Why This Week's BariNation Podcast Is A BIG Deal For Patients

Hi Reader,

Why This Week’s Episode Is a Big Deal—for Patients AND for BariNation

This week’s encore episode of The BariNation Podcast is more than a re-air. It marks one of the most significant moments in our organization’s history, and a turning point for patients everywhere.

There are two reasons why this conversation with Dr. Richard Peterson matters so much.

Reason #1: No One Should Ever Be Left Behind

If you’ve lived with obesity, you know the feeling of being dismissed, misunderstood, or flat-out ignored.

When you’ve already changed your diet, but you’re told to “eat less and move more,” you’re left behind.

When your provider knows you’re struggling but sends you to a gym instead of referring you to an obesity specialist, you’re left behind.

When you’re offered medication after medication, but never told about a life-saving surgical option that could transform your metabolic health, you’re left behind.

This is the pattern Dr. Peterson wants to end.

In Episode 254, he shares exactly where he sees patients slipping through the cracks—and what he and his colleagues are doing right now to ensure that no patient is forgotten, dismissed, or overlooked again.

He calls this work a mission. Some may even call it a rescue mission.

And after hearing him speak, you’ll understand why he’s the right person to lead it.

Reason #2: The Leaders of Obesity Medicine Are Paying Attention...to YOU

Dr. Richard Peterson isn’t just a respected bariatric surgeon.
He is the 2025 President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) elected by his peers during one of the most pivotal moments in obesity care.

His colleagues trust him to guide them through the rapidly shifting landscape of obesity medicine.

And he chose The BariNation Podcast—a patient-created, patient-led, patient-centered community—as the place to announce his 2025 presidential theme:

“No One Left Behind.”

He could have made this announcement anywhere.

He chose you.

He chose BariNation because he knows the future of obesity care won’t improve without patients at the table. Your voice, experiences, struggles, triumphs, and insights aren’t “extras”, they’re the missing piece the field has needed.

By partnering with BariNation, he sent a message to the entire obesity medicine community;

Patients aren’t just the recipients of care.

They are essential partners in transforming it.

So yes… this episode is a big deal.

When you listen and share this episode, you’re not just supporting BariNation or celebrating a milestone.

You’re signaling to Dr. Peterson, and to every clinician watching, that patients are ready to lead, ready to participate, and ready to make sure no one gets left behind ever again.

❤️ Don't Leave Us Out Of Your Holiday Giving

Every week, BariNation delivers expert-led education, safe community spaces, and hope to thousands of people navigating bariatric life. But we can’t do it without you. Your one-time or monthly recurring gift makes a big impact on our grassroots organization.

$5 supports our advoacy work at ASMBS
$39 gives one post-op patient a month of access to our membership
$50 helps produce our next expert-led podcast episode
$100 helps sponsor a virtual event for the whole community

When you donate, you’re not just giving money, you’re supporting an entire network of patients and practitioners working hard to leave no one behind or alone on their health journey.

Learn More and Donate

There has never been a better time to fight the disease of obesity.

Modern technologies, tools, techniques, and medications effectively treat the disease of obesity. Yet only 1% of the people who qualify for surgery onboard it.

Far too many people are being left behind and we have had enough. We are going back for anyone who needs it, because the world needs the best version of us right now.

You got this and we got you.

With Gratitude,
April, Jason, Natalie, and the BariNation Team