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...
Dec 11, 2024•16 min•Ep. 226
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 ...
Dec 04, 2024•33 min•Ep. 225
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...
Nov 27, 2024•14 min•Ep. 224
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 revi...
Nov 20, 2024•55 min•Ep. 223
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...
Nov 13, 2024•14 min•Ep. 222
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 ...
Nov 06, 2024•45 min•Ep. 221
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 an...
Oct 30, 2024•15 min•Ep. 220
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 ...
Oct 23, 2024•52 min•Ep. 219
It can be a challenge to stay motivated when it comes to movement. We all know it’s important, but it seems to be the first thing that goes out the window when our schedules change or things come up. This week, Jason is talking about his movement routine and how he stays motivated. He shares how to create a consistent workout routine and why setting goals for yourself is key to a successful journey. Tune in today for some great tips on creating your own movement routine. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:37] ...
Oct 16, 2024•12 min•Ep. 218
We have another fantastic episode for you this week! We know what it can feel like to experience overwhelm when it comes to exercise and movement after your bariatric surgery, so we brought on JJ Rodriguez, an expert in this space. JJ talks about how to approach a fitness, health and movement routine, what the differences between the three are, and what is going to be most impactful. He describes how to create goals that align with what you are trying to do, and why one person’s fitness routine ...
Oct 09, 2024•51 min•Ep. 217
Have you ever felt the energy of a live retreat? This week, we are talking to Nerissa Stewart, the CEO of Bariatric Society. We hear what the retreat means to her, why she and her partner in life and the Bariatric Society, Chris Stewart, took over the reins and Jason explains why it has been so powerful for him and his wife. LCSW and BariNation Member and Support Group Leader, Katie Booker, then joins the show to share a preview of what to expect at the retreat, and a sneak peak of what the pane...
Oct 02, 2024•15 min•Ep. 216
When you are obese or morbidly obese it can be difficult to get started with a movement or exercise routine. Today we have Dr. Joe Greene on the show to talk about the best forms of exercise, and how to get started. He shares some research done about pre and post op movement, and how to prepare for your surgery and recovery. Tune in for some great tips to uncover the best types of movement for you! IN THIS EPISODE: [2:22] How did Dr. Joe Greene find a love for movement? [4:00] How Dr. Greene hel...
Sep 25, 2024•15 min•Ep. 215
Natalie is officially 4 years post op VSG! As such a key member of our community, Natalie wanted to share her journey across three different surgeries and 4 years post her last surgery. She shares what she has learned and what keeps her going! Tune in to learn what she has been through and how the BariNation Community can help you be successful post op. IN THIS EPISODE: [2:10] Natalie shares her experience of her three bariatric surgeries. [3:58] What is Natalie’s biggest reflection after 4 year...
Sep 18, 2024•13 min•Ep. 214
Have you been trying to figure out how to get back into an exercise routine post surgery and are feeling overwhelmed? Today we are joined by exercise expert, Dr. Renee Rogers to discuss what types of exercise are best post surgery and how to increase your lean muscle tissue that may have been lost after surgery. Dr. Rogers is a wealth of information and she provides excellent clarity about how to determine the best physical activity for yourself, and how to create a realistic plan for your new w...
Sep 11, 2024•45 min•Ep. 213
Does the gym and movement intimidate you? We are here to tell you that with the right support and accountability you can create an amazing movement routine that helps you get strong and healthy. That’s why we have partnered with Busy Bariatrics to offer a 30 day movement challenge. This challenge will offer bodyweight and dumbbell exercises, with an emphasis on walking. Such a great way to beat the fall/winter blues and join a group of people to stay accountable on their journey. Tune in to lear...
Sep 04, 2024•40 min•Ep. 212
Are you wondering when that “lightning bolt moment” is going to hit you that you are 100% ready for surgery? We are here to tell you, that it is ok to go into surgery not feeling 100% about the decision, and that your lightning bolt moment more than likely will come post op. We each share what our moment was and when it came to us. Then we shift gears into a discussion around expectations on your journey and how to manage those expectations when you want to compare your experience to someone els...
Aug 28, 2024•31 min•Ep. 211
Hitting a weight loss plateau after surgery can be so frustrating, but it is a normal part of the journey. This week, we are talking about slow weight loss and how to get through the frustration. We touch on the fact that you may need to get a revision or get adjunct treatment in order to push through the stall, or maybe someone within the community will have advice on what worked for them. The options are limitless, and as long as you keep being curious you’ll discover what works for you. Tune ...
Aug 21, 2024•13 min•Ep. 210
Join us today as April and Melanie celebrate their 5-year surgiversaries with an incredible episode packed with wisdom and inspiration. They'll reveal their top 5 tips, sharing insights on the power of community, navigating the twists and turns of your journey, and embracing honesty about your experiences. Tune in now for amazing tips and inspiring stories! IN THIS EPISODE: [2:32] Melanie introduces herself and shares her story. [4:26] Melanie summarizes what her community groups are all about. ...
