The BariNation Foundation Podcast

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 b...

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...

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. Fro...

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—spe...

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....

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 addict...

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. I...

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 insig...

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 emotion...

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 b...

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 b...

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 t...

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...

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 understand...

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 rea...

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 th...

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 thril...

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 an...

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...

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...

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...

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 fo...

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...

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...

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 be...