As we reflect on 2024, we’re diving into the challenges, the victories, and those profound “aha” moments that have shaped us this year. Together, we’ll share what we’ve learned from the most challenging parts of our journey, celebrate the wins that have propelled us forward, and explore how leaning into our incredible BariNation community has made all the difference.

But that’s not all—we’re thrilled to look ahead to 2025 with bold predictions of bariatric care and obesity treatment. We’ll also reveal this year’s community support theme, focusing on how relentless curiosity transforms our journeys.

So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s reflect, predict, and dream big for the year ahead!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:02] Jason and Natalie share what has been their biggest challenges for 2024
• [17:24] April shares the importance of leaning into the Bari-Nation Community 
• [22:12] Finding hope in the Bari-Nation Community
• [25:00] The hosts talk about the wins they have had in 2024 and how much they appreciate the listener's support
• [35:15] Leaning into the tool of curiosity for 2025
• [37:55] The hosts make bold bariatric predictions for 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Recognizing that you're not fully participating in your own life can be a harsh reality, but it also opens the door to transformation. Moving from survival mode to actively committing to your potential is not just a challenge—it's an opportunity to reclaim your life, shed the emotional and symbolic weight holding you back, and propel yourself forward with newfound clarity and purpose.
• Life's opportunities often appear unexpectedly and require bold, immediate action. The lesson is in recognizing that while challenges and hurdles may persist, stepping through them—even if unprepared—can lead to transformation when a door opens. 
• The bariatric journey isn’t about learning entirely new skills—it’s about approaching the things you already know how to do in a different, healthier way.

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 

OTHER RESOURCES: 

Treo Foundation - Website

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.

Bariatric Surgery, BariNation Community Support, Bariatric Diet, BariNation, Bariatric Journey, BariNation Community, NSV's, GLP-1, VSG, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, LapBand, Roux en Y, Gastric Bypass, SADI-S, Treo Foundation, Bariatric Challenges, Bariatric Wins, Post Op Support, Pre Op Preparation, Revision Surgery, Obesity Disease, Adjunct Treatment, Shifting Mindset, Sustainable Habits, Emotional Intensity, Manageable Change, Small Adjustments, Meaningful Progress, Bariatric Journey, Healthy Perspective, Positive Transformation

Kelly Broadwater is back and we’re diving into a topic that impacts every bariatric patient: the Three P’s—Product, Preparation, and Portion. Together, we’ll explore the differences between diet culture and the bariatric diet, why no two bariatric eating plans are the same, and how to start listening to your body post-surgery. We’ll also share insights on how your relationship with food evolves and touch on an exciting bariatric eating experience training launching in January. Whether you’re newly post-op or years into your journey, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you feel your best. Let’s get started!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:57] Kelly defines the diet culture as opposed to the bariatric diet
• [3:12] Discussion of the three P’s:  Product, Preparation and Portion
• [6:10] No two bariatric patients eating plans are identical
• [8:33] Listening to your body
• [10:50] Discussion of the bariatric eating experience training beginning in January

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• A "diet" supports health and recovery post-surgery for bariatric patients, unlike "diet culture," which emphasizes appearance. Understanding this distinction promotes a focus on nourishment and a healthy mindset.
• Bariatric success relies on the "Three P's"—product, preparation, and portion. Choose quality foods, control portions, and mind how dishes are prepared to avoid discomfort and maintain a healthy relationship with food.
• Your dietary needs change after bariatric surgery. While early guidelines focus on recovery, long-term success requires listening to your body, understanding how it reacts to different foods, and adapting your choices. This approach helps create a sustainable, personalized plan and shows that initial rules aren’t always permanent.

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 

GUEST RESOURCES:

Kelly Broadwater - LinkedIn

https://www.facebook.com/people/Be-Barieducated/61551171285582/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.linkedin.com/company/barieducated/

www.bebarieducated.com

BIOGRAPHY: 

Kelly has provided preoperative assessments and postoperative counseling to metabolic and bariatric surgery patients for over 20 years. An expert on eating disorders in the bariatric population, she is passionate about educating others on this topic. She is the co-author of the book BariEDucated, published in 2023.

