Have you ever felt like no one truly understands what you're going through on your bariatric journey? What if the missing piece to your success isn’t more willpower but an actual, supportive community that gets it?

In this episode, a familiar face and voice to the BariNation Podcast, licensed therapist and obesity medicine coach Lora Grabow, joins us as we celebrate the fourth anniversary of our first podcast together and reflect on just how far we’ve come. Lora shares her connection to BariNation, and we dive deep into the power of live, professional-led support groups. These groups are more than just a place to talk—they’re where we learn how to practice life after bariatric surgery. From navigating emotional eating to building confidence in maintenance, this episode reminds us that community isn’t a bonus—it’s part of the treatment. Plus, don’t miss an exciting announcement about how you can qualify for a discounted membership to the BariNation Community.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and intoduction
• (00:36) April and Lora talk about the fourth anniversary of their first podcast
• (01:52) Lora shares her story of connection to BariNation
• (03:26) April discusses the different support groups  
• (05:12) Lora explains the importance of community after bariatric surgery 
• (11:12) April announces that if you work with Lora, you are eligible for a discounted membership
• (14:11) Visit BariNation Community to join a group of patients that will empower your wellness journey 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Bariatric patients thrive when they’re surrounded by others who understand the journey. While individual therapy and medical advice are crucial, nothing compares to the support, empathy, and shared experience of being in a live, safe, and emotionally supportive group setting. Community is not just helpful—it’s treatment.
• Support groups led by experienced professionals offer patients a unique space to work through challenges, celebrate wins, and practice emotional growth in real time. These groups go beyond general advice—they allow members to “practice the how” of bariatric life by engaging with peers and receiving expert feedback when needed.
• Much of the support offered focuses on the key transitional points in the bariatric journey: pre-op, post-op, maintenance, emotional eating, and everything in between. ​

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!    

GUEST RESOURCES:

Lora Grabow, LMSW -Website 

Lora Grabow, LMSW - Instagram

Lora Grabow, LMSW - Facebook

BIOGRAPHY: 

Lora Grabow, LMSW, is an obesity medicine therapist, coach, and professional speaker with over 20 years of experience working with obesity medicine patients. 

Lora helps patients discover the missing piece of their treatment plan: A piece she calls Headwork™. She owns a thriving private practice, which serves patients affected by the disease of obesity. Her expertise includes providing individual therapy and 1:1 coaching, facilitating support groups, and engaging patients in her online course, Foundations in Headwork for Healthy Weight Loss. She is an active leader of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. (ASMBS) She is a sought-after podcast guest and speaker at national provider and patient obesity medicine conferences.  

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.

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