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-Presbyteri...
Jul 09, 2025•59 min•Ep. 256
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 ...
Jul 02, 2025•14 min•Ep. 255
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 critica...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 254
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 p...
Jun 18, 2025•16 min•Ep. 253
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 Ann Rogers, the current president of the ASMBS, joins us again to help us break down the stigma of obesity, challenge outdated measures like BMI, and openly discuss the truth: obesity is a disease, not a personal failure.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 ...
Jun 11, 2025•40 min•Ep. 252
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 w...
Jun 04, 2025•21 min•Ep. 251
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 i...
May 28, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 250
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, rev...
May 21, 2025•14 min•Ep. 249
Have you ever wondered if you're truly ready—mentally and emotionally—for bariatric surgery? Or how much support matters throughout your bariatric journey? In this episode of the BariNation Podcast, we talk with Dr. Kati Duncan, a licensed psychologist and owner of Assessment & Therapy Associates (ATA). We explore how the pre-op evaluation is a tool for success, not a barrier, and why working with a therapist who understands bariatric life makes all the difference. We also dive into emotiona...
May 14, 2025•58 min•Ep. 248
Could bariatric surgery change your life? Do you wish you had a community to support you on your weight loss journey? On today’s episode of the BariNation podcast, we’re honored to introduce you to Dr. Sachin Kukreja, a new BariNation practice partner and the director of DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery. Dr. Kukreja shares how he discovered the life-changing power of bariatric surgery, explains why he believes obesity is a disease that deserves long-term care, and discusses the importance of f...
May 07, 2025•14 min•Ep. 247
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 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 ...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 246
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 BariNati...
Apr 23, 2025•15 min•Ep. 245
Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly embrace movement as a lifestyle, not just an obligation? In this episode of BariNation, April speaks with longtime bariatric friend, Casey Kilduff, whose journey as a runner is nothing short of inspiring. Casey opens up about the determination it took to run after bariatric surgery, how she had to adapt her training and nutrition to fit her new body, and why movement—no matter what form it takes—is deeply personal. They talk about consistency, findin...
Apr 16, 2025•45 min•Ep. 244
What if just a few minutes each day could transform your wellness journey? In this episode, we dive into the impact of the 100-Day Pillars Challenge and how BariNation members embraced the four key pillars—movement, mindset, metabolic wellness, and community. The members share their takeaways, from small daily habits that created lasting change to the surprising insights that reshaped their approach to health. Whether learning about gut health, rethinking nutrition, or finding sustainable ways t...
Apr 09, 2025•20 min•Ep. 243
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real impact in the fight for obesity care and bariatric surgery access, this episode is for you. We are thrilled to host Dr. Renee Hilton to explore the power of bariatric surgery advocacy—what it takes to push for policy change, how mentorship plays a critical role, and why patient stories are the key to breaking down the stigma surrounding obesity. From the challenges of insurance coverage to the growing conversation around GLP-1 medications, this discussi...
Apr 02, 2025•59 min•Ep. 242
Have you ever felt your body isn’t keeping up with your favorite workouts? Movement must evolve as we recover from injury, or are getting started with a movement routine; finding the proper exercise can make all the difference. In this episode, we dive into the journey of adapting fitness routines to support long-term health. Our guest, Melanie Lindell, shares what she’s learned about movement—specifically how swimming can be a powerful, whole body workout that strengthens the body and provides ...
Mar 26, 2025•12 min•Ep. 241
What makes AdventHealth's approach to bariatric care different, and how are they setting patients up for long-term success? In this special episode, BariNation is hitting the road and recording in a professional broadcast studio! Join hosts Jason, Natalie and Sarah as they sit down for this special episode, recorded live at AdventHealth in Central Florida. They’re joined by two expert guests, Dr. Melissa Bagloo and Dr. Shiva Seetahal, to dive deep into the bariatric patient process and the holis...
Mar 19, 2025•47 min•Ep. 240
Have you ever overcome one addiction only to find yourself struggling with another compulsive behavior? Welcome to another episode of the BariNation Podcast! We know that after bariatric surgery, many of us experience profound changes—not just in our bodies, but in our relationships with food, alcohol, shopping, and other behaviors. That’s why we’re diving into the topic of process/transfer addiction with addiction therapist Sarah Smith. Together, we explore how addiction can evolve after surger...
