PODCAST · health
The BariNation Foundation Podcast
by April Williams
Welcome to The BariNation Foundation Podcast, where you’ll hear real talk about bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, medical weight loss, metabolic health, weight management, and lifelong obesity care. Whether you're considering bariatric surgery, preparing for weight loss surgery, recovering after surgery, or looking for evidence-based strategies to maintain long-term weight loss, this podcast gives you the education, support, and community you need to succeed.Hosted by members of the bariatric community who are living the journey themselves, The BariNation Foundation Podcast brings together leading bariatric surgeons, obesity medicine physicians, registered dietitians, psychologists, exercise specialists, and real patients to share practical advice, inspiring stories, and the latest research in obesity treatment.Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, and lasting success requires more than a procedure. Every episode explores the science, strategies, and mindset behind sustainable we
Episodes
-
"I Thought It Was the Easy Way Out": A Therapist and His Wife Choose Sleeve Surgery
What does it take to decide on weight loss surgery? Therapist Derek Colvin (@giant_therapist) and his wife Sheena share how they each chose sleeve gastrectomy, recorded just two days before their surgery together. Derek is a former basketball player, six foot ten, and a licensed therapist. After...
-
The Power of Movement: Hope Molecules, Joy & Healing with Dr. Kelly McGonigal & Charity Guerrero
Movement can be so much more than a way to change your body. In this episode of the BariNation Foundation Podcast, April Williams sits down with psychologist, researcher, and movement expert Dr. Kelly McGonigal and BariNation community member Charity Guerrero to completely rethink the role of...
-
TREO Foundation's Dr. Carlos Galvani: Funding the Future of Obesity Treatment
What does it actually take to fund the future of obesity treatment? On this episode of The BariNation Podcast, host April Williams sits down with Dr. Carlos Galvani, a bariatric surgeon of over two decades and President of the TREO Foundation (Treatment, Research, and Education to end Obesity),...
-
Treatment with Soul: Dr.Monique Hassan M.D. and Jasmine Fernandez
Obesity is a chronic, lifelong disease, not a failure of willpower. In this episode of the BariNation Foundation Podcast, April Williams sits down with bariatric surgeon Dr. Monique Hassan and BariNation community member Jasmine Fernandez to challenge the idea that one tool can treat obesity.…
more -
The Levers of Control Episode 2: Whole Foods Heal Food Noise with Dr. Eric Smith
Bariatric surgeon Dr. Eric Smith joins the BariNation Foundation Podcast to continue the six-part series on the Levers of Control. Today's episode is about the second lever: Whole Food Nutrition. Dr. Eric Smith speaks with April Williams and Melanie Lindell to reveal why whole foods quiet food...
-
Weight Recurrence: Expert Insights with Dr. Saniea Majid
Weight recurrence after bariatric surgery or GLP-1 treatment isn't a personal failure, it's often a natural part of treating the chronic disease of obesity. In this episode of the BariNation Foundation Podcast, April welcomes bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Saniea Majid to...
-
You're Worthy of Treatment: Overcoming Shame, Finding Hope, and Healing Your Relationship with Your Body With Lora Grabow
What if the biggest obstacle to getting the help you need isn't your body, but the belief that you have to earn it? Even therapists struggle with shame, self-doubt, and asking for help. In this episode of the BariNation Foundation Podcast, April sits down with longtime therapist and BariNation...
-
The Levers of Control: Mastering Your Metabolic Health and Weight Management - with Dr. Smith
Episode 287: What if everything you believed about obesity was wrong? Bariatric surgeon Dr. Eric Smith joins the BariNation Foundation Podcast to launch a six-part series on Mastering Metabolic Health and Weight Management. Today's episode is about the first lever: Beyond the Scale...Obesity as a...
-
Summer, Swimsuits, BBQs & Bariatric Life: How to Celebrate Without Losing Ground
Summer is here, and so is every barbecue, pool party, and 4th of July spread your family could throw at you. No judgment. We're gonna talk about all of it. April and Nat are back together for a real one, a summer celebration episode built around the four BariNation pillars: movement, mindset,...
-
Your Metabolism Isn't Broken. Here's What's Actually Going On
Your metabolism is not broken. It just might need a new strategy. If you've had bariatric surgery (or started a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Mounjaro) and you've hit a wall, struggled with cravings, felt like you can't go more than two hours without eating, or watched the scale stop moving...
