
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, revealing how your body uses fuel. She also uncovers the hidden dangers of diets that are too calorie-restricted, from mental strain to metabolic slowdowns. Finally, we discuss whether the marketing of packaged foods misleads us into thinking we’re eating healthy. With the support of our BariNation Community, this episode debunks calorie myths, empowers you with personalized nutrition strategies, and highlights the mental and physical impacts of low-calorie diets.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (01:13) Kayla answers the big question: Can I just eat 1,200 calories a day for the rest of my life and be successful?
- (03:38) Discussion of calories, energy and resting metabolic rate
- (06:39) Kayla talks about the dangers of a diet that is too calorie-restricted
- (08:54) Does marketing of packaged foods mislead the consumer to believe they are eating healthy in their journey of obesity management
- (09:59) Kayla advises where to start to determine the correct amount of calories for you

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A 1,200-calorie restricted diet approach often fails. Kayla offers insights into how the body’s metabolism and the disease of obesity complicate calorie management, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating post-surgery nutrition.
- There are practical ways to manage obesity, like focusing on protein to curb hunger and using tools like resting metabolic rate testing to understand and meet unique caloric needs. The episode provides actionable steps to combat the disease of obesity effectively.
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Extreme calorie restriction has hidden dangers, from mental stress and grazing habits to metabolic slowdowns that can stall weight loss. This episode offers a balanced perspective on achieving sustainable health.
RESOURCES:
Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment. https://barination.com/pages/join-our-community
Want to see bonus content? Head over to Patreon to get more and to support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! https://www.patreon.com/BariNationPodcast
GUEST RESOURCES:
Ep. 225 - Slider Foods and Blood Sugar: Managing the Roller Coaster Effect with Kayla Girgen
BIOGRAPHY:
Kayla Girgen is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer determined to help women stop dieting, ditch all-or-nothing thinking, and develop healthy habits for life. With technology like CGM, Kayla shows women how to balance their blood sugar and maximize their tool for sustainable success after bariatric surgery.
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.