The BariNation Foundation Podcast

By April WilliamsAlternative Health Health & Fitness Mental Health Education Self-Improvement

The BariNation Foundation Podcast episodes

August 28, 2024Ep 211 - The Lightning Bolt Moment: Finding Clarity in Your Bariatric Journey
Are you wondering when that “lightning bolt moment” is going to hit you that you are 100% ready for surgery? We are here to tell you, that it is ok to go into surgery not feeling 100% about the decision, and that your lightning bolt moment more than likely will come post op. We each share what our moment was and when it came to us. Then we shift gears into a discussion around expectations on your journey and how to manage those expectations when you want to compare your experience to someone else’s. Join us to put your mind at ease and hear stories from fellow bariatric patients.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:56] Jason talks about his experience pre op and his feelings prior.

[6:24] Natalie shares her story about her surgery day and what her mindset was like.

[8:59] April shares her lightning bolt moment when she committed to surgery.

[13:36] Jason shares his post op lightning bolt moment.

[15:45] Natalie shares a new perspective to look at your journey.

[21:03] April shares that it’s ok to not be on plan all the time.

[21:47] We share a different perspective on how to look at social media.

[24:00] Natalie shares how to uncover your true lightning bolt moment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Your health is a lifelong commitment, your health has to be number one.

You never know what other people are struggling with, their journey may look easy, but behind closed doors they may be struggling with the same things you are. That’s why a strong supportive community is key, so you can ask and see if others are experiencing the same thing and may have tips.

Your lightning bolt moment is discovering what you truly want out of your journey.

RESOURCES:
BariNation Website

Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community

Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

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.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.
BariNation - Website
BariNation - Podcast
31 min
August 21, 2024Ep 210 - Overcoming Slow Weight Loss After Surgery with Jason and Natalie
Hitting a weight loss plateau after surgery can be so frustrating, but it is a normal part of the journey. This week, we are talking about slow weight loss and how to get through the frustration. We touch on the fact that you may need to get a revision or get adjunct treatment in order to push through the stall, or maybe someone within the community will have advice on what worked for them. The options are limitless, and as long as you keep being curious you’ll discover what works for you. Tune in to learn how Natalie and Jason have handled this struggle and their encouraging words to keep pushing.

IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:03] We talk about the frustration of slow weight loss during our journey.

[4:01] What is the best way to get through the slow weight loss frustration?

[7:21] We discuss how everyone’s journey is different.

[10:14] Why is the BariNation community so essential to your journey?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
This journey is forever, there will be times that you need adjunct treatment, or a revision, it is ok to seek additional support.

Weight loss will slow, but that doesn’t mean it is going to stop, you may just have to shift your lifestyle or connect with your doctor to see what you can do to make further progress.

Community is key! BariNation is a great place to have community so that when you are experiencing these struggles, you have people to talk to who have gone through a similar struggle and can offer what worked for them.

RESOURCES:
BariNation Website

Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community

Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

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.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.
BariNation - Website
BariNation - Podcast
13 min
August 14, 2024Ep 209 - Truth Tellers: 5 Year Post Op Reflections with April & Melanie Lindell
Join us today as April and Melanie celebrate their 5-year surgiversaries with an incredible episode packed with wisdom and inspiration. They'll reveal their top 5 tips, sharing insights on the power of community, navigating the twists and turns of your journey, and embracing honesty about your experiences. Tune in now for amazing tips and inspiring stories!

IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:32] Melanie introduces herself and shares her story.

[4:26] Melanie summarizes what her community groups are all about.

[8:46] Melanie explains what “divorce the word only, and marry the word yet” means.

[10:56] April shares that it’s ok that her journey has been easy.

[13:11] Melanie describes why telling the truth about your healing and journey is so important..

[14:23] April shares why it’s crucial to be truthful with yourself.

[16:29] April explains why it’s essential to ask and answer the questions for yourself.

[20:27] Melanie talks about how there isn’t a universal manual that will work for everyone.

[24:55] April shares why she will never have it all figured out and how she finds comfort in that.

[29:39] Melanie shares her lesson about embracing adversity.

[33:23] April explains how the community has made all the difference in her journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
There is no one size fits all recovery or plan with surgery. What another person is doing, may not work for you. Stay focused on your journey and what aspects benefit you most.

The crash or stall is going to happen, don’t focus on that, instead focus on what your next move is. Learning to take the turn in the road will be the most beneficial thing you can do for yourself. There is always a way to continue.