-
Ep 284: Years Out and Still Learning: The Long Game of Bariatric Life with Jason Smith and Natalie Tierney
Nobody tells you that the hardest part of bariatric surgery isn't the surgery. It's year five, when life is full, and your bariatric brain goes quiet. Jason and Natalie are back for a real, unfiltered catch-up and this one is for every patient who's thought, "I don't even think about it anymore."...
-
Ep 283: How to Find an Obesity Doctor Who Gets You with Dr. Charles Thompson
You've been fighting your weight for years. You've tried everything. And now you're finally ready to find someone who can actually help. Where do you start? Your primary care doctor? The websites that offer you another miracle? Should you do what Serena Williams is doing and see a bot doc? In…
more -
Ep 282: The Not So Secret History of Obesity…Why Here & Now is The Best Time to Seek Treatment with Dr. Nini Peterson, PhD
“We are built for scarcity, not abundance.” Most people think obesity is simply about willpower or lifestyle choices, yet its history reveals a long tradition of misconceptions, stigma, and ineffective, somewhat barbaric treatments. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Nini Peterson, PhD, takes us on…
more -
Dr. Rachel Goldman, Ph.D. | When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence and Break Free
Clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman, PhD joins BariNation hosts April Williams and Jason Smith to discuss the psychological and behavioral tools every person needs to navigate life's hardest moments, especially those living with the chronic disease of obesity. Drawing from her new book When...
-
Ep 280: Aimee Rothe, Bariatric Nurse and Patient, Talks Breaking Points and the Wild Ride of Obesity Treatment
In this engaging conversation, Aimee Rothe, a board-certified bariatric nurse and post-op bariatric patient, shares her journey from being a medical provider who sought treatment for her obesity after a harrowing experience with a patient, when she was over 400 lbs, to being a provider in the…
more -
Ep 279- The Connected Journey: Mind, Body, and Bariatrics with Katie Booker LCSW
The BariNation Podcast is a production of the BariNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that advances metabolic wellness for people living with obesity by providing evidence-based education, stigma-free support, and meaningful connections in the moments that shape daily life. The Foundation's...
-
The Power of Representation and Advocating for Yourself and Each Other in Obesity Care with Monique Coleman, Ep 278
The BariNation Foundation The BariNation Podcast is a production of the BariNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that advances metabolic wellness for people living with obesity by providing evidence-based education, stigma-free support, and meaningful connections in the moments that shape daily...
-
Ep 277- Introducing the BariNation Foundation: On a Mission Driven With Visions of Hope, Education and Building Bridges to Obesity Care
Today changes everything. In this special episode of the BariNation Podcast, we officially announce the launch of the BariNation Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people fighting the chronic disease of obesity. Founded by patients, built…
more -
Ep 276: Adding Weight to Maximize Metabolic Wellness with RuckFit Author Kayla Girgen
Have you ever worked so hard to lose weight, only to feel frozen at the idea of intentionally putting weight back on your body? You’re not alone. And this episode is for you. In this BariNation Podcast episode, we sit down with Kayla Girgen, RD, LD, CPT, registered dietitian, personal trainer…
more -
Ep 275 - Metabolic Health Institute Insights: Understanding Metabolism & Whole Person Obesity Treatment with Advent Health Central Florida’s Dr. Damon Tanton
Metabolic health is more than weight loss—it's about addressing the root causes of obesity as a disease. Today’s episode is sponsored by AdventHealth and we were excited to sit down with Dr. Damon Tanton, Executive Medical Director of AdventHealth Central Florida's Metabolic Health Institute, to...
-
ENCORE: Live at AdventHealth Central Florida: Transforming Lives Through Whole-Person Bariatric Care
If you’ve ever felt confused, discouraged, or even ashamed about your weight—especially if you’ve tried “everything” and it still feels difficult—this conversation will change how you understand your body and your journey. In this encore episode, recorded live at AdventHealth, bariatric and...
-
Ep 274: Transformation Isn’t What You Think It Is (And That’s Why It’s So Hard)
What if the reason change feels so hard isn’t because you’re failing… …but because you’re finally doing it right? In this first episode of 2026, April, Jason, and Natalie gently but firmly dismantle one of the biggest lies in the bariatric space: that transformation is something you can plan,...
-
ENCORE - Metabolic Adaptation and How Obesity Disease Management Is Like Mowing the Lawn with Carah Horn
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 revisited episode, we explore the truth about obesity as a chronic disease and how we can shift the narrative to one of...
