Ep 32: Bariatric Support with BariNation's April Williams
This post is a companion to Episode 32 of the Bariatric Nutrition Coach Podcast. Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
In this episode I was joined by April Williams, co-founder of BariNation — a patient-founded bariatric educational organisation based in the United States. What started as virtual meetups during COVID has grown into a thriving membership community for bariatric patients all over the world.
About BariNation
BariNation's mission is empowerment — helping patients access the tools, resources, and community they need to find their own version of personal wellness, before and after surgery. April had VSG in 2019 and quickly realised she needed more than what came in her bariatric binder. The organisation operates on the belief that patients are the experts in their own experience. BariNation offers over 80 live virtual support events per month, an on-demand video library, and small group sessions for different stages of the journey.
Why Community Matters
One of the most powerful things April spoke about was the importance of safe community — a space where people who truly understand the bariatric experience can connect and support each other without judgment. This is genuinely different from general social media, where comments can be unhelpful or even harmful.
Obesity as a Disease
April spoke powerfully about the frustration of a healthcare system that still treats obesity with shame and judgment. No other disease asks patients to prove themselves worthy of treatment for months or years before receiving it. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment we currently have for obesity — and patients deserve to be supported accordingly.
Find BariNation at barinationco.com.
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