Ever wondered why your cravings seem unstoppable despite your best efforts? At BariNation, we’re peeling back the layers on ultra-processed foods to help our bariatric community make informed choices for gut health and lasting wellness.

We’re joined by Dr. Eric Smith of the Kentucky Bariatric Institute, who breaks down the science behind food addiction, the deceptive allure of hyper-palatable products, and why whole foods are key to silencing food noise. Discover actionable steps and resources like Food Fight USA to transform your approach to obesity treatment.

Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month!  You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time donation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:20) Dr. Smith advocates for whole foods and how ultra-processed foods derail patients' efforts
• (06:56) Big Tobacco’s strategies influenced hyper-palatable food production, creating food addiction through ultra-processed foods
• (14:30) Example of a grilled chicken patty with 47 ingredients illustrates the hidden complexity of ultra-processed foods
• (21:00) Discussion of the Blue Zone and discussion of food noise and chemical noise
• (38:15) Dr. Smith gives an example of an addictive drink and how to overcome it
• (44:42) Discussion on balancing protein goals with whole foods to reduce obsession with macronutrients 
• (51:15) Critique of SNAP programs providing non-nutritional items like soda, which lack nutritional value 
• (54:25) Trying a diet of 80% whole foods for a month to assess improvements in gut health

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Ultra-processed foods contribute significantly to food addiction and food noise, making it harder for individuals, especially in the bariatric community, to maintain a healthy diet, as they are designed to be hyperpalatable and trigger cravings.
• Focusing on whole foods with single ingredients is a sustainable approach to achieving nutritional value and supporting long-term gut health. 
• Educating oneself about food sources, as advocated by Food Fight USA, empowers individuals to make informed choices, reducing reliance on artificial sweeteners and addressing systemic issues like the Farm Bill to combat obesity treatment challenges.

RESOURCES:

•  BariNation Website
• Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time donation.
• BariNation - Email

GUEST RESOURCES:  

Kentucky Bariatric Institute

Dr. Eric Smith - Instagram

Food Fight USA - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Eric F. Smith, DO, FASMBS, CAQ-MBS

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.

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!  

Welcome to the BariNation Podcast, where summer sparks a choice: hide indoors, caught up in body image struggles, or embrace the sun with confidence? Today, we explore body neutrality, a powerful approach to move beyond negative self-talk and live fully in your bariatric journey. 

This week, we are taking a deep dive into the concept of body neutrality, exploring eye-opening statistics about body image and sharing personal stories from our bariatric journey. Whether you’re embracing body acceptance or working through negative self-talk, this episode is packed with insights to help you live joyfully in your summer body. Join our vibrant bariatric community today and dive into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment! At BariNation, we’re here to support you with humor, humility, and honesty as you navigate your bariatric life.

Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month!  You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time donation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:15) - Introduction to bariatric community support, emphasizing a safe space for personal wellness and inspiration for a bariatric life
• (01:30) - Discussion on body neutrality and body positivity on your bariatric journey
• (03:00) - National Eating Disorders Association; 5 Steps to Body Neutrality article, defines “body neutrality” as not hating or loving your body, but having a neutral perspective 
• (03:32) - Shocking statistic that 97% of women have a daily “I hate my body” moment
• (06:45) - Strategies for achieving body neutrality, including physical awareness and catching negative thoughts to improve personal wellness
• (11:45) - Emphasis on shifting from negative self-talk to body acceptance, making it easier to find joy and live fully in the bariatric life
• (13:27) Join the BariNation Community to receive the support you deserve

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Body neutrality is about accepting your body as it is, without hating or loving it, and helping those on a bariatric journey move away from negative self-talk.
• Over 90% of women dislike their bodies, but success lies in accepting body neutrality and embracing the summer months in your vessel, your body.
• Practical steps, such as recognizing and reframing negative thoughts, focusing on what you can’t change immediately, and engaging in joyful activities, can foster personal wellness and body neutrality.

