Ep 276: Adding Weight to Maximize Metabolic Wellness with RuckFit Author Kayla Girgen

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 by patients, and guided by experts, the BariNation Foundation exists to bring knowledge, community, and hope together, without barriers.In this episode, April Williams is joined by co-founders Jason Smith and Natalie Tierney, along with Melanie Lindell, Christine Mason, and Lori Dustin, to share:✔ Why BariNation transitioned into a nonprofit✔ What 501(c)(3) status means for patients✔ How this expands access to lifelong obesity care✔ Why patient voice must remain central in obesity treatment✔ The future of bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, and metabolic care✔ How you can become a Foundational DonorOur MissionThe BariNation Foundation exists to bring knowledge, community, and hope together to support people fighting the disease of obesity.We are treatment-agnostic and committed to supporting individuals pursuing:Bariatric surgeryGLP-1 medicationsMedical obesity treatmentLifestyle-based treatmentLong-term metabolic careOur VisionA future where there are no barriers to accessing lifelong obesity care and support, financial, educational, technological, or systemic.Our ValuesPeople FirstScience Over StigmaCommunity as CareAccess Without BarriersPartnership & IntegrityHope with HonestyWhy This MattersMore than 100 million Americans live with obesity.Hundreds of thousands undergo bariatric surgery each year.Millions are navigating GLP-1 medications and metabolic treatment.And too many are doing it alone.The BariNation Foundation is building a bridge between:PatientsCliniciansResearchersIndustryAnd real-world lived experienceSupport the MissionAs a 501(c)(3), donations are tax-deductible where state law allows.Become a Foundational Donor and help eliminate barriers to obesity care.🔗 https://barination.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/8NDR96EKEvery deductible dollar goes directly toward:Podcast educationCommunity support groupsAdvocacyFree educational...

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, and author of the new book Ruck Fit, to break down rucking through a bariatric lens, the fears, the resistance, and why this simple practice may be one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools for post-op metabolic health.Rucking is simply walking with weight, and while that sounds straightforward, for bariatric patients, it can bring up a lot of hesitation:“I worked so hard to lose this weight—why would I add it back?”“What if I hurt myself?”“What if it doesn’t actually help?”Kayla meets those fears head-on with science, compassion, and real-world experience.Episode Quotes:"It might sound dramatic to say that rucking saved me, but shouldering the load helped me reclaim my sense of self, perseverance, and inner peace." Kayla Girgen“Rucking's going to help preserve that muscle and help make sure that you can maximize your blood sugar management...By adding weight back in the form of a weighted vest or a ruck, you help provide that weight bearing stimulus that helps tell your skeleton, hey, we still need this bone density."What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy Bariatric Patients Hesitate to Try RuckingThe emotional and psychological resistance to “adding weight back”How fear, all-or-nothing thinking, and perfectionism keep us stuckWhy doing nothing often feels safer than trying something newWhat Rucking Actually Is (and What It’s Not)Walking with a weighted vest or backpack (ruck)Why rucking is low-impact, scalable, and accessibleHow rucking is different from traditional cardio or gym workoutsMuscle, Bone Density, and Post-Op StrengthWhy rapid weight loss can increase risk of muscle and bone lossHow rucking provides the weight-bearing stimulus your skeleton needsWhy preserving muscle matters more than “burning calories”Metabolic Health & Flexibility Explained SimplyWhat metabolic flexibility actually means (without medical jargon)Why bariatric patients often feel hungry quickly or “carb dependent”How rucking helps muscles access fuel without relying on insulinWhy this matters for insulin resistance, inflammation, and long-term healthMental Health, Burnout, and ConsistencyHow rucking...

