If you’ve ever felt confused, discouraged, or even ashamed about your weight—especially if you’ve tried “everything” and it still feels difficult—this conversation will change how you understand your body and your journey.

In this encore episode, recorded live at AdventHealth, bariatric and metabolic medicine specialists Dr. Melissa Bagloo and Dr. Shiva Seetahal explain why weight loss is not just about willpower or discipline, but about biology, hormones, metabolism, and how our bodies are designed to protect us.

This episode is for anyone who:

1. Is considering bariatric surgery
2. Is pre-op, post-op, or experiencing a plateau or regain
3. Has struggled with dieting, weight cycling, or self-blame
4. Wants to understand what their body is actually doing — and why

You’ll walk away with clarity, relief, and a much kinder understanding of yourself.

By listening to this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why bariatric surgery works differently than diets, and how it changes gut hormones, insulin response, hunger, fullness, and metabolic signaling instead of just “restricting” food.
2. Why obesity is a chronic, biological disease, not a personal failure, and why that changes how it should be treated and supported long-term.
3. Why weight loss is often a side effect of improved metabolic health, not the primary mechanism, and why focusing only on the scale can miss what really matters.
4. Why plateaus, slowdowns, and even weight regain are not signs of failure, but a normal part of how the body adapts and recalibrates over time.
5. How medications can support weight and metabolic health before or after surgery, and why adding a tool doesn’t mean surgery didn’t work.
6. Why surgery is not the end of the journey, but the middle of it, and why ongoing support, follow-up, and community matter for long-term success.
7. How to release shame and self-blame by understanding the science behind weight regulation, so you can replace judgment with compassion and informed care.
8. What whole-person, compassionate obesity care actually looks like, and why your emotional, mental, and physical health all deserve to be part of the conversation.

So many people struggling with weight feel isolated, broken, or like they’re doing something wrong.

This episode reframes that story.

It explains why your body may feel like it’s working against you, and how bariatric and metabolic medicine work with your biology instead of fighting it.

Most importantly, it reminds you that you’re not alone, you’re not failing, and you deserve care, support, and understanding along the way.

1. Pre-op and trying to understand what surgery actually does
2. Post-op and wondering why your journey looks the way it does
3. Feeling stuck, plateaued, or discouraged
4. Curious about how hormones, metabolism, and biology affect weight
5. Ready to replace shame with clarity and support

If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear this message, too, because weight is heavy enough without carrying it alone.

Click HERE to learn more about whole-person care at AdventHealth Central Florida.

A special thank you to AdventHealth Central Florida for making this episode and education possible!

You got this, and we got you.

RESOURCES:

1. Check out this exclusive AdventHealth BariNation Monthly Membership for only $29/mo!
2. BariNation Website
3. Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment. https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community
4. Want to see bonus content? Head over to https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast to get more and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month!

GUEST RESOURCES:

Melissa Bagloo, MD - AdventHealth Website

Shiva Seetahal, MD - AdventHealth Website

BIOGRAPHIES:

Dr. Melissa Bagloo is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. A Florida native, she trained in the Northeast before joining AdventHealth. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida. She completed her general surgery residency at NYU, followed by a minimally invasive and bariatric surgery fellowship at Weill Cornell and Columbia. Specializing in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, Dr. Bagloo has performed over 500 robotic and thousands of minimally invasive procedures. She is dedicated to whole-patient care, helping patients achieve lasting weight loss with minimal recovery time.

Dr. Shiva Seetahal is a board-certified surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures, strongly focusing on patient care and satisfaction. He earned his medical degree with honors from the University of the West Indies, completed his surgical residency at Howard University Hospital, and pursued a Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery fellowship at Atlanta Medical Center. He has been actively involved in research, has published numerous works, and has served on editorial boards for surgical journals. Dr. Seetahal is also a member 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!

What if the reason change feels so hard isn’t because you’re failing…

…but because you’re finally doing it right?

In this first episode of 2026, April, Jason, and Natalie gently but firmly dismantle one of the biggest lies in the bariatric space: that transformation is something you can plan, download, buy, or perfect.

It isn’t.

Real transformation isn’t clean. It isn’t aesthetic. It isn’t linear.

It’s what happens when you hit present reality at high velocity and stop trying to tape the pieces back together the way they were before.