RESOURCES:

• BariNation Website 
• BariNation - Email
• 5-steps-Body Neutrality

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!  

Have you ever wondered how hormones affect your health and contribute to weight gain, obesity and a host of health conditions? Are you ready to break free from the isolation of obesity and tap into the power of community? Want to feel hopeful, inspired, and empowered on your bariatric journey? Today, we’re joined by Dr. Priya Jaisinghani, a triple-board-certified specialist in internal medicine, endocrinology, and obesity medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, trained at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell. Dr. Jaisinghani discusses obesity from a holistic perspective, exploring hormonal changes, weight management, and the importance of individualized lifestyle prescriptions to empower your health 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 donation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (04:51) Dr. Jaisinghani explains her triple board certification in internal medicine, endocrinology, and obesity medicine
• (12:30) Weight bias, seeking weight management and the importance of choosing providers with obesity medicine expertise
• (24:29) Hormones and how other life changes are interrelated, impacting emotional, physical, and mental health
• (30:39) Setting small, achievable lifestyle goals to aid in your bariatric journey
• (43:15) The body is constantly aging and changing, impacting weight management strategies
• (48:15) The basic tenets of health and advice that Dr. Jaisinghani gives patients in the BariNation Community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Obesity often thrives in isolation and shame. Weight management support groups, such as the BariNation Community and shared experiences reduce stigma, foster empowerment, and make recovery more achievable through community.
• Hormonal changes, such as menopause, can impact weight loss. Understanding these shifts as natural, rather than personal failure, allows for strategic and guided adjustments to support long-term health.
• Broad advice can feel overwhelming, but small, personalized goals—like simple exercises or gradual changes—build confidence and create sustainable habits worth celebrating.

RESOURCES:

• BariNation Website 
• Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month!  You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one time donation.
• BariNation - Email

GUEST RESOURCES:

Priya Jaisinghani, MD, DABOM (@priya_jaisinghani)

Dr. Priya Jaisinghani - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY: 

Dr. Priya Jaisinghani is an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist, as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where she brings expertise shaped by her training at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. She plays an active role in the Tristate Obesity Society and Obesity Action Coalition. Her work has been featured in major outlets including ABC News, the Today Show, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

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!  

Are you ready to confront the shame and stigma surrounding obesity? Want to join a community that empowers your bariatric journey? 

In this episode, straight from the ASMBS conference in Washington, DC, we unpack the Mason Lecture’s powerful insights on easing shame and stigma in obesity care. We delve into how these barriers hinder treatment, fuel weight regain, and even originate from medical providers, while highlighting how our patient community inspires us to overcome these challenges. 

Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month!  You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time donation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:45) The significance of the Mason Lecture and its focus, and how stigma comes from society, family, and medical providers.
• (02:45) Research shows that shame and stigma can lead to weight recurrence 
• (06:45) Patients are often more stigmatized after choosing obesity treatment
• (08:00) Emphasis on how peer support and patient community are essential tools for healing and overcoming shame
• (09:15) Research validates patient experiences with shame and stigma
• (13:10) Join the BariNation Community to receive the support you deserve

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Shame and stigma—especially from medical providers—are significant barriers to obesity treatment. Patients with obesity face both internal and external shame that not only discourages them from seeking care but can also increase the risk of weight regain after treatment. Research shows that a significant portion of this stigma originates from the very healthcare professionals meant to support them.
• Obesity treatment can ironically increase stigma. Even after choosing medical or surgical intervention, patients often feel greater judgment and isolation, leading many to keep their treatment decisions secret. The societal narrative shifts from blaming people for their weight to blaming them for how they address it, making shame a persistent issue regardless of treatment status.
•  While systemic changes in research, policy, and provider education are crucial, the most immediate and effective support comes from community connection. Sharing experiences with others who understand the journey helps reduce the power of shame, fosters acceptance, and creates a space where patients can truly feel seen and supported.