Support and community is one of the best tools for your journey from pre-op to post-op and beyond. Having a group of people who understand what you are going through and can root you on when you are feeling stuck and make all the difference in continuing your journey.

RESOURCES:
Melanie's Instagram

Lindell Counseling Website

BariNation Website

Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community

Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

BIOGRAPHY:
Melanie Lindell, LMHC is a professional counselor who has spent the last decade working in the area of trauma and abuse. It is her deepest belief that we were all created for relationships, that we want to be known and loved and have the ability to freely know and love others. Her passion is helping clients work through maladaptive survival strategies/patterns learned and replacing them with adaptive strategies that help them thrive. She is a bariatric patient, having had Roux-N-Y on August 23, 2019. Her recovery process was atypical and led to additional surgeries, several complications and a long season on a feeding tube and learning to eat again. She serves in BariNation as a Support Group and Meetup Leader, tapping into her expertise and patienthood to guide members through the ups and downs of bariatric life.
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.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.
BariNation - Website
BariNation - Podcast
40 min
August 07, 2024Ep 208 - BariNation Summer BBQ: Let’s Get Grilling with April and Jason
Is there a summer BBQ coming up, and you are a bit nervous on how to navigate it? If so, we’ve got you covered in this episode! April and Jason are here to prepare you on how to navigate BBQs and make the best choices for yourself. We cover how to use the opportunity to educate those around you, the three options available to you (in any food situation, not just BBQ’s), and when to say yes and no to foods. Tune in to uncover great tips so you can walk into that BBQ feeling confident in your food choices, and enjoy time with friends!

IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:17] How can you navigate BBQs this summer?

[6:14] How can you use this opportunity to educate those around you?

[7:01] What are the three options that are available to you in any food situation you are presented with?

[9:30] How to navigate foods that are not something that you will pass on.

[13:26] April shares tips on how to say yes and how to say no on food options.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
If you are unsure of what is being provided at the BBQ or you know it isn’t going to work for you, it is OK to bring your own food!

The three options you have available to you when it comes to food are: you can choose to enjoy them, you can choose to pass on them, or you can choose to find an alternative.

Food doesn’t have to be the main dish. You can choose to focus on the connection, the friendships, laughter, and the fun and know that you can bring foods that are best aligned to you and your journey.

RESOURCES:
Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community

Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

BIOGRAPHY:
April Williams is the Founder and CEO of BariNation. She is a passionate educator with two decades of experience in public teaching and leadership. She is utilizing her skills to create a safe and inclusive online support community for bariatric patients in every stage with her co-founders Jason Smith and Natalie Tierney and the leading experts in obesity medicine and care. She lives in Washington State with her amazing husband and adorable Havanese floof.
Jason Smith is a devoted father, grandfather, and husband to his wife, Sarah, of over 20 years. He had Bariatric surgery in March 2020, just before the pandemic hit and the world shut down. Jason found a virtual bariatric meet-up scrolling VSG hashtags on Instagram and met April. They learned they shared a common vision to create an inclusive community where patients feel accepted and supported at any stage. Together, they launched East2WestWLS podcast in May 2020, and in 2021, it became BariNation. Jason is committed to sharing his story, breaking the weight loss surgery stigma, and reinventing postop care worldwide.

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.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.
BariNation - Website
BariNation - Podcast
16 min
July 31, 2024Ep 207 - Emotional Eating Explained: Identifying Triggers and Finding Balance with Dr. Adrienne Youdim
Do you feel out of control around food, even after you thought you had your eating habits under control? We’ve all been there and many of us continue to struggle with overeating or emotional eating. This week, we brought Dr. Adrienne Youdim on the show to talk about accepting our hunger desire and understanding what it may actually be telling us. She describes what our bodies are experiencing when we reach a stress state and performs an exercise that anyone can use to help calm your mind. She is such a joy to listen to, and we have no doubt that you will walk away with a new understanding of your hunger!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[2:24] Adrienne introduces herself and shares about her background.

[5:30] Natalie shares her experience with emotional hunger.

[7:17] Adrienne discusses what emotional hunger is.

[12:57] Adrienne shares what happens in our bodies when we experience a threat or stress, and how to pause.

[20:05] Adrienne discusses the basic principle of the beginner’s mind.

[24:26] Adrienne talks about the reactivity piece and implementing new habits.

[26:43] Take a moment and be guided by Adrienne to experience a pause.

[28:38] Dr. Youdim explains why taking 5 breaths is so powerful, and the ripple effect it can have on the world.