In this conversation, we explore:

1. Why surgery is not the transformation, it’s the catalyst
2. Why so many of us hit a wall post-op and think something is wrong with us
3. Why chasing “the next right thing” (the planner, the diet, the supplement, the system) is often a way to avoid the actual work
4. Why the middle, the messy, uncomfortable, identity-shifting middle, is the work
5. And why transformation is less about becoming someone new and more about becoming honest

This episode is for you if you are:

1. Contemplating a different way forward
2. Preparing for bariatric surgery
3. Or sitting in chaos, knowing you cannot keep living the way you are

It’s a loving confrontation and a deep exhale.

You’re not broken.

You’re not behind.

You’re in the middle.

And that’s exactly where transformation lives.

Click here to read the Substact Post by Suleika Jaouad that helped us look at "resolutions" in a new way.

Did something in this episode resonate with you? Let us know by leaving a comment on the platform you are watching or listening to, or by emailing [email protected].

We love hearing from you, learning your takeaways, "aha" moments, and questions you might have after taking in this episode.

BariNation is a patient-created and patient-led orginization that needs your support to produce this show.

➡️ If you enjoyed this episode, give us a High Five $5 donation. Your support helps us reach more people and support patients in every stage of their journey.

Yes, $5 does help.

You've got this, and we've got you.

_____________________________

Connect with BariNation

1. Instagram: @bari.nation
2. Facebook: @barination
3. TikTok: @barination
4. YouTube: @barination
5. Website: www.barination.com
6. Support Community: www.barination.mn.co
7. Email: [email protected]

Are you struggling to see obesity as more than a number on the scale? Do you wonder why shame and stigma still dominate the conversation around bariatric surgery?

In this revisited episode, we explore the truth about obesity as a chronic disease and how we can shift the narrative to one of compassion, education, and long-term support. Our guest, Carah Horn, brings her clinical expertise and lived experience to the table in an eye-opening and empowering conversation. We talk about the outdated perceptions surrounding bariatric surgery, the crisis in obesity care, and why finding the right provider makes all the difference. Carah shares powerful analogies—like her “lawn care” metaphor—to help us understand why long-term maintenance and ongoing support matter. She also explains the dangers of anti-obesity medications without proper oversight and how the BariNation Community provides a unique space for education, encouragement, and behavior change. Whether you are post-op, pre-op, or still considering surgery, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and more equipped for the road ahead.

IN THIS EPISODE:

1. (01:24) Carah shares her professional background in obesity disease and bariatric surgery
2. (12:19) The narrative surrounding obesity needs to change, and finding the correct doctor
3. (19:14) Carah speaks to the crisis of care, anti-obesity medications and comorbid conditions
4. (33:03) Each patient is different, and she encourages going back to your surgeon when health changes occur
5. (39:31) Carah shares the word picture she tells her patients
6. (56:12) Making your bariatric journey positive rather than negative and using the tools provided by the BariNation Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease affecting every aspect of a person’s life—physical, emotional, and social. It should be promoted as a legitimate medical condition that requires real treatment. Unfortunately, shame and stigma surrounding obesity prevent many people from seeking treatment.
2. Treating obesity is about improving health, not appearance. Viewing it through the lens of disease management—similar to diabetes or cancer—can help shift public perception and lead to better care. Medications and surgery are tools to treat the underlying condition, not just to achieve a certain weight.
3. The lack of long-term support and education around obesity medications is dangerous. When prescribed without proper medical oversight or behavioral support, these medications can lead to serious health risks. Without a comprehensive program—including nutrition guidance, mental health care, and consistent follow-up—patients are more likely to misuse medications, relapse, or face complications, especially if access to treatment is suddenly lost.

RESOURCES:

1. BariNation Website
2. Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment. https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community
3. Carah Horn - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

MBA-HCA, BSN, RN, CBN, FASMBS-IH

Carah is a clinician who is passionate about engagement. She believes that change and best practices happen in the community. She is active at the local, state, and national levels of obesity treatment and advocacy, as well as an Integrated Health Star in Florida for the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS). She has four daughters and five grandsons and loves fitness and learning! 1 Corinthians 10:31—So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Bariatric surgery patients often face intense fear about weight recurrence, but understanding obesity as a chronic disease can transform the healing journey. In this BariNation episode, we explore what happens when therapist and bariatric patient Melanie Lindell wears a simulation suit that recreates her pre-surgery body. The experience revealed how trauma and fear live just beneath the surface, even years post-op. We discuss the reality of weight reoccurence, the struggle with body image, and why community support becomes essential for long-term success. Melanie shares insights about finding rest, practicing gratitude, and becoming a "benevolent witness" to your own story. This conversation validates the emotional healing required beyond physical transformation and offers hope for anyone navigating the process of coping with weight recurrence after weight loss surgery.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

How weight recurrence triggers deep psychological responses even years after bariatric surgery, and why understanding obesity as a chronic, progressive disease helps patients release shame and embrace self-compassion.