-
The Weight of Memory: Experiencing Weight Recurrence in an Obesity Simulation Suit | Ep 273
Bariatric surgery patients often face intense fear about weight recurrence, but understanding obesity as a chronic disease can transform the healing journey. In this BariNation episode, we explore what happens when therapist and bariatric patient Melanie Lindell wears a simulation suit that...
-
ENCORE - No One Left Behind: New ASMBS President Dr. Richard Peterson’s Mission For the Future Of Obesity Care & Treatment
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 revisited episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard Peterson, the newly elected president of the...
-
Obesity is Not Your Fault But It's Your Fight With Dr. Faiz Shariff | Ep 272
Obesity is not your fault—but it is your fight. In this powerful BariNation episode, we welcome Dr. Faiz Shariff, renowned Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Medicine physician, who breaks down the science proving obesity is a genetic disease, not a personal failure. Dr. Shariff explains how 70% of...
-
Understanding The Whys of Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery/GLP1’s and The Hows Of Regrowith With Dr. Ed Chen | Ep 271
Hair loss after bariatric surgery, or while on GLP-1 medications, is a common issue among patients, but it doesn't have to be permanent. In this BariNation episode, we welcome back Dr. Edmund Chen to discuss why hair loss after bariatric surgery occurs and what you can do about it. Dr. Chen...
-
ENCORE - Past ASMBS President Dr. Ann Rogers Has a Mission: Ending Stigma and Shame in Obesity and Bariatric Treatment
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 revisited episode of the BariNation podcast, we welcome Dr. Ann Rogers, past Bariatric Surgeon and...
-
Kellie Armstrong Is Building Bridges For An Integrated Health Approach to Bariatric Care
Bariatric support programs are key to long-term success. In this episode of BariNation, Kellie Armstrong, RN and Integrated Health Director at ASMBS, shares insights from her 20-year journey as both a bariatric patient and healthcare leader. She discusses the evolution of obesity medicine, the...
-
ENCORE - Relentless Curiosity: Transforming Lives Through Bariatric Surgery with Dr. Sarah Hayek - Part One
In this revisited episode, we look back at the theme for 2025, 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…
more -
BariNation Stories: Beginner Bariatric Meetup’s Role in Navigating Post Op Challenges & Success | Ep 269
Bariatric support groups provide an essential community for weight loss surgery patients. Today, we welcome Jonathan Cleveland to the BariNation Podcast to discuss his transformative experience just two months after VSG surgery. Jonathan shares how the BariNation community helped him navigate...
-
ENCORE: Bariatric Success Redefined: How Curiosity Fuels Thriving
In this revisited episode, 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...
-
Building Your Bariatric and Obesity Care Dream Team With Heidi Bednarchuk: An Integrated Health Approach | Ep 268
What are the advantages of a bariatric surgery care team? Today, you will discover the vital role of an integrated health team in bariatric surgery. On this episode of the BariNation podcast, we are thrilled to interview Heidi Bednarchuk, exploring why a cohesive bariatric surgery care team is…
more -
ENCORE: BariNation Support Essentials: Giving Yourself Some Space & Grace to Pause & Pivot | Ep 237
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. In this re-release episode, we...
-
Vitamin B1: It’s For Your Brain…The Importance Of Supplementation When Having Bariatric Surgery or Starting GLP1’s with Dr. Emma Patterson | Ep 267
Have you had or are you preparing for bariatric surgery or starting GLP1’s and wondering how to avoid nutritional deficiencies? Do you know what Wernicke’s encephalopathy is and how easy it is to prevent and treat it? Tune in to this episode of the BariNation podcast to uncover critical insights!...
-
Inclusivity In Obesity Care with Dr. Maria Brown: Building Safe Healthcare Spaces | Ep 266
Are you searching for a bariatric surgeon who truly understands the importance of lifelong support? Do you want to know how inclusive healthcare can transform your bariatric journey? Then you don’t want to miss this conversation because it may completely change how you think about your options…
more -
Weight Recurrence Uncovered: Dr. Saniea Majid’s Guide to Chronic Disease Care | EP 265
Have you experienced weight recurrence after bariatric surgery, or worried about it happening to you? Do you want to understand how to manage your weight loss journey as a chronic disease? Tune in to this enlightening episode of the BariNation podcast to gain clarity! We know how daunting weight...