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 explore how insulin resistance drives weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. Dr. Tanton explains why treating obesity requires whole-person care rather than focusing solely on diet and exercise. We discuss the root causes of metabolic syndrome and how personalized care is transforming lives by addressing hyperinsulinemia and reversing metabolic damage before it becomes irreversible.What You Will Learn in this Episode:✅ Why insulin resistance is the foundation of metabolic health issues and how hyperinsulinemia causes your body to store fat rather than burn it for energy preferentially.✅ Why whole person care and personalized treatment are essential for long-term success, and how AdventHealth Central Florida's approach eliminates shame and judgment from obesity medicine.✅ How understanding the cause can determine the best treatment course, and how bariatric surgery and GLP1/GIP medications work as potent insulin sensitizers that can reverse years of metabolic damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body.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 little as $5 per month! You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Metabolic health, obesity medicine and understanding insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia06:56 Why obesity is a physiological, not a behavioral issue, and obesity is not your fault 18:52 How visceral fat triggers the metabolic disease cascade and the domino effect28:30 The importance of early intervention in metabolic syndrome30:43: Discussion of personalized individualized care and the frustration with healthcare 38:20 Whole person care approach at AdventHealth Central Florida 44:34 Overcoming shame and judgment in obesity treatment and creating trust between patient and doctor55:50 Life gained through metabolic wellness and authenticity, and when is the best time to have surgery1:00:22 Jason shares how his life has changed, and Dr. Tanton encourages being your authentic self to the listener KEY TAKEAWAYS: 💎 Insulin resistance affects over 100 million Americans and is the underlying cause of 70% of all diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, anxiety, and reproductive problems. Addressing hyperinsulinemia is the key to reversing metabolic health decline.💎 The medical system has been backwards for decades, blaming patients for behavioral issues instead of addressing the science first. Personalized care that treats the whole person without judgment is essential for sustainable results.💎 Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications are not just weight loss tools—they're powerful treatments that correct physiological dysfunction by dramatically lowering insulin levels and reducing inflammation throughout the body.ABOUT THE GUEST: Damon Tanton, MD, is board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. He serves as Executive Medical...

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 metabolic medicine specialists Dr. Melissa Bagloo and Dr. Shiva Seetahal explain why weight loss is not just about willpower or discipline, but about biology, hormones, metabolism, and how our bodies are designed to protect us.This episode is for anyone who:Is considering bariatric surgeryIs pre-op, post-op, or experiencing a plateau or regainHas struggled with dieting, weight cycling, or self-blameWants to understand what their body is actually doing — and whyYou’ll walk away with clarity, relief, and a much kinder understanding of yourself.By listening to this episode, you’ll learn:Why bariatric surgery works differently than diets, and how it changes gut hormones, insulin response, hunger, fullness, and metabolic signaling instead of just “restricting” food.Why obesity is a chronic, biological disease, not a personal failure, and why that changes how it should be treated and supported long-term.Why weight loss is often a side effect of improved metabolic health, not the primary mechanism, and why focusing only on the scale can miss what really matters.Why plateaus, slowdowns, and even weight regain are not signs of failure, but a normal part of how the body adapts and recalibrates over time.How medications can support weight and metabolic health before or after surgery, and why adding a tool doesn’t mean surgery didn’t work.Why surgery is not the end of the journey, but the middle of it, and why ongoing support, follow-up, and community matter for long-term success.How to release shame and self-blame by understanding the science behind weight regulation, so you can replace judgment with compassion and informed care.What whole-person, compassionate obesity care actually looks like, and why your emotional, mental, and physical health all deserve to be part of the conversation.So many people struggling with weight feel isolated, broken, or like they’re doing something wrong.This episode reframes that story.It explains why your body may feel like it’s working against you, and how bariatric and metabolic medicine work with your biology instead of fighting it.Most importantly, it reminds you that you’re not alone, you’re not failing, and you deserve care, support, and understanding along the way.Listen If You’re:Pre-op and trying to understand what surgery actually doesPost-op and...