The concept of being a "benevolent witness" to your own story and others' experiences, which creates safe spaces for emotional healing within the bariatric community and reduces the isolation that often accompanies weight regain struggles.

Practical strategies for finding rest amid the constant pressure of obesity treatment, including stepping back from social media comparison, attending post-op support groups, and recognizing that single moments don't define your entire surgical weight loss 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 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.

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 The simulation suit experience at the Bariatric Solutions Conference, and Melanie shares her background

08:45 Understanding weight recurrence and the fear of weight regain

20:07 Living in a world not built for larger bodies, obesity, and insurance company challenges

31:38 Gratitude as the foundation for emotional healing and recovery

35:54 Finding rest through community support and benevolent witnesses

55:02 Post-op grief, body image, and processing transformation and your personal bariatric story

1:14:53 Being your own benevolent witness and practicing self-compassion

1:20:39 Being open and embracing your feelings

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

The fear of weight recurrence never entirely disappears, even years after successful bariatric surgery, because memories live in the body and can be instantly triggered by experiences that remind patients of their former struggles with obesity.

Finding a bariatric community where you can be authentically witnessed—without judgment or expectation of solutions—provides essential emotional healing and combats the isolation that obesity treatment journeys often create.

Practicing gratitude and self-compassion serves as a powerful antidote to the relentless pressure of maintaining weight loss, allowing patients to recognize that single moments don't define their entire post-op journey or determine long-term success.

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Melanie Lindell, LMHC, serves as BariNation’s CHRO and is a licensed counselor with over a decade of experience in trauma and abuse. A bariatric patient herself, Melanie had Roux-en-Y surgery in 2019 and faced a complex recovery that included complications, additional surgeries, and time on a feeding tube. Her passion is helping others heal and thrive, and she considers it a privilege to walk alongside fellow bariatric patients as a support group leader.

Melanie Lindell - Instagram

Lindell Counseling - Website

The Body Keeps Score - Book

When I Put the Fat Suit On - Melanie Lindell - Blog

BariNation Website

BariNation - Email

BariNation - Partnership Monthly Membership   

BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide

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 revisited 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:

• (03:47) Dr. Peterson shares his professional background and the mission of ASMBS
• (10:40) As president, past initiatives will move forward and the discussion of bias toward obesity
• (18:01) Dr. Peterson’s mission is a call to action to “No One Left Behind,” which stems from his military background
• (31:06) Bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure. Obesity is a disease
• (40:40) The importance of obesity education and why obesity not being associated with a specific organ was a game changer
• (49:06) Words matter, you aren’t just losing weight, you are fighting obesity
• (54:55) If you are suffering from obesity, you can get help. The mission is to remove the barriers

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Dr. Peterson’s theme is “No One Left Behind," focusing on ensuring access to obesity treatment for all patients, supporting practices, and fostering unity across the bariatric community.
• Dr. Peterson continues efforts to reduce shame and stigma by educating medical professionals and the public that obesity is a disease, not a personal failing.
• Initiatives focus on integrating obesity education into medical curricula and advocating for comprehensive treatment access to enhance patient care.

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

OTHER RESOURCES: 

BariNation - Email

GUEST RESOURCES:

ASMBS - Website

Dr. Richard Peterson LinkedIn

UT Health San Antonio 

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!  

Obesity is not your fault—but it is your fight. In this powerful BariNation episode, we welcome Dr. Faiz Shariff, renowned Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Medicine physician, who breaks down the science proving obesity is a genetic disease, not a personal failure. Dr. Shariff explains how 70% of obesity stems from genetics and epigenetics, creating hormonal imbalances that set your body's weight set point beyond your control. We explore why bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment for this chronic condition, yet faces massive stigma and insurance barriers. This conversation challenges everything you've been told about willpower and dieting, revealing why obesity is not your fault but your fight. Discover how metabolic disease treatment through surgery can change your genetic expression, improve your quality of life, and help you reclaim your crown.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

Why Obesity is Not Your Fault—Discover the science behind genetic factors, obesity, leptin resistance, and set point theory that proves 70% of obesity is genetic, not a willpower issue.