RESOURCES:

• BariNation Website 
• BariNation - Email

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!  

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 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
• 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!    

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!  

Have you ever wondered what happens when bariatric surgery doesn’t go as planned—or when life throws new challenges your way after weight loss? In this episode, April, Natalie, and Jason openly discuss the realities of obesity, the emotional toll of weight recurrence, and the hope that revisional surgery can bring. Together, they explore how bariatric surgery is not a one-and-done solution, but rather a lifelong medical tool in the treatment of obesity. If you or someone you know is facing the possibility of revisional surgery, this empowering conversation will remind you that you are not alone—and that obesity is a disease, not a personal failure.

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!  You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one time donation. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:29) April announces their panel at ASMBS focused on lifting shame and stigma around revisional surgery
• (01:49) Natalie shares how losing over 150 pounds after revisional surgery transformed her life
• (05:59) Three ways to reduce the obesity stigma: build trust, offer peer support, and provide ongoing education
• (09:42) Jason discusses weight recurrence as a valid medical reason for revision 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Revisional surgery can be life-changing and profoundly empowering. Both Jason and Natalie shared how overcoming shame and stigma around having a second or third bariatric procedure opened doors to a fuller life, including travel, physical activity, and self-confidence. These benefits came after initial procedures failed, showing that it's never too late to reclaim your health.
• Shame and stigma remain major barriers to revisional care. Many patients internalize the failure of a previous surgery as personal failure. Still, weight regain or complications are often due to the chronic nature of the disease of obesity, not personal shortcomings. Honest conversations with compassionate practitioners can break through these emotional barriers.
• Patients need supportive practitioners and community — lifting shame and stigma takes a team. Surgeons who listen, educate, and normalize revisional options play a crucial role in patient success, and platforms like BariNation help amplify those voices.

RESOURCES:

• BariNation Website 
• 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!  You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one time donation. 

BariNation - Email

ASMBS - 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.

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 bariatric patients could shift the narrative around obesity from shame and blame to biology and treatment? 

Today, Dr. Ann Rogers, the current president of the ASMBS, joins us again to help us break down the stigma of obesity, challenge outdated measures like BMI, and openly discuss the truth: obesity is a disease, not a personal failure. This episode is your call to action—start the process, seek support, and share your story to empower others on their 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 low as $5 per month!   

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:42) Dr. Rogers shares her background and discusses the mission of ending the stigma of obesity
• (04:06) Past ASMBS President Dr. LaMasters believes everyone is deserving of treatment
• (07:01) Is obesity a disease, and takeaways from the Obesity Summit
• (12:02) Dr. Rogers references President elect Dr. Richard Peterson comments about there being essentially no training on obesity in medical school
• (17:25) Getting beyond the concept of BMI and other associated medical problems
• (31:48) It is essential to educate yourself about the disease of obesity and the ramifications that are not weight-related
• (35:50) Stick with it, be your advocate, make the appointment with a provider and share your story

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Obesity is a complex, chronic condition that warrants medical treatment, yet stigma remains a significant barrier to care. Many still view obesity as the result of poor personal choices rather than understanding the biological, psychological, and societal factors involved. 
• Improving obesity care requires collaboration among healthcare providers across specialties, including surgery, primary care, endocrinology, and more. Unified efforts are needed to enhance education, expand access to care, and prioritize compassionate communication. 
• BMI alone does not accurately capture an individual’s health status. Alternative diagnostic tools—such as waist circumference, DEXA scans, and assessments of visceral fat—offer a more complete picture. These methods aim to identify obesity-related health risks better and move away from outdated, one-size-fits-all metrics.

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 the BariNation community to get more and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month!    