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, download, buy, or perfect.It isn’t.Real transformation isn’t clean. It isn’t aesthetic. It isn’t linear.It’s what happens when you hit present reality at high velocity and stop trying to tape the pieces back together the way they were before.In this conversation, we explore:Why surgery is not the transformation, it’s the catalystWhy so many of us hit a wall post-op and think something is wrong with usWhy chasing “the next right thing” (the planner, the diet, the supplement, the system) is often a way to avoid the actual workWhy the middle, the messy, uncomfortable, identity-shifting middle, is the workAnd why transformation is less about becoming someone new and more about becoming honestThis episode is for you if you are:Contemplating a different way forwardPreparing for bariatric surgeryOr sitting in chaos, knowing you cannot keep living the way you areIt’s a loving confrontation and a deep exhale.You’re not broken.You’re not behind.You’re in the middle.And that’s exactly where transformation lives.Click here to read the Substact Post by Suleika Jaouad that helped us look at "resolutions" in a new way.Did something in this episode resonate with you? Let us know by leaving a comment on the platform you are watching or listening to, or by emailing [email protected] love hearing from you, learning your takeaways, "aha" moments, and questions you might have after taking in this episode.BariNation is a patient-created and patient-led orginization that needs your support to produce this show.➡️ If you enjoyed this episode, give us a High Five $5 donation. Your support helps us reach more people and support patients in every stage of their journey.Yes, $5 does help. You've got this, and we've got you._____________________________Connect with BariNationInstagram: @bari.nationFacebook: @barinationTikTok: <a...

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 compassion, education, and long-term support. Our guest, Carah Horn, brings her clinical expertise and lived experience to the table in an eye-opening and empowering conversation. We talk about the outdated perceptions surrounding bariatric surgery, the crisis in obesity care, and why finding the right provider makes all the difference. Carah shares powerful analogies—like her “lawn care” metaphor—to help us understand why long-term maintenance and ongoing support matter. She also explains the dangers of anti-obesity medications without proper oversight and how the BariNation Community provides a unique space for education, encouragement, and behavior change. Whether you are post-op, pre-op, or still considering surgery, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and more equipped for the road ahead.IN THIS EPISODE:(01:24) Carah shares her professional background in obesity disease and bariatric surgery(12:19) The narrative surrounding obesity needs to change, and finding the correct doctor(19:14) Carah speaks to the crisis of care, anti-obesity medications and comorbid conditions(33:03) Each patient is different, and she encourages going back to your surgeon when health changes occur(39:31) Carah shares the word picture she tells her patients(56:12) Making your bariatric journey positive rather than negative and using the tools provided by the BariNation CommunityKEY TAKEAWAYS:Obesity is a complex, chronic disease affecting every aspect of a person’s life—physical, emotional, and social. It should be promoted as a legitimate medical condition that requires real treatment. Unfortunately, shame and stigma surrounding obesity prevent many people from seeking treatment.Treating obesity is about improving health, not appearance. Viewing it through the lens of disease management—similar to diabetes or cancer—can help shift public perception and lead to better care. Medications and surgery are tools to treat the underlying condition, not just to achieve a certain weight.The lack of long-term support and education around obesity medications is dangerous. When prescribed without proper medical oversight or behavioral support, these medications can lead to serious health risks. Without a comprehensive program—including nutrition guidance, mental health care, and consistent follow-up—patients are more likely to misuse medications, relapse, or face complications, especially if access to treatment is suddenly lost.RESOURCES:<span class="ql-ui"...

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 recreates her pre-surgery body. The experience revealed how trauma and fear live just beneath the surface, even years post-op. We discuss the reality of weight reoccurence, the struggle with body image, and why community support becomes essential for long-term success. Melanie shares insights about finding rest, practicing gratitude, and becoming a "benevolent witness" to your own story. This conversation validates the emotional healing required beyond physical transformation and offers hope for anyone navigating the process of coping with weight recurrence after weight loss surgery.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How weight recurrence triggers deep psychological responses even years after bariatric surgery, and why understanding obesity as a chronic, progressive disease helps patients release shame and embrace self-compassion.The concept of being a "benevolent witness" to your own story and others' experiences, which creates safe spaces for emotional healing within the bariatric community and reduces the isolation that often accompanies weight regain struggles.Practical strategies for finding rest amid the constant pressure of obesity treatment, including stepping back from social media comparison, attending post-op support groups, and recognizing that single moments don't define your entire surgical weight loss journey.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 little as $5 per month!&nbsp; You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation.TIMESTAMPS:&nbsp;00:00 The simulation suit experience at the Bariatric Solutions Conference, and Melanie shares her background08:45 Understanding weight recurrence and the fear of weight regain20:07 Living in a world not built for larger bodies, obesity, and insurance company challenges31:38 Gratitude as the foundation for emotional healing and recovery35:54 Finding rest through community support and benevolent witnesses55:02 Post-op grief, body image, and processing transformation and your personal bariatric story1:14:53 Being your own benevolent witness and practicing self-compassion1:20:39 Being open and embracing your feelingsKEY TAKEAWAYS:&nbsp;&nbsp;The fear of weight recurrence never entirely disappears, even years after successful bariatric surgery, because memories live in the body and can be instantly triggered by experiences that remind patients of their former struggles with obesity.Finding a bariatric community where you can be authentically witnessed—without judgment or expectation of solutions—provides essential emotional healing and combats the isolation that obesity treatment journeys often create.Practicing gratitude and self-compassion serves as a powerful antidote to the relentless pressure of maintaining weight loss, allowing patients to recognize that single moments don't define their entire post-op journey or determine long-term success.ABOUT THE GUEST:&nbsp;Melanie Lindell, LMHC, serves as BariNation’s CHRO and is a licensed counselor with over a decade of experience in trauma and abuse. A bariatric patient herself, Melanie had Roux-en-Y...