-
Every Step Counts…TREO Foundation’s “The Walk…Stomp The Stigma” with President Dr. Saniea Majid | Ep 264
Are you ready to stomp the stigma around obesity care and treatment? Walk with us! Don’t miss this BariNation episode that’s all about empowering the bariatric community! BariNation is proud to be this year's National Sponsor of TREO Foundation's The Walk: Stomp the Stigma. Joining us is Dr.…
more -
Understanding the Global Obesity Epidemic and Its Treatments with Dr. Ricardo Cohen, President of IFSO | Ep 263
Do you ever wonder why the obesity epidemic continues to grow worldwide? Do you want to know how you can be part of the change? This conversation goes beyond borders to shine a light on the urgent need for better obesity awareness, more inclusive bariatric support, and stronger access to care...
-
Navigating ADHD, Neurodivergence and Executive Functioning for Bariatric Patients with Dr. Karen Stewart | Ep 262
Did you know that ADHD is more common in the bariatric community? In today’s episode, we’re going to explore how ADHD and neurodivergence shape our relationship with food, how this affects the bariatric community and discover strategies to thrive. We are happy to introduce a clinical psychologist...
-
Bariatric Surgery & Beyond: The Most Effective Treatments for Weight Loss and Whole Person Health with Dr. Shireesh Saurabh | Ep 261
Have you ever wondered what else bariatric surgery can do for your health beyond just weight loss? If you're on a weight loss journey, or even just considering it, this episode will help you see how metabolic surgery can transform your overall wellness, not just the number on the scale. Dr....
-
BariNation Stories: How Bariatric Beginnings Meetups Helped Christine Donovan’s Success Her 1st Year Post-op | Ep 260
Have you ever found yourself shrinking—physically or emotionally—just to make others feel more comfortable? We’ve been there. But what if you permitted yourself to take up space, to share, to grow, and to heal? That’s precisely what BariNation is about: creating space for every part of your...
-
How Bariatric Surgery Transforms Your Gut Microbiome with Dr. Edmund Chen | Ep 259
Ready to unlock the secret to supercharging your bariatric journey through gut health? Tune into this episode featuring Dr. Edmund Chen for transformative insights! As a passionate bariatric surgeon and devoted BariNation advocate, Dr. Chen reveals how the gut microbiome, fueled by bariatric...
-
Whole Foods for a Healthier Bariatric Journey with Dr. Eric Smith | Ep 258
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...
-
Silencing Negative Self-Talk and Turning Up the Volume On Body Acceptance | Ep 257
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…
more -
Insights on Hormones Role in Tackling the Disease of Obesity with Dr. Priya Jaisinghani | Ep 256
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?...
-
Confronting Shame and Stigma in Obesity Care: Insights from the ASMBS Conference | Ep 255
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...
-
No One Left Behind: New ASMBS President Dr. Richard Peterson’s Mission For the Future Of Obesity Care & Treatment | Ep 254
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...
-
ASMBS Preview: Navigating the Path to Revisional Surgery Through Lifting Shame & Stigma | Ep 253
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...
-
ASMBS President Dr. Rogers on Shifting the Obesity Conversation from Shame to Biology & Treatment | Ep 252
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...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The BariNation Foundation Podcast, where you’ll hear real talk about bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, medical weight loss, metabolic health, weight management, and lifelong obesity care. Whether you're considering bariatric surgery, preparing for weight loss surgery, recovering after surgery, or looking for evidence-based strategies to maintain long-term weight loss, this podcast gives you the education, support, and community you need to succeed.Hosted by members of the bariatric community who are living the journey themselves, The BariNation Foundation Podcast brings together leading bariatric surgeons, obesity medicine physicians, registered dietitians, psychologists, exercise specialists, and real patients to share practical advice, inspiring stories, and the latest research in obesity treatment.Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, and lasting success requires more than a procedure. Every episode explores the science, strategies, and mindset behind sustainable we
HOSTED BY
April Williams
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The BariNation Foundation Podcast have?
The BariNation Foundation Podcast currently has 310 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The BariNation Foundation Podcast about?
Welcome to The BariNation Foundation Podcast, where you’ll hear real talk about bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, medical weight loss, metabolic health, weight management, and lifelong obesity care. Whether you're considering bariatric surgery, preparing for weight loss surgery, recovering after...
How often does The BariNation Foundation Podcast release new episodes?
The BariNation Foundation Podcast publishes regularly with 310 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The BariNation Foundation Podcast?
You can listen to The BariNation Foundation Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The BariNation Foundation Podcast?
The BariNation Foundation Podcast is created and hosted by April Williams.
URL copied to clipboard!