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

We’re so excited to share what’s been happening in our lives! Over the past few months, we’ve been pausing, pivoting, and resetting, and we’re so grateful for your grace and support during this time. In this episode, Natalie talks about the whirlwind of starting a new job, moving to Portland, and how BariNation has helped her stay grounded through all the chaos. April shares why taking a step back to realign priorities has been so important for her, while Jason opens up about the confidence he’s gained through our amazing community. From taking big risks to embracing moments of vulnerability, we’ve all been navigating some big changes, and we’re so excited to share it all with you.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’re proving just how powerful a supportive community like BariNation can be!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:34] What’s going on with Natalie
• [4:03] April describes the massive network of BariNation
• [5:04] Natalie is working out the details
• [7:00] Jason shares his new routine 
• [11:06] The importance of BariNation and the support provided
• [11:51] April explains why she has been more visible and Natalie reminds listeners that April has done an exemplary job keeping the program rolling

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Embracing New Beginnings Amidst Chaos. Natalie is navigating significant life changes, including starting a new job and relocating to Portland. Despite the chaos, she remains hopeful and views these transitions as opportunities she's been waiting for. Her experience highlights the importance of prioritizing, focusing on self-care, and using community support like BariNation to stay grounded.
• Rediscovering Confidence and Community. Jason has transitioned to working from home, which has freed up time to connect more deeply with himself and the BariNation community. Through these connections, he's experienced personal growth, building confidence in ways he never imagined, like speaking at events and embracing moments of vulnerability. This shift reflects the transformative power of aligning personal and professional well-being.
• The Power of Pausing and Pivoting. April emphasizes the need to pause and reassess to realign priorities. BariNation has required adaptability, especially as the team manages both personal and professional responsibilities. This approach exemplifies how strategic reflection and pivots can ensure sustained impact and growth, even amid life’s unpredictability.

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.

Welcome to the Barination Podcast! I'm thrilled you're joining me today because we have an incredible guest: Kayla Girgen, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer. Kayla has a wealth of knowledge about life after bariatric surgery, and today, we're diving into some powerful topics that can make a real difference in your journey.

We’ll explore the concept of slider foods—what they are, why they’re easier to consume than whole foods, and where protein shakes fit in. Kayla also sheds light on managing gut hormones, cushioning carbs to maintain stable blood sugar, and how anxiety can impact the process of post-surgery nutrition.

If you’ve ever struggled with protein choices, Kayla’s here to guide you in making choices that truly support a healthier lifestyle. She reminds us to give ourselves grace as we navigate the ups and downs.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:28] Some programs BariNation offers to its members.
• [2:11] What is a slider food? Why are they easier to consume than whole foods, and how is a protein shake classified?
• [8:31] Cushioning your carbs, gut hormones and blood sugar.
• [13:54] How does anxiety play a negative role in the process? The protein struggle. 
• [18:57] Life choices after surgery, the Good Day checklist, and giving yourself grace.
• [25:22] Kayla wants the listener to know these takeaways.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• After bariatric surgery, slider foods digest quickly, impacting hunger hormones and causing blood sugar spikes. Pairing them with other nutrients helps maintain balance.
• After bariatric surgery, hunger hormones shift—ghrelin ("grr" for hunger) decreases, while leptin signals fullness. Understanding these changes helps manage appetite and satiety.
• Processed protein foods may meet bariatric patients' goals but often fail to sustain satiety. Whole proteins like chicken or tofu offer better digestion, hormonal balance, and lasting satisfaction.

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 

GUEST RESOURCES:

Kayla Girgen - Instagram

Kayla Girgen - Website

Sugar and Strength Academy - Website

BIOGRAPHY: 

Kayla Girgen is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer determined to help women stop dieting, ditch all-or-nothing thinking, and develop healthy habits for life. With technology like CGM, Kayla shows women how to balance their blood sugar and maximize their tools for sustainable success after bariatric surgery.

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.

Are you feeling panicked about holiday eating derailing your bariatric journey? In this episode, we’re joined by Kelly Broadwater, who works closely with bariatric patients and shares her insights on navigating the season confidently. From understanding "BariMath," a tool that helps put indulgent meals into perspective, to tips on recognizing actual hunger cues and staying mindful, Kelly provides practical advice for enjoying holiday celebrations without guilt. Join us as we explore ways to stay on track, make thoughtful food choices, and let go of all-or-nothing thinking this holiday season. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:34] Kelly works with patients who have eating disorders
• [4:08] How does BariMath work
• [5:32] Stress can make you spiral out of control. Eating a few meals that are not on your plan over the holidays will not derail you. 
• [7:47] When you eat, focus on how the food will make you feel rather than labeling it as good or bad.
• [11:49] Learn to recognize the difference between hunger cues and other eating urges.
• [12:44] Kelly gives the listener advice on planning and mindful eating 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•  “BariMath" is a helpful tool for bariatric patients to reduce anxiety about holiday eating. By calculating the number of eating opportunities (305) in November and December and comparing it to the handful of meals that might be off-plan (five or six), patients can see that these few indulgent meals are unlikely to derail their progress. This approach helps manage stress.
• Avoid the all-or-nothing thinking with your bariatric eating plan. If you go off-plan for a meal, it’s not a failure—simply focus on making your next meal bariatric-friendly.
• Avoid perfectionism and guilt in bariatric eating. Instead of focusing on strict rules or labeling foods as "good" or "bad," consider how certain foods will make you feel physically.
• During holiday meals, prioritize protein-forward choices and approach indulgent items mindfully. Instead of feeling pressured to eat something immediately, consider taking it home to enjoy on your terms. This approach allows flexibility, removes the urgency to indulge immediately, and supports thoughtful decision-making around food.