Aug 14, 2024•40 min•Ep. 209
Is there a summer BBQ coming up, and you are a bit nervous on how to navigate it? If so, we’ve got you covered in this episode! April and Jason are here to prepare you on how to navigate BBQs and make the best choices for yourself. We cover how to use the opportunity to educate those around you, the three options available to you (in any food situation, not just BBQ’s), and when to say yes and no to foods. Tune in to uncover great tips so you can walk into that BBQ feeling confident in your food...
Aug 07, 2024•16 min•Ep. 208
Do you feel out of control around food, even after you thought you had your eating habits under control? We’ve all been there and many of us continue to struggle with overeating or emotional eating. This week, we brought Dr. Adrienne Youdim on the show to talk about accepting our hunger desire and understanding what it may actually be telling us. She describes what our bodies are experiencing when we reach a stress state and performs an exercise that anyone can use to help calm your mind. She is...
Jul 31, 2024•47 min•Ep. 207
Are you having Bariatric surgery this summer and feeling a little nervous about how you are going to manage recovery? If so, you are in luck! July 25th marks the 5 year anniversary of my (April) surgery (BariNation Co-Founder). I talk about what my experience was like having my vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery over the summer and the actions I had to take to make a full recovery. While this summer you might be feeling it’s not going to be the best summer of your life, I am here to tell you th...
Jul 24, 2024•14 min•Ep. 206
Are you unclear what life might look like after bariatric surgery? Or do you have high expectations that all of your struggles will be cured post-op? In our bariatric support group meetings, we often have people with unclear expectations, or even disappointment when it comes to their post-op results. This week, Dr. Mimi Tan joins us while we talk about the most common unrealistic expectations people have, and how to approach surgery in a realistic way. Dr. Tan explains how she prepares her clien...
Jul 17, 2024•37 min•Ep. 205
Do you feel like you are falling off track with your habits and routines now that summer is here? It can feel easy to lose your regular practices when kids are out of school or you are going on vacation, or attending summer BBQs, but there is hope! This week we discuss adapting to new routines during summer and how to make your new schedule successful. We also talk about how you may even find that something new you implement is something you want to continue with well into fall. Tune in to learn...
Jul 10, 2024•12 min•Ep. 204
Are you three to six months past surgery, and finding yourself feeling more hungry? Are you starting to panic? Today we are joined by Dr. Eric Smith and Dr. Sarah Hayek from the Kentucky Bariatric Institute to discuss what is normal when it comes to your hunger cues after recovery. Many people find themselves in a panic that they can suddenly eat more, however throughout this episode you will uncover that it is completely normal and a great sign that you are experiencing hunger and fullness, whi...
Jul 03, 2024•32 min•Ep. 203
Happy Pride Month! On this episode of Bari Nation, we are excited to have BariNation Community Member, Maddie Allen, join the show. Maddie discusses how she found the courage to explore a different way of living when she decided to try dating women. She describes what it was like to explore her sexuality, as well as any fear she had around telling others that she was interested in women. Maddie is now happily married to her wife, and shares what she would like others to know when it comes to sup...
Jun 26, 2024•16 min•Ep. 202
While it may be a newly federally recognized holiday, Juneteenth is not new for those in the African American community. Today, the CEO of Bariatric Society, Nerissa Stewart joins the show to talk about Juneteenth, the importance of the holiday, where some of the traditions come from, and how the day is celebrated within black communities. We encourage you to listen to this episode to learn more about a day that celebrates freedom. Comment “Juneteenth” below, and we will DM you links to the Bari...
Jun 19, 2024•16 min•Ep. 201
We cannot believe we have made it to our 200th episode! Come celebrate by getting a peak into a BariNation Community Member meeting. This is a safe place for our community members to share their wins, struggles, and goals with likeminded people. During this episode, you will hear from several of our BariNation members, with a focus on self love and self talk throughout your bariatric journey. You’ll understand why having a support system is so important after bariatric surgery. Tune in today to ...
Jun 12, 2024•44 min•Ep. 200
Welcome to the very first professionally produced episode of the BariNation Podcast! Your hosts, April Williams, Jason Smith, and Natalie Tierney, are thrilled to embark on this journey with you. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Pesta, a renowned expert in bariatrics. Dr. Pesta starts the discussion by sharing the critical markers of obesity. He then delves into the various preliminary approaches to overcoming the disease of obesity, including bariatric surgery. He also...
Jun 05, 2024•43 min•Ep. 199
Do you think about food often? Are there constant food-related thoughts racing through your brain every day? This constant chatter centered around food has been dubbed “food noise,” and it seems to be a topic of great discussion lately, but for good reason. For decades, people fighting the disease of obesity knew what it was because they experienced it constantly, we just never had a term for it, and we just didn’t know it was something other people experienced. Obesity is an isolating disease, ...
May 29, 2024•53 min•Ep. 198
Is there a right time to have bariatric surgery? We always hear this question from BariNation Members, our friends, and followers. Undergoing bariatric surgery requires months to prepare for your procedure and can require a few months of recovery. The process often involves our friends and family and significantly disrupts our daily lives. Many of us will take extended time off work to recoup, and arrangements must be made for the humans we care for. There is a lot that goes into planning and pr...
May 22, 2024•25 min•Ep. 197