[38:00] What is the one thing that Adrienne is hoping listeners take away?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Anytime you feel out of control, pause and take five deep breaths. This is what you can control, and it will have an immense impact on how you react to the thing that feels out of your control.

Each day is an opportunity to approach a problem in a new way. Don’t focus on how you handled it in the past, or what you want to do in the future, just focus on the present and pause, and determine how you want to react in this moment.

Emotional hunger is not something that is wrong with you, it is a human experience. You have the ability to pause and to start practicing acknowledgement of what you are experiencing and a kind invitation to start exploring what that can mean in your life.

RESOURCES:
Dr. Adrienne Youdim's Website

Dr. Adrienne Youdim's Instagram

Dr. Adrienne Youdim’s Facebook

Your Hunger is the Key to Understanding your Unmet Needs | Dr. Adrienne Youdim | TEDxRaleigh

Hungry for More - Dr. Adrienne Youdim’s Book

Health Bite Podcast

Subscribe to Dr. Adrienne Youdim’s Newsletter

Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community

Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Youdim is a keynote speaker, author, and practicing physician with a passion to empower professionals to take charge of their physical, mental and emotional health so they can thrive in the workplace. Her decade’s experience caring for CEOs, entrepreneurs and seasoned leaders in all industries has revealed the very mind-body skills that promote good health and emotional wellbeing also lead to resilience and success in the workplace.
Dr. Youdim holds multiple board certifications awarded by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

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.
BariNation - Website
BariNation - Podcast
47 min
July 24, 2024Ep 206 - The Summer I Had Bariatric Surgery: Clearing the Deck with April
Are you having Bariatric surgery this summer and feeling a little nervous about how you are going to manage recovery? If so, you are in luck! July 25th marks the 5 year anniversary of my (April) surgery (BariNation Co-Founder). I talk about what my experience was like having my vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery over the summer and the actions I had to take to make a full recovery. While this summer you might be feeling it’s not going to be the best summer of your life, I am here to tell you that every summer after will be more glorious than any you’ve had before. Tune in to learn more about my journey and learn some amazing tips if you are headed into surgery this summer. You’ve got this!

IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:35] April shares about her experience having surgery in the summer.

[6:01] What is your job post surgery? What should you be focusing on?

[8:05] Why is community so essential during recovery?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
There really is no “best time” to have surgery. The best day to have surgery is the day that it gets scheduled.

The time after surgery is a gift to yourself, you have to protect it and clear your schedule post surgery.

The price for the rest of your life, the thing that you’re going to have to pay is a summer that looks and feels very different than any summer you’ve ever had. Every summer after surgery will be even more glorious than the last.

RESOURCES:
Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community

Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

BIOGRAPHY:
April Williams is the Founder and CEO of BariNation. She is a passionate educator with two decades of experience in public teaching and leadership. She is utilizing her skills to create a safe and inclusive online support community for bariatric patients in every stage with her co-founders Jason Smith and Natalie Tierney and the leading experts in obesity medicine and care. She lives in Washington State with her amazing husband and adorable Havanese floof.
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.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.
BariNation - Website
BariNation - Podcast
14 min
July 17, 2024Ep 205 - Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations After Bariatric Surgery with Dr. Mimi Tan
Are you unclear what life might look like after bariatric surgery? Or do you have high expectations that all of your struggles will be cured post-op? In our bariatric support group meetings, we often have people with unclear expectations, or even disappointment when it comes to their post-op results. This week, Dr. Mimi Tan joins us while we talk about the most common unrealistic expectations people have, and how to approach surgery in a realistic way. Dr. Tan explains how she prepares her clients pre-op, and we talk about the fear of failure that some people might experience after surgery. Tune in to learn more about expectations and what life after surgery may look like.

IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:29] Dr. Tan introduces herself.

[3:56] What are the most common unrealistic expectations that Dr. Tan sees patients have when it comes to recovery and their life after surgery?

[8:22] Why does Dr. Tan think people go into their survey having unrealistic expectations?

[10:44] What does Dr. Tan think is the most important thing to do as a patient going into surgery?

[13:51] How does Dr. Tan set her clients up for success?

[18:44] What is the fear of failure that some people might experience after surgery?

[25:10] Dr. Tan talks about regain and insufficient weight loss.

[27:12] What are realistic expectations Dr. Tan talks to her patients about?