OTHER RESOURCES: 

BariNation - Email

GUEST RESOURCES:

Ep 234 - ASMBS President Dr. Ann Rogers Has a Mission: Ending Stigma and Shame in Obesity and Bariatric Treatment 

Ep. 250 - Individualized & Innovative Approaches to Diagnosing and Treating Obesity 

ASMBS - Website

Dr. Ann Rogers - Email

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission Report

BIOGRAPHY: 

Dr. Rogers is the Director of the Penn State Health Surgical Weight Loss Programs. She is currently serving as the President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery  (ASMBS), with her term concluding in June 2025 at the National ASMBS Conference in Washington, D.C.

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.

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!  

Are you still relying on the scale to measure your health? Have you ever wondered what your body is made of?

Today, we’re exploring a topic that’s revolutionizing the way we approach weight loss, fitness, and long-term health: body composition. What is it? Why does it matter? And where do we even begin?

Dr. Nina Crowley, a clinical expert in bariatric care and weight management, discusses what body composition reveals, beyond just the pounds on a scale. She explains how bioimpedance technology works, why BMI isn't the whole story, and how understanding your muscle mass and fat mass can completely change your approach to health.

Whether you’re newly post-op, years into your journey, or just getting curious about what’s under the surface, this conversation is for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (01:01) Dr. Crowley shares her professional bariatric and weight loss background
• (03:12) Discussion of body composition, muscle mass, and fat mass and bioimpedance technology and analysis explained
• (09:15) Why it is critical to know your body composition and the limitations of using BMI as a health metric 
• (13:30) Why some providers hesitate to use body composition tools and how to overcome those barriers.
• (17:58) Dr. Crowley shares how to work toward your goals once you have the data

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Dr. Nina Crowley emphasizes that traditional weight measurements, such as stepping on a scale, only tell part of the story. Body composition analysis reveals what the body is made of—primarily fat mass versus fat-free mass (including muscle, bone, and water). This deeper understanding enables patients to make more informed decisions about their health and wellness, particularly during the aging process or following bariatric surgery.
• Crowley explains how bioimpedance analysis offers quick, reliable, and clinically validated results on fat and muscle mass by sending a low electrical current through the body. It provides a point-of-care tool for clinicians and patients to receive meaningful data in under a minute, enabling more effective, real-time conversations about health goals.
• Understanding internal health drives better lifestyle choices. This data empowers individuals to focus more on nutrition, movement, and aging-related health concerns, rather than obsessing over a single number on the scale.

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 https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast to get more and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month!    

OTHER RESOURCES: 

BariNation - Email

GUEST RESOURCES:

Dr. Nina Crowley LinkedIn

seca website

Beyond BMI: Understanding Body Composition & Obesity YouTube Video

https://secambca.com/ask-your-provider-to-offer-body-composition-analysis/

https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/all-about-body-composition/

BIOGRAPHY: 

Nina Crowley, PhD, RD, is a nationally recognized expert in obesity care and a longtime advocate for patient-centered communication and access to treatment. She began her career as a bariatric dietitian and led the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program at the Medical University of South Carolina. Nina now serves as Director of Clinical Education and Partnerships at seca. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Obesity Action Coalition, advancing education, advocacy, and the use of body composition to support individualized care beyond the scale.

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!  

Have you ever wondered if you're getting the correct diagnosis regarding your weight?

What if the number on the scale or your BMI doesn’t tell the whole story about your health?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jaime Ponce, President and Medical Director of the Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga, for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about how obesity is diagnosed, why BMI is outdated, and how we can approach treatment more effectively and compassionately.

