpected mindset shifts that can change everything. Christine shares how attending Bariatric Beginning meetups in the BariNation Community helped her understand that the disease of obesity is not a moral failing and needs to be a lifelong commitment to wellness. If you’ve ever felt alone or unsure about where you belong in this process, this episode is for you.

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:

• (00:00) Opening
• (04:27) Christine reveals her emotional "why" for weight loss surgery 
• (09:23) A support group is a simple but powerful way to stay engaged in the bariatric lifestyle
• (13:25) Herb’s meetups are welcoming, warm, and a place where anyone can take up space without judgment
• (17:12) Christine discusses her initial hesitation to join groups, how isolation pushed her to engage, and the emotional reward that comes from connecting
• (21:09) Discussion of the "power of the pause" of moral failure and obesity as a disease
• (27:59) Every day is brand new, and thoughts on a pumpkin spice latte

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Beginner Bariatric Meetups are a powerful support tool for those just starting their bariatric surgery journey, helping members feel less alone and more confident in their process.
• The BariNation membership community plays a vital role in rekindling hope and sustaining long-term post-op success, proving that community connection can transform not just your health but your life.
• Sharing personal bariatric stories builds deeper understanding and connection within the weight loss surgery community, offering relatable insights for both new and seasoned members.

RESOURCES:

• BariNation Website
• 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.
• BariNation - Email

BIOGRAPHY:

Hi, I’m Christine Donovan. I had VSG in 2024 with Dr. Joe Cribbins at the Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery and have lost over 225 pounds—but more importantly, I’ve gained a whole new perspective on life. I’m here to talk about the real stuff—how community, mindset, and support make all the difference on this wild ride. Oh, and I’m powered almost entirely by Barebells protein bars at this point; they should probably sponsor me.

Herb Lentz: Whether as a classically trained singer, business management professional, or peer-to-peer messaging consultant, Herb’s passion lies in the formation of community. Having had VSG surgery in 2021, he has successfully lost over 150 pounds and achieved a newfound active lifestyle, keeping up with his family. As lifelong bariatric patients, Herb encourages us all to focus on mindset challenges and is constantly exploring what it means to be committed, focused, and motivated. He is enthusiastic about empowering others in the bariatric world by meeting them at whatever point they are on in their journey, specifically for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.

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.