Overcoming the obesity stigma and insurance coverage bariatric surgery barriers. Understand the challenges this treatment faces and how to navigate your bariatric surgery journey with the proper support.

The power of Non-Scale Victories and Post Op Support—Shift focus from goal weights to disease resolution, flexibility, and lasting quality of life improvements.

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.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Dr. Faiz Shariff, the "Robot Queen" Obesity Medicine Physician, shares her medically proven position that "Obesity is Not Your Fault But It's Your Fight"

06:19 Why Obesity Is Not Your Fault: Breaking down the outdated calories in/calories out paradigm and genetic factors in obesity science

09:00 Understanding leptin resistance, hormonal imbalance, weight gain, and how the set point theory controls your body weight

16:23 How bariatric surgery changes epigenetics and reduces passing bad genes to future generations, and the stigma associated with obesity

20:43 Insurance covering bariatric surgery challenges and why obesity stigma creates unique treatment barriers compared to cancer

32:07 Adaptive thermogenesis explained: Why repeated dieting makes weight loss harder each time

36:56 Pre-op preparation and bariatric surgery journey mindset shifts for long-term success

42:31 Non-Scale Victories matter more than goal weights: Focus on disease resolution and flexibility

52:17 Building community, shedding toxic relationships, and gaining confidence post op support

58:10 Final thoughts on identity shift, mindset change, and reclaiming your crown in the fight against chronic disease

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

Obesity is 70% genetic. Your body conserves energy through genetic factors, obesity, and epigenetics, creating hormonal imbalance and weight gain through leptin resistance and the elevated set-point theory. This isn't about willpower; it's about biology fighting against you.

Obesity stigma creates dangerous barriers. Unlike cancer patients, those with obesity face insurance coverage, bariatric surgery denials, requirements not to gain weight during approval, and judgment for seeking treatment. This chronic disease deserves the same respect as any other.

Your bariatric surgery journey requires post-op support and mindset shifts. Success comes from catching negative thoughts, practicing positive affirmations to foster neuroplasticity, and building community with people who celebrate your victories.

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Dr. Faiz Shariff is a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeon at WellSpan Health, specializing in revisional and complex procedures, including SADI and BPD-DS. She is Director of Robotic Surgery and Vice Chair of Surgery, leading innovation and mentoring in advanced minimally invasive techniques. Passionate patient advocate and active leader within the ASMBS, serving on multiple national committees to advance education and reduce obesity stigma.

Faiz Shariff, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABS-FPDMBS -LinkedIn

Faiz U Shariff - WellSpan Health

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

BariNation Website

BariNation - Email

BariNation - Partnership Monthly Membership   

BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide

Hair loss after bariatric surgery, or while on GLP-1 medications, is a common issue among patients, but it doesn't have to be permanent. In this BariNation episode, we welcome back Dr. Edmund Chen to discuss why hair loss after bariatric surgery occurs and what you can do about it. Dr. Chen explains that post-bariatric surgery hair thinning happens due to the stress the body is subject to from surgery and rapid weight loss. The good news? With the right approach—including increased protein for hair growth, targeted vitamins like biotin and zinc, and getting in movement for increased blood flow—you can minimize loss and promote healthy regrowth. April shares her personal journey with hair loss and the strategies that helped her see real results. Whether you're pre-op or already experiencing thinning, this episode offers practical, expert-backed solutions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

✅ Why bariatric patients experience hair loss and how metabolic surgery side effects, like caloric deficit and body stress, trigger hair loss

✅ The essential role of protein for hair growth and how increasing your daily intake can help prevent post-bariatric surgery hair thinning and support regrowth

✅ Which bariatric vitamin regimen works best, including biotin and zinc supplements, collagen for hair health, and hair, skin, and nails vitamins to promote stronger hair

✅ How exercise and hair growth are connected through increased blood flow to the scalp, plus proven hair regrowth treatment options for hair regrowth

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.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Why do bariatric patients experience hair loss after weight loss surgery 

03:30 Top three solutions: protein for hair growth, vitamins, and brands that support hair growth 

04:30 Importance of bariatric vitamin regimen, including biotin and zinc supplements, and collagen for hair health

07:39 How exercise and hair growth connect through increased scalp blood flow

09:02 Practical tips: massage scalp, focus on basics before investing in expensive hair regrowth treatment

10:33 Dr. Chen reassures patients that hair loss is temporary and regrowth happens after reaching their lowest weight