Mar 12, 2025•15 min•Ep. 239
What if we told you that accessing the proper care for obesity could be more straightforward, supportive, and ultimately more successful than you might think? Welcome to another episode of the BariNation Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Betsy Dovec, founder of BodyByBariatrics, and her right hand, Hannah Schuyler, to discuss how they’re changing the game for bariatric surgery. In this conversation, we dive into why Dr. Dovec opened BodyByBariatrics, how they’re breaking down the bar...
Mar 05, 2025•55 min•Ep. 238
Have you ever felt stuck in your bariatric journey, unsure what to do next? Are you seeking a supportive community that understands life's challenges after surgery? If these questions resonate with you, you won’t want to miss this episode of the BariNation podcast. On the BariNation podcast, we dive deep into the real experiences and challenges of bariatric patients, offering tools and insights to help you on your journey. In this episode, we’re exploring two pivotal concepts—"space and grace" a...
Feb 26, 2025•14 min•Ep. 237
What is it about men and bariatric surgery that makes it such a difficult conversation to have? How can we break the silence and create a space for men to feel comfortable sharing their journeys? In this episode, Jason Smith leads the first Men's Roundtable discussion with guests Kevin Goethe and Corby Jackson. Together, they explore men's unique challenges on their bariatric journeys, the emotional and psychological hurdles, and why it’s hard for men to open up about their experiences. Kevin, a...
Feb 19, 2025•59 min•Ep. 236
Has your body ever let you down? Join us for an inspiring story of overcoming challenges and finding strength in the BariNation community. Today, April is sharing some deeply personal information about her health journey, one that's been marked by both incredible progress and unexpected challenges. She’ll be opening up about her struggles of not being able to carry a child full-term before bariatric surgery, the recent developments with her hormonal medications and menopause diagnosis, and the f...
Feb 12, 2025•14 min•Ep. 235
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 episode of the BariNation podcast, we welcome Dr. Ann Rogers, 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 ...
Feb 05, 2025•47 min•Ep. 234
Have you ever been triggered in a conversation, and your immediate response is fight or flight? What if you could shift your response, improving the quality of your relationships and communication? In this episode of the BariNation podcast, we welcome back Rodolfo Alvarez, a certified mindset coach, engineer, Master of Science and BariNation Membership Community Credentialed Expert, to dive into the art of constructive conversations. Rodolfo explains how to communicate effectively when you're tr...
Jan 29, 2025•12 min•Ep. 233
Have you ever wondered what truly drives change in our lives—especially regarding health? It's not just about the number on the scale but how we feel and the decisions we make when faced with life-changing moments. In this episode of the BariNation podcast, we’re joined by Corby Jackson, who has an inspiring story of transformation, going from weighing 835 pounds to losing 438 pounds. Corby shares the emotional connections we often have with food, how he chose life over addiction, and the import...
Jan 22, 2025•14 min•Ep. 232
In this inspiring second part of our two-part series, we continue the conversation with the incredible Dr. Sarah Hayek, diving deeper into the transformative world of bariatric surgery. As we step into 2025, BariNation is embracing the theme of curiosity. Dr. Hayek is here to empower us with insights, wisdom, and practical advice on how curiosity can reshape our bariatric journeys. From understanding surgical techniques to navigating the evolving landscape of obesity treatment, this episode is p...
Jan 15, 2025•41 min•Ep. 231
Welcome to the BariNation podcast! Today, we're diving into the theme of curiosity—how it shapes our journey, fuels personal growth, and helps us navigate life after bariatric surgery. Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about staying open to new possibilities, exploring uncharted paths, and discovering what works best for you. Our definition of thriving is to progress towards or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances, and curiosity plays a key role in helping us thrive...
Jan 08, 2025•16 min•Ep. 230
Welcome to the first episode of 2025! Our theme for the year is 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 approa...
Jan 01, 2025•53 min•Ep. 229
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 ...
Dec 25, 2024•53 min•Ep. 228
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 new...
Dec 18, 2024•16 min•Ep. 227