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 

GUEST RESOURCES:

BariEDucated - Website

BariEducated - LinkedIn

BariEducated - Facebook

BIOGRAPHY: Kelly Broadwater

Kelly has provided preoperative assessments and postoperative counseling to metabolic and bariatric surgery patients for over 20 years. An expert on eating disorders in the bariatric population, she is passionate about educating others on this topic. She is the co-author of the book BariEDucated, published in 2023.

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..

Do you feel like you might need revision surgery but carry shame, fearing it means you "failed" your original procedure? Dr. Melissa Bagloo of Advent Health joins us to bring insight and encouragement. She’ll walk us through what revisional bariatric surgery is, explaining that sometimes it's necessary—not due to any fault of the patient. Dr. Bagloo also shares how to know if you’re a candidate for a revision and why finding a surgeon you trust is vital. We share our journeys, which include revision surgery, and discuss why it’s essential to understand that obesity is a chronic disease requiring ongoing care. Plus, we explore the challenges of tracking bariatric data and the importance of choosing a highly skilled surgeon. Don’t miss this discussion about whether revisional surgery might be the right step for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:28] This episode is sponsored by Advent Health Central Florida.
• [1:17] Revision surgery is defined as a surgery that comes after your original surgery and is nothing to be ashamed of.
• [4:02] Jason and Natalie share their revision stories.
• [8:03] When patients are too high-risk, revision surgery is often necessary.
• [13:25] There are continual advancements in bariatric surgery.
• [21:09] Getting the proper patient/physician relationship and support from the BariNation Membership Community.
• [23:40] When would a patient know they would benefit from revisional surgery?
• [26:22] Jason and Natalie reveal when they knew they were candidates for revisional surgery.
• [37:10] What to look for in a surgeon.
• [42:49]  Advent Health offers self-pay options if insurance refuses to pay.
• [52:56] How to make connections to Advent Health and take advantage of Special Advent Health Discounted Monthly Member and Join the BariNation Membership community to support your journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Revisional bariatric surgery is sometimes a necessary step, often due to factors beyond the patient’s control. Both patients and providers need to see it as part of a continued journey, not a failure.
• Finding the right surgeon is essential: Patients considering revision surgery should seek a surgeon experienced in various bariatric procedures and with whom they feel comfortable.
• Obesity is a chronic disease. Obesity requires ongoing management and care, and addressing the emotional aspects, such as patient shame, can improve patient experiences and long-term results. The critical point is understanding and accepting that it is a chronic disease. 

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 

GUEST RESOURCES:

Advent Health - Website

Advent Health Joins BariNation to Support and Empower Bariatric Patients - News

Take Advantage of Special Advent Health Discounted Monthly Member

BIOGRAPHY: Melissa Bagloo, MD

Melissa Bagloo, MD, is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Bagloo joined AdventHealth after training and initiating her practice in the northeast. Upon receiving her medical degree from the University of Florida, College of Medicine in Gainesville, FL, Dr. Bagloo went on to complete a general surgery residency at New York University School of Medicine and a minimally invasive and bariatric surgery fellowship at Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

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.

Have you ever wondered if the pouch reset diet is a good idea or too extreme? In today’s episode, Dr. Edmund Chen joins us to break down the myths and misconceptions surrounding pouch reset diets in bariatric surgery. Dr. Chen dives into why quick-fix approaches can be dangerous and emphasizes the importance of building healthy eating habits and staying in touch with your healthcare team. Together, we discuss the goals you should focus on—like non-scale victories and realistic milestones—and why BMI alone doesn’t define your health. This conversation is all about redefining success and staying positive on your journey!