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 ASMBS, to talk about his mission to No One Left Behind. From his military roots to his passionate advocacy, Dr. Peterson delves deeply into why obesity is considered a disease, how bariatric surgery is a critical form of medical care rather than a cosmetic procedure, and what must change to ensure equitable access, education, and support for all.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!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IN THIS EPISODE:(03:47) Dr. Peterson shares his professional background and the mission of ASMBS(10:40) As president, past initiatives will move forward and the discussion of bias toward obesity(18:01) Dr. Peterson’s mission is a call to action to “No One Left Behind,” which stems from his military background(31:06) Bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure. Obesity is a disease(40:40) The importance of obesity education and why obesity not being associated with a specific organ was a game changer(49:06) Words matter, you aren’t just losing weight, you are fighting obesity(54:55) If you are suffering from obesity, you can get help. The mission is to remove the barriersKEY TAKEAWAYS:Dr. Peterson’s theme is “No One Left Behind," focusing on ensuring access to obesity treatment for all patients, supporting practices, and fostering unity across the bariatric community.Dr. Peterson continues efforts to reduce shame and stigma by educating medical professionals and the public that obesity is a disease, not a personal failing.Initiatives focus on integrating obesity education into medical curricula and advocating for comprehensive treatment access to enhance patient care.RESOURCES:BariNation Website&nbsp;Join the BariNation Membership community meetups to support you on your journey with obesity treatment. https://barination.com/pages/join-our-communityOTHER RESOURCES:&nbsp;BariNation - EmailGUEST RESOURCES:ASMBS - WebsiteDr. Richard Peterson LinkedInUT Health San Antonio&nbsp;BIOGRAPHY:&nbsp;Dr. Peterson serves as the Chief of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery for UT Health San Antonio and is the medical director of the Christus Weight Loss Institute at Westover Hills.Dr. Peterson is highly active in both clinical and academic aspects of bariatric surgery. He is the current president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS), a past president of the Texas Association for Bariatric Surgery (TABS) and has...

