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 bariatric patient and entrepreneur, and Corby, a licensed mental health therapist who’s walked the weight loss path himself, share personal stories, insights, and strategies to help other men overcome the stigma surrounding bariatric surgery. Tune in to hear a candid, vulnerable conversation that empowers men to take control of their health and embrace their journey without shame.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [1:29] Introduce guests and their histories, and today we discuss men and bariatric surgery
- [5:18] The men share their stories and find comparisons with Jason in their behavior
- [16:05] Discussion of past eating experiences and being able to control the food
- [28:01] Getting men to talk about men's health and share is difficult because they are self-reliant
- [36:47] The discussion gets honest and vulnerable
- [43:45] Discussion of therapy and playing the victim
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Many men delay making health decisions, including bariatric surgery, due to ingrained beliefs about self-reliance, hard work, and proving they can do it on their own. This internalized pressure often leads to resistance, even when faced with medical advice or clear health challenges.
- Food is a coping mechanism for energy, comfort, or routine. Recognizing and addressing the deep emotional connections to eating is crucial to the bariatric journey. It requires a shift in mindset and habits beyond the physical changes from surgery.
- Men often avoid seeking help due to societal pressures of self-reliance, but they recognize the value of shared experiences in weight loss journeys, especially post-surgery. By encouraging open conversations, setting boundaries, and embracing unique paths, they create a supportive space to challenge old patterns and grow together.
RESOURCES:
Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment. https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community
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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.
About BariNation: BariNation is a bariatric educational organization on a mission to empower patients to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to find and maintain personal wellness. We connect patients with the support they need and when and where they need it. BariNation produces an award-winning weekly podcast distributed on all major podcast and video platforms and hosts a support membership community that teams up with credentialed and licensed bariatric experts and clinicians.