Are you searching for a bariatric surgeon who truly understands the importance of lifelong support? Do you want to know how inclusive healthcare can transform your bariatric journey? Then you don’t want to miss this conversation because it may completely change how you think about your options for obesity care.

Before we dive in, we’re thrilled to share that BariNation is a national sponsor of the TREO Foundation’s Walk to Stomp the Stigma which is happening in 10+ cities throughout the fall. The Virtual Walk is on Saturday, September 27th and we invite you to join our BariNation team. Together, we’ll shine a light on the importance of better access to obesity care for all. Click the link in the show notes to join our BariNation team and walk with us virtually—you don’t want to miss the chance to be part of this movement.

In today’s episode, we sat down with Dr. Maria Brown, a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon in Arizona who specializes in robotic bariatric surgery and leads a comprehensive program designed to give patients everything they need in one place. Her practice offers medical weight loss, nutrition support, fitness guidance, and a line of vitamins to ensure no piece of the puzzle is missing. Dr. Brown is deeply committed to building safe healthcare spaces where every patient—regardless of their background, identity, or financial status—feels seen, heard, and supported.

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:

• (00:00) Opening
• (00:29) Join BariNation for the TREO Foundation’s Walk to Stomp the Stigma on Saturday, September 27th
• (01:55) Dr. Brown is a bariatric surgeon specializing in robotic bariatric surgery
• (05:17) Discussion of inclusive healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, self-pay, and ensuring obesity care for all patients
• (05:52) Brown’s practice is a safe space for every patient, including the LGBTQIA 
• (08:34) Shop around for the right bariatric surgeon and build a lifelong relationship of trust 
• (10:40) Obesity care doesn’t end with surgery—it’s a chronic disease requiring long-term support
• (11:52) Patients deserve to feel seen and heard

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Building a strong BariNation Community and long-term patient support system is just as important as the medical side of bariatric surgery, helping patients succeed beyond the operating room.
• Dr. Maria Brown emphasizes inclusive healthcare and safe healthcare spaces, ensuring that every patient—regardless of race, gender, or sexuality—has access to compassionate obesity care.
• A holistic approach that combines robotic bariatric surgery, medical weight loss, nutrition support, fitness guidance, and specialized bariatric vitamins creates a comprehensive path to better outcomes on the lifelong bariatric journey.

RESOURCES:

• BariNation Website
• BariNation - Email
• BariNation Partner and Practice Monthly Membership   
• BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide
• TREO Foundation - The Walk
• Join BariNation on the TREO Walk
• Dr. Brown - Website
• AZ Weight Loss Surgery

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Maria Brown, a Cuban American from Upstate New York, studied Spanish in Mexico and earned a B.S. in Biology from Siena College, graduating magna cum laude. She gained healthcare experience in Belize, worked at Pfizer, and trained at St. George’s University School of Medicine, with rotations in England, Grenada, and New York City. After completing her General Surgery Residency and a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Robotic, Advanced GI, and Bariatric Surgery, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she is owner and director of Valley Bariatric Medical & Weight Loss Center and a national proctor for Intuitive’s da Vinci Robotic Systems. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and paddleboarding with her two Huskies.

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.