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 surgery can bring. Together, they explore how bariatric surgery is not a one-and-done solution, but rather a lifelong medical tool in the treatment of obesity. If you or someone you know is facing the possibility of revisional surgery, this empowering conversation will remind you that you are not alone—and that obesity is a disease, not a personal failure.
Tune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as low as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one time donation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (00:29) April announces their panel at ASMBS focused on lifting shame and stigma around revisional surgery
- (01:49) Natalie shares how losing over 150 pounds after revisional surgery transformed her life
- (05:59) Three ways to reduce the obesity stigma: build trust, offer peer support, and provide ongoing education
- (09:42) Jason discusses weight recurrence as a valid medical reason for revision
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Revisional surgery can be life-changing and profoundly empowering. Both Jason and Natalie shared how overcoming shame and stigma around having a second or third bariatric procedure opened doors to a fuller life, including travel, physical activity, and self-confidence. These benefits came after initial procedures failed, showing that it's never too late to reclaim your health.
- Shame and stigma remain major barriers to revisional care. Many patients internalize the failure of a previous surgery as personal failure. Still, weight regain or complications are often due to the chronic nature of the disease of obesity, not personal shortcomings. Honest conversations with compassionate practitioners can break through these emotional barriers.
- Patients need supportive practitioners and community — lifting shame and stigma takes a team. Surgeons who listen, educate, and normalize revisional options play a crucial role in patient success, and platforms like BariNation help amplify those voices.
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
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.