IN THIS EPISODE:

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

RESOURCES:

GUEST RESOURCES:

Texas Center For Surgery - Website

TCBAS BariNation Membership - Website

Dr. Edmund Chen - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Edmund Chen, MD

Dr. Chen is a published researcher, national presenter, and Master da Vinci bariatric surgeon. He first became interested in bariatric surgery while doing metabolic research at the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C., in 2008.

Dr. Chen graduated with honors from Johns Hopkins University with a biology degree and earned his medical degree from Cornell University. He then devoted two years to research at Northwestern University and began his general surgical training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. He graduated from the Duke University Fellowship program for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Dr. Chen is dedicated to performing safe, effective surgery that is individualized for each patient. He is known for delivering the highest level of care with compassion, dignity, and respect for the patient and their family.

He exclusively uses the state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical system to optimize patient outcomes. He performs ultra minimally invasive procedures, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, LAP-BAND, duodenal switch, omega loop, mini gastric bypass, SADI-S, bariatric revisions, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and hernia repairs.

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.

Should you eat carbs or should you not? That is a common question we see not only in BariNation, but also everywhere we look on social media. Today we have Bariatric Registered Dietitian, Andrea Luongo on the show to share the truth about carbs. We discuss what carbs are, what role they serve in our bodies, and which are best for the bariatric journey. She discusses how to utilize different types of carbs and why whole foods are so important. Lastly, she talks about why self talk and self trust are essential when it comes to eating. Tune in, and don’t forget to join us in the BariNation Membership Community or become a Patreon Supporter, where we continue all of our conversations with bonus episodes! 

We are excited to announce that Andrea has joined our panel of experts in BariNation and will be leading monthly nutrition classes! She is such a wealth of knowledge, we cannot wait to hear her first talk.

IN THIS EPISODE:

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

RESOURCES:

GUEST RESOURCES:

Andrea Luongo’s Instagram

Andrea Michelle’s Facebook

Dietitians of Dallas

BIOGRAPHY:

Andrea Luongo is a Registered Dietitian with 16 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings from ICU burn units to hemodialysis centers and currently outpatient Nutrition Counseling. Andrea is the founder of Dietitians of Dallas, a private nutrition practice focusing on preventative health and improving relationships with food. 

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

Can you get all the protein necessary with a plant based diet or is animal protein the best? This is a question that we get in the community, so this week we brought on bariatric registered dietitian and obesity specialist, Jeannie Boyer. Jeannie is super involved in our BariNation Membership, and is such a delight. We discuss why a variety in protein is so important, and what the difference is between plant and animal proteins. Jeannie explains how to ensure you are getting the right protein and what to look for in a supplement. Tune in, and don’t forget to join us in the BariNation Membership Community or become a Patreon Supporter, where we continue all of our conversations with bonus episodes! 

Exciting news for bariatric beginners: every Wednesday in November, Natalie is leading a beginner bariatrics meetup where those who just had surgery, are entering the bariatric realm, or are getting started with their pre-op can come and learn what the journey may look like. Natalie will be sharing some great tips, and success stories to help you ease your mind. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

RESOURCES:

GUEST RESOURCES:

Jeannie’s Website 

Jeannie’s Instagram 

BIOGRAPHY:

Jeannie Boyer is a registered dietitian, board certified specialist in obesity and weight management and a certified provider of Emotional Brain Training. 

Jeannie became a dietitian because she loves food and specialized in bariatrics because she loves people. She has been working in bariatrics for over 20 years across the US and world with people just beginning to think about surgery to folks who had surgery decades ago. She is happiest outside, preferably among mountains, or in the kitchen among a pile of cookbooks. I have a goofy little family and a 75 pound lap-lab named Fennel.

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

Have you heard of intuitive eating and wonder if it’s right for you? Or maybe you’ve tried it and realized it just isn’t working. This week, Kelly Broadwater, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, is on the show to discuss how to make intuitive eating work for bariatric patients, and when the right time is to introduce it on your journey. Kelly talks about why adults struggle with intuitive eating, which just gave us such an ah-ha moment! Tune in to learn how to learn self trust and discover if intuitive eating is right for you. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

RESOURCES:

GUEST RESOURCES:

Be BeriEducated Facebook Page 

BariEducated Instagram 

Be BeriEducated Website 

Intuitive Eating 

BIOGRAPHY:

Kelly has provided preoperative assessments and postoperative counseling to metabolic and bariatric surgery patients for over 20 years. An expert on eating disorders in the bariatric population, she is passionate about educating others on this topic. She is the co-author of the book BariEDucated, published in 2023.

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