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 obesity stems from genetics and epigenetics, creating hormonal imbalances that set your body's weight set point beyond your control. We explore why bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment for this chronic condition, yet faces massive stigma and insurance barriers. This conversation challenges everything you've been told about willpower and dieting, revealing why obesity is not your fault but your fight. Discover how metabolic disease treatment through surgery can change your genetic expression, improve your quality of life, and help you reclaim your crown.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Why Obesity is Not Your Fault—Discover the science behind genetic factors, obesity, leptin resistance, and set point theory that proves 70% of obesity is genetic, not a willpower issue.Overcoming the obesity stigma and insurance coverage bariatric surgery barriers. Understand the challenges this treatment faces and how to navigate your bariatric surgery journey with the proper support.The power of Non-Scale Victories and Post Op Support—Shift focus from goal weights to disease resolution, flexibility, and lasting quality of life improvements.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 little as $5 per month!&nbsp; You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation.TIMESTAMPS:&nbsp;&nbsp;00:00 Dr. Faiz Shariff, the "Robot Queen" Obesity Medicine Physician, shares her medically proven position that "Obesity is Not Your Fault But It's Your Fight"06:19 Why Obesity Is Not Your Fault: Breaking down the outdated calories in/calories out paradigm and genetic factors in obesity science09:00 Understanding leptin resistance, hormonal imbalance, weight gain, and how the set point theory controls your body weight16:23 How bariatric surgery changes epigenetics and reduces passing bad genes to future generations, and the stigma associated with obesity20:43 Insurance covering bariatric surgery challenges and why obesity stigma creates unique treatment barriers compared to cancer32:07 Adaptive thermogenesis explained: Why repeated dieting makes weight loss harder each time36:56 Pre-op preparation and bariatric surgery journey mindset shifts for long-term success42:31 Non-Scale Victories matter more than goal weights: Focus on disease resolution and flexibility52:17 Building community, shedding toxic relationships, and gaining confidence post op support58:10 Final thoughts on identity shift, mindset change, and reclaiming your crown in the fight against chronic diseaseKEY TAKEAWAYS:&nbsp;&nbsp;Obesity is 70% genetic. Your body conserves energy through genetic factors, obesity, and epigenetics, creating hormonal imbalance and weight gain through leptin resistance and the elevated set-point theory. This isn't about willpower; it's about biology fighting against you.Obesity stigma creates dangerous barriers. Unlike cancer patients, those with obesity face insurance coverage, bariatric surgery denials, requirements not to gain weight during approval, and judgment for seeking treatment. This chronic disease deserves the same respect as any...

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 explains that post-bariatric surgery hair thinning happens due to the stress the body is subject to from surgery and rapid weight loss. The good news? With the right approach—including increased protein for hair growth, targeted vitamins like biotin and zinc, and getting in movement for increased blood flow—you can minimize loss and promote healthy regrowth. April shares her personal journey with hair loss and the strategies that helped her see real results. Whether you're pre-op or already experiencing thinning, this episode offers practical, expert-backed solutions.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;✅ Why bariatric patients experience hair loss and how metabolic surgery side effects, like caloric deficit and body stress, trigger hair loss✅ The essential role of protein for hair growth and how increasing your daily intake can help prevent post-bariatric surgery hair thinning and support regrowth✅ Which bariatric vitamin regimen works best, including biotin and zinc supplements, collagen for hair health, and hair, skin, and nails vitamins to promote stronger hair✅ How exercise and hair growth are connected through increased blood flow to the scalp, plus proven hair regrowth treatment options for hair regrowthTune in, and don’t forget to join the BariNation Community to attend community meetups, watch exclusive bonus content and support the podcast for as little as $5 per month!&nbsp; You can also contribute to BariNation and become a Drive To Thrive Supporter with a one-time or recurring donation.TIMESTAMPS:&nbsp;&nbsp;00:00 Why do bariatric patients experience hair loss after weight loss surgery&nbsp;03:30 Top three solutions: protein for hair growth, vitamins, and brands that support hair growth&nbsp;04:30 Importance of bariatric vitamin regimen, including biotin and zinc supplements, and collagen for hair health07:39 How exercise and hair growth connect through increased scalp blood flow09:02 Practical tips: massage scalp, focus on basics before investing in expensive hair regrowth treatment10:33 Dr. Chen reassures patients that hair loss is temporary and regrowth happens after reaching their lowest weightKEY TAKEAWAYS:&nbsp;&nbsp;💎 Bariatric hair loss is temporary and typically stops once you reach your lowest weight—it's a sign your body is prioritizing weight loss surgery recovery and metabolic changes over hair growth💎 Increase your protein for hair growth intake beyond typical goals (aim for 80-90 grams daily if experiencing thinning) since hair is made of protein and requires adequate nutrition to regenerate💎 Exercise and hair growth are directly connected—regular movement increases blood flow and oxygen to hair follicles on your scalp, creating healthier conditions for regrowthABOUT THE GUEST:&nbsp;Dr. Edmund Chen, a skilled bariatric surgeon, graduated with honors from Johns Hopkins University and earned his medical degree from Cornell University. After researching metabolism at the National Institutes of Health and training at Northwestern and Duke, he specializes in ultra-minimally invasive bariatric surgery using the da Vinci system, including gastric sleeve, bypass, and revisions. Known for compassionate, patient-focused care, he optimizes outcomes for bariatric patients at his...