[32:46] What is one thing that Dr. Tan wishes listeners and bariatric patients everywhere knew about what life after surgery is like?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Having open communication with your surgeon is essential for your post op journey. Talking about your wins, but also your struggles to understand what further options there are is so important.

Bariatric surgery is an imperfect tool and it will not fix all of your issues.

Life after bariatric surgery is complicated. Obesity is a lifelong disease and is a lifelong struggle for most people.

Remember that everyone’s journey is their own. Comparison is a thief of joy, don’t compare your results to someone else’s. Comparing yourself to yourself is really the only marker you should use.

RESOURCES:
Eviva Bariatric Services Website

Dr. Mimi Tan, MD Instagram

Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community

Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Mimi Tan is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship trained bariatric and metabolic surgeon. She currently practices in Seattle, WA. In her free time, she likes hiking and listening to podcasts!

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.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.
BariNation - Website
BariNation - Podcast
37 min
July 10, 2024Ep 204 - Routines Reinvented: Thriving During Summer
Do you feel like you are falling off track with your habits and routines now that summer is here? It can feel easy to lose your regular practices when kids are out of school or you are going on vacation, or attending summer BBQs, but there is hope! This week we discuss adapting to new routines during summer and how to make your new schedule successful. We also talk about how you may even find that something new you implement is something you want to continue with well into fall. Tune in to learn more about switching things up.

IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:05] April discusses how summer can change our routines.

[4:41] How does April adjust her schedule during summer?

[8:12] How can you incorporate new things into your schedule?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Summer is a great time to try new habits, routines, or things you’ve been wanting to implement into your bariatric journey.

You may find things in your summer routine that you want to implement into your routine permanently.

Give yourself grace for how things shift in each season, remember your goals and keep moving forward!

RESOURCES:
Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community
Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

BIOGRAPHY:
April Williams is the Founder and CEO of BariNation. She is a passionate educator with two decades of experience in public teaching and leadership. She is utilizing her skills to create a safe and inclusive online support community for bariatric patients in every stage with her co-founders Jason Smith and Natalie Tierney and the leading experts in obesity medicine and care. She lives in Washington State with her amazing husband and adorable Havanese floof.
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.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.
BariNation - Website
BariNation - Podcast
13 min
July 03, 2024Ep 203 - A Prescription to Eat After Surgery According to Drs Eric Smith & Sarah Hayak
Are you three to six months past surgery, and finding yourself feeling more hungry? Are you starting to panic? Today we are joined by Dr. Eric Smith and Dr. Sarah Hayek from the Kentucky Bariatric Institute to discuss what is normal when it comes to your hunger cues after recovery. Many people find themselves in a panic that they can suddenly eat more, however throughout this episode you will uncover that it is completely normal and a great sign that you are experiencing hunger and fullness, which is an important sign of recovery. Tune in to understand why it’s important to eat more food, and what Dr. Smith and Dr. Hayek would say to a patient who is struggling with eating more.
IN THIS EPISODE:

[2:17] Dr. Smith introduces himself.
[3:56] Dr. Hayek introduces herself.
[5:32] What is the relationship between BariNation and Kentucky Bariatric Institute?
[6:42] What was Jason’s experience about hunger returning post surgery?
[8:33] Why do people’s capacity to eat larger amounts of food change as you recover from bariatric surgery?
[16:28] Why is it important to eat more?
[24:41] Dr. Smith’s advice to people who are concerned that they are now able to eat ½ cup to 1 cup of food.
[28:04] Dr. Hayek’s advice to the same people.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

It is normal to start feeling more hungry 3-6 months after surgery, and it’s necessary to eat more to fuel your body!
Maximizing your nutrition is a major factor in you not only losing weight, but having the best chance to maintain weight loss.
Eating high quality foods will get you fuller faster and for a longer period of time.

RESOURCES:
Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community
Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast
https://kentuckybariatricinstitute.com/meet-our-team

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Smith’s Bio

Dr. Eric Smith is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon who has been in practice since 2006. He is the Medical Director for the Kentucky Bariatric Institute, a SRC Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, a national proctor, speaker, and teacher for Intuitive Surgical in the specialty of robotic bariatric surgery. He is board certified in bariatric and robotic surgery, member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. He is an engaged, caring and dedicated physician who has completed thousands of bariatric surgeries.