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

💎 Bariatric hair loss is temporary and typically stops once you reach your lowest weight—it's a sign your body is prioritizing weight loss surgery recovery and metabolic changes over hair growth

💎 Increase your protein for hair growth intake beyond typical goals (aim for 80-90 grams daily if experiencing thinning) since hair is made of protein and requires adequate nutrition to regenerate

💎 Exercise and hair growth are directly connected—regular movement increases blood flow and oxygen to hair follicles on your scalp, creating healthier conditions for regrowth

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Dr. Edmund Chen, a skilled bariatric surgeon, graduated with honors from Johns Hopkins University and earned his medical degree from Cornell University. After researching metabolism at the National Institutes of Health and training at Northwestern and Duke, he specializes in ultra-minimally invasive bariatric surgery using the da Vinci system, including gastric sleeve, bypass, and revisions. Known for compassionate, patient-focused care, he optimizes outcomes for bariatric patients at his Dallas practice the Texas Center for Bariatric and Advanced Surgery, where he partners with Dr. Joe Cribbins.

Edmund Chen, MD - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Hair Loss and Exercise Study

BariNation Website

BariNation - Email

BariNation - Partnership Monthly Membership   

BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide

Have you ever felt judged or misunderstood because of your weight or health struggles? Shame and stigma often surround the conversation about obesity and treatments like bariatric surgery.

In this revisited episode of the BariNation podcast, we welcome Dr. Ann Rogers, past Bariatric Surgeon and President of ASMBS (American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery), who sheds light on the stigma surrounding bariatric surgery and how it addresses more than just weight loss. Dr. Rogers explains how bariatric surgery can correct serious health problems like diabetes, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease, ultimately improving a person's quality of life. We also dive into the resistance to bariatric surgery, the changes needed in healthcare, and how medications and mindfulness can play a role in weight management. Dr. Rogers also shares valuable advice to help break the cycle of shame and self-doubt.

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!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:42] What drew Dr. Rogers to bariatric surgery and improving the quality of life
• [6:58] Why do people resist bariatric surgery? Is it shame and stigma
• [15:36] Changes general practitioners need to make in the insurance industry
• [25:01] Medications to lose weight and why obesity wants to come back
• [34:55] The value of mindfulness and the capacity to live life differently
• [40:23] Discussion that Medicare and Medicaid will have access to GLP1 and forecasting for 2025 and Dr. Rogers's parting advice
• [45:54] Believing the lies we tell ourselves and hear more in the BariNation Support Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bariatric Surgery Addresses More Than Weight Loss. While bariatric surgery visibly impacts weight, its actual value lies in addressing underlying health conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease, significantly improving quality of life. However, the stigma surrounding obesity and bariatric surgery often deters patients from seeking help. 
• Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that is influenced by genetics, biology, and environmental factors. It's not just a matter of personal choice or willpower; blaming individuals for their condition is unjust and counterproductive.
• Bariatric surgery and related treatments can offer substantial benefits, and despite challenges like weight regain or access to medications, patients should remember that they are worthy of care and support.

RESOURCES:

• BariNation Website 
• Patient Resource Link

GUEST BIO: 

Dr. Rogers is the Director of the Penn State Health Surgical Weight Loss Programs. 

Dr. Rogers is past President of the American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS).

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.

Bariatric support programs are key to long-term success. In this episode of BariNation, Kellie Armstrong, RN and Integrated Health Director at ASMBS, shares insights from her 20-year journey as both a bariatric patient and healthcare leader. She discusses the evolution of obesity medicine, the power of multidisciplinary care, and the three C’s of success—continuous, conversation, and connection—highlighting why strong patient-provider communication changes everything.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

How bariatric support programs have evolved from isolated surgical procedures to comprehensive integrated health teams that provide wraparound bariatric care throughout your entire journey

Why long-term weight loss success depends on continuous patient-provider communication and staying connected to your bariatric program accreditation-certified care team beyond the first year post-op

What questions to ask when shopping for a metabolic bariatric surgery program, including how to find obesity medicine specialists who treat obesity as the chronic disease of obesity it truly is

The importance of post-op support groups and bariatric patient education in maintaining your results, plus why bariatric surgery follow-up should never stop, even 20 years after your procedure

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.