We talk through how obesity is a complex, chronic disease—not just a matter of willpower or size—and how you can be overweight without technically having a diagnosis of obesity. But here’s the truth: excess weight can still impact your health. It’s not something to brush off or wait to treat. Dr. Ponce explains that conditions like preclinical obesity—when the damage is starting even before a formal diagnosis—can be just as serious and deserve clinical attention. If you’ve tried to lose weight for years or decades with no lasting success, you’ll walk away from this episode with one clear message: this is not your fault, and more effective and personalized treatment options exist. Let this conversation be the start of your transformation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and introduction
• (00:55) Dr. Ponce shares his professional journey and discusses obesity rates worldwide
• (08:32) Discussion of the disease called obesity, and BMI is not a good indicator of obesity
• (15:01) Identifying obesity, overweight, and preclinical obesity
• (25:21) Quality of life is a part of clinical obesity, and a thorough evaluation with your doctor
• (37:20) The healthcare system doesn’t recognize obesity for what it is
• (39:53) Time to spread the word—bariatric surgery changes lives.
• (49:30) Dr. Ponce advises anyone considering bariatric surgery

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• You don’t need an official obesity diagnosis to take excess weight seriously—any amount can affect your health, even as outdated views still delay proper treatment.
• Obesity is a complex, individualized disease that requires tailored treatment approaches — not every person with obesity has the same internal damage or health risks.
• Managing obesity is a lifelong process, not a one-time fix — even after initial success with surgery or medication, the disease can persist or recur.
• Stigma and fear often keep people from seeking obesity treatment, but real patient stories are powerful tools to raise awareness and break down those barriers.

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 https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast to get more and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month!    

OTHER RESOURCES: 

Patient Case Study Graphic 1

Patient Case Study Graphic 2

BariNation - Email

GUEST RESOURCES:

Jaime Ponce MD (@JaimePonceMD) / X

Jaime Ponce, MD - President - Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga PLLC | LinkedIn

Dr. Jaime Ponce - Instagram

Dr. Jaime Ponce - Facebook

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Obesity Action Coalition

Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga

BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Jaime Ponce

Past-President of the ASMBS (2012-2013), honored with the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award (2023), now President and Medical Director of the Weight Loss Center of Chattanooga 

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!  

Have you ever wondered if eating just 1200 calories a day could be the key to success after bariatric surgery? 

In this episode, we dive into this burning question with our guest, Kayla Girgen, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer. Join us as we explore the truth behind obesity management and calorie-restricted diets. Kayla tackles whether 1,200 calories a day is sustainable for bariatric patients, and we break down the science of calories, energy, and resting metabolic rate, revealing how your body uses fuel. She also uncovers the hidden dangers of diets that are too calorie-restricted, from mental strain to metabolic slowdowns. Finally, we discuss whether the marketing of packaged foods misleads us into thinking we’re eating healthy. With the support of our BariNation Community, this episode debunks calorie myths, empowers you with personalized nutrition strategies, and highlights the mental and physical impacts of low-calorie diets. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and introduction
• (01:13) Kayla answers the big question: Can I just eat 1,200 calories a day for the rest of my life and be successful?
• (03:38) Discussion of calories, energy and resting metabolic rate
• (06:39) Kayla talks about the dangers of a diet that is too calorie-restricted
• (08:54) Does marketing of packaged foods mislead the consumer to believe they are eating healthy in their journey of obesity management
• (09:59) Kayla advises where to start to determine the correct amount of calories for you

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• A 1,200-calorie restricted diet approach often fails. Kayla offers insights into how the body’s metabolism and the disease of obesity complicate calorie management, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating post-surgery nutrition.
• There are practical ways to manage obesity, like focusing on protein to curb hunger and using tools like resting metabolic rate testing to understand and meet unique caloric needs. The episode provides actionable steps to combat the disease of obesity effectively.
• Extreme calorie restriction has hidden dangers, from mental stress and grazing habits to metabolic slowdowns that can stall weight loss. This episode offers a balanced perspective on achieving sustainable health.

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
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GUEST RESOURCES:

Ep. 225 - Slider Foods and Blood Sugar: Managing the Roller Coaster Effect with Kayla Girgen

Kayla Girgen - Instagram

Kayla Girgen - 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 tool for sustainable success after bariatric surgery. 

ABOUT:

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