Dr. Hayek’s Bio

Kentucky Bariatric Institute (KBI) is pleased to welcome Sarah Hayek, MD, to Georgetown and central Kentucky communities. Dr. Hayek will expand the bariatric program’s availability by offering robotic bariatric surgery, as well as a number of general surgery procedures. Dr. Hayek completed medical school at Geisinger Commonwealth in Scranton, Pennsylvania and completed residency in general surgery with an additional year in surgical education research at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. She has been a practicing surgeon for over two years with experience and training in general and bariatric robotic surgeries.

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.

BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.

BariNation - Website

BariNation - Podcast
33 min
June 26, 2024Ep 202- Celebrating Pride and Self Identity on the Bariatric Journey with Maddie Allen
Happy Pride Month! On this episode of Bari Nation, we are excited to have BariNation Community Member, Maddie Allen, join the show. Maddie discusses how she found the courage to explore a different way of living when she decided to try dating women. She describes what it was like to explore her sexuality, as well as any fear she had around telling others that she was interested in women. Maddie is now happily married to her wife, and shares what she would like others to know when it comes to supporting love. Tune in to hear how her Bariatric journey led her to take new chances.

IN THIS EPISODE:
[1:39] How did Maddie find the courage to explore a different way of living and explore her sexuality?

[6:18] Was it a weird experience to explore her sexuality? Was she worried about judgment?

[10:06] How did Maddie get to the place where she decided she was just going to trust herself?

[14:44] What Maddie hopes people can leave the conversation with today.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
If you don’t give something a try, you’ll never know!

Nobody else has walked in your shoes, and nobody else has to. Trust yourself to know that your journey is the right journey for you.

Open your mind up to try something new, whether that’s a new hobby, a new style, a new dating preference, just keep an open mind and try something different.

RESOURCES:
Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment - https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community

Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast starting at $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast

BIOGRAPHY:
My name is Maddie, I had bariatric surgery (gastric bypass) in 2017. I have lost 170 lbs and this year I’m coming back from some serious health conditions. I just married the love of my life, Angelina!

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.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need, when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.
BariNation - Website
BariNation - Podcast
16 min

About The BariNation Foundation Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The BariNation Foundation Podcast, where you’ll hear real talk about bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, medical weight loss, metabolic health, weight management, and lifelong obesity care. Whether you're considering bariatric surgery, preparing for weight loss surgery, recovering after surgery, or looking for evidence-based strategies to maintain long-term weight loss, this podcast gives you the education, support, and community you need to succeed.

Hosted by members of the bariatric community who are living the journey themselves, The BariNation Foundation Podcast brings together leading bariatric surgeons, obesity medicine physicians, registered dietitians, psychologists, exercise specialists, and real patients to share practical advice, inspiring stories, and the latest research in obesity treatment.

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, and lasting success requires more than a procedure. Every episode explores the science, strategies, and mindset behind sustainable weight management. We discuss bariatric surgery, gastric bypass,vertical sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch SADI, revision/conversion surgeries, medical weight loss, bariatric nutrition, healthy weight loss, obesity medicine, lifestyle medicine, metabolic health, obesity care, emotional eating, body image, mental health, exercise, protein, vitamins, supplementation, meal planning, and long-term success after surgery.

You'll also hear honest conversations about the challenges that many people face, including weight reoccurrence, plateaus, transfer addiction, emotional health, relationships, loose skin, excess skin surgery, fertility, pregnancy after bariatric surgery, hormone changes, body confidence, and navigating life before and after surgery as well as GLP1’s. Our goal is to provide realistic expectations, expert guidance, and encouragement so you never feel like you're facing your journey alone.

As obesity treatment continues to evolve, we also explore the latest advances in obesity medicine, including GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and emerging therapies, while helping you understand how these medications may fit alongside bariatric surgery and comprehensive medical weight loss. We break down the latest research into practical, easy-to-understand conversations that empower you to make informed decisions with your healthcare team.

Where ever you are in seeking treatment for the chronic disease of obesity, be it researching bariatric surgery for the first time, preparing for your procedure, celebrating major milestones, overcoming setbacks, or supporting a friend or family member through their journey, you'll find expert interviews, patient success stories, nutritional guidance, motivation, and actionable strategies that help you build healthy habits for life.

The BariNation Foundation Podcast is more than a podcast. It's a supportive community built on education, compassion, accountability, and hope. We believe every person deserves access to trusted information, meaningful support, and evidence-based resources that improve health and quality of life.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon or wherever you listen to podcasts, and join thousands of people committed to improving their metabolic health, achieving sustainable weight loss, and thriving after bariatric surgery. No matter where you are on your journey, BariNation is here to help you take the next step with confidence.

Website: https://www.barination.com