TIMESTAMPS:  

00:00 Introduction 

06:35 Kellie’s first bariatric surgery patient in 2000, and how nursing education has evolved in obesity medicine

13:09 The intersection of professional and patient life: merging your bariatric identity with everyday life

19:27 Why bariatric support programs are not a quick fix and the importance of using tools from your toolbox

22:27 Creating patient-provider communication pathways and keeping integrated health teams accessible to patients

26:59 The three C's framework: continuous, conversation and connection for long-term weight loss success

30:22 How ASMBS accreditation programs share best practices and collaborate across bariatric care coordination teams

40:53 The future of obesity medicine and eliminating stigma in disease of obesity treatment

46:31 Discussion of shopping for the right bariatric program, asking for bariatric surgery follow-up resources and contacting your insurance provider

50:30 Don't seek medical advice on social media: the importance of professional bariatric patient education

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

Bariatric surgery is just one tool, Long-term success requires lifelong, integrated care including nutrition, behavioral health, medication, and lifestyle support.

Choose programs that stay with you. Find a bariatric team offering real relationships and full support, or ask to be connected with obesity medicine specialists.

Your bariatric journey becomes life. Stay connected through post-op groups, annual follow-ups, and peers who understand your experience for years to come.

Bariatric care has evolved — from open surgeries and long hospital stays to minimally invasive procedures and comprehensive, team-based obesity treatment.

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Kellie Armstrong's RN career began at Rhode Island Hospital in 1998, progressing from staff nurse to Bariatric Surgery Service Line Manager when Brown University Health merged its bariatric programs in 2012. In 2007, she became Rhode Island's first Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) and has since presented at national venues, co-authored articles in Bariatric Times, and served as co-chair of the 2024 Integrated Health Obesity Summit. Her dedication earned her the 2021 Hurvitz Quality Award for revamping the bariatric support program during COVID-19, the 2022 Distinguished CBN award, and inclusion in the first FASMBS-IH Leadership Academy cohort in 2024. Kellie is currently the ASMBS Integrated Health Section President and brings a unique perspective as both a healthcare leader and a bariatric surgery patient since 2005. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

BariNation Website

BariNation - Email

BariNation - Partnership Monthly Membership   

BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide

No One Left Behind: Dr. Richard Peterson

https://www.facebook.com/kellie.fredette.armstrong

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-armstrong-msn-rn-fasmbs-ih-cbn-4766501b/

Website: https://www.brownhealth.org/centers-services/center-medical-and-surgical-weight-loss

In this revisited episode, we look back at the theme for 2025, Relentless Curiosity.

Dr. Sarah Hayek, a bariatric surgeon at the Kentucky Bariatric Institute, is back on the podcast to share her husband’s journey through bariatric surgery. She discusses the emotional and physical factors behind his decision and highlights the importance of embracing change in overcoming obesity. We explore how the surgery isn’t just for extreme obesity, the role of community support, and why some medical approaches may inadvertently contribute to the problem. Tune in to learn how bariatric surgery can be transformative for individuals at different stages of obesity and why support is key to long-term success.

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:

• [2:42] The theme for Bari-Nation in 2025 is Relentless Curiosity 
• [4:36] Dr. Hayek shares her husband’s journey through bariatric surgery
• [15:35] Looking at the risk factors and deciding to have bariatric surgery
• [25:21] Understanding that obesity is a disease
• [30:56] Surgery is not just for the obese
• [39:41] Obesity is an isolating disease, and you need the community of the BariNation
• [48:56] The Kentucky Bariatric Institutes approach to obesity

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bariatric surgery is not limited to individuals with extreme obesity. Those with moderate excess weight or health risks from visceral fat can also benefit, making surgery a preventative health measure rather than a last resort.
• The decision to undergo bariatric surgery often stems from the realization that traditional weight management methods—like diet and exercise—may not be enough. It's a critical tool in a broader treatment plan, including medical support and lifestyle adjustments.
• Long-term success in weight management post-surgery is tied to daily habits, continuous care, and emotional support. The community of Bari-Nation plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate challenges and maintain motivation throughout their transformative 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

GUEST RESOURCES:

Kentucky Bariatric Institute - Website

BIOGRAPHY: 

Kentucky Bariatric Institute (KBI) is excited to welcome Sarah Hayek, MD, MEd, to the Georgetown and central Kentucky communities. Dr. Hayek will enhance the bariatric program by offering robotic bariatric surgery and general surgery procedures. She completed medical school at Geisinger Commonwealth in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and a residency in general surgery at Geisinger Medical Center, with an additional year in surgical education research. With over two years of experience, Dr. Hayek specializes 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 - Website

BariNation - Podcast