Bariatric support programs are key to long-term success. In this episode of BariNation, Kellie Armstrong, RN and Integrated Health Director at ASMBS, shares insights from her 20-year journey as both a bariatric patient and healthcare leader. She discusses the evolution of obesity medicine, the power of multidisciplinary care, and the three C’s of success—continuous, conversation, and connection—highlighting why strong patient-provider communication changes everything.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   

How bariatric support programs have evolved from isolated surgical procedures to comprehensive integrated health teams that provide wraparound bariatric care throughout your entire journey

Why long-term weight loss success depends on continuous patient-provider communication and staying connected to your bariatric program accreditation-certified care team beyond the first year post-op

What questions to ask when shopping for a metabolic bariatric surgery program, including how to find obesity medicine specialists who treat obesity as the chronic disease of obesity it truly is

The importance of post-op support groups and bariatric patient education in maintaining your results, plus why bariatric surgery follow-up should never stop, even 20 years after your procedure

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 Introduction 

06:35 Kellie’s first bariatric surgery patient in 2000, and how nursing education has evolved in obesity medicine

13:09 The intersection of professional and patient life: merging your bariatric identity with everyday life

19:27 Why bariatric support programs are not a quick fix and the importance of using tools from your toolbox

22:27 Creating patient-provider communication pathways and keeping integrated health teams accessible to patients

26:59 The three C's framework: continuous, conversation and connection for long-term weight loss success

30:22 How ASMBS accreditation programs share best practices and collaborate across bariatric care coordination teams

40:53 The future of obesity medicine and eliminating stigma in disease of obesity treatment

46:31 Discussion of shopping for the right bariatric program, asking for bariatric surgery follow-up resources and contacting your insurance provider

50:30 Don't seek medical advice on social media: the importance of professional bariatric patient education

KEY TAKEAWAYS:  

Bariatric surgery is just one tool, Long-term success requires lifelong, integrated care including nutrition, behavioral health, medication, and lifestyle support.

Choose programs that stay with you. Find a bariatric team offering real relationships and full support, or ask to be connected with obesity medicine specialists.

Your bariatric journey becomes life. Stay connected through post-op groups, annual follow-ups, and peers who understand your experience for years to come.

Bariatric care has evolved — from open surgeries and long hospital stays to minimally invasive procedures and comprehensive, team-based obesity treatment.

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Kellie Armstrong's RN career began at Rhode Island Hospital in 1998, progressing from staff nurse to Bariatric Surgery Service Line Manager when Brown University Health merged its bariatric programs in 2012. In 2007, she became Rhode Island's first Certified Bariatric Nurse (CBN) and has since presented at national venues, co-authored articles in Bariatric Times, and served as co-chair of the 2024 Integrated Health Obesity Summit. Her dedication earned her the 2021 Hurvitz Quality Award for revamping the bariatric support program during COVID-19, the 2022 Distinguished CBN award, and inclusion in the first FASMBS-IH Leadership Academy cohort in 2024. Kellie is currently the ASMBS Integrated Health Section President and brings a unique perspective as both a healthcare leader and a bariatric surgery patient since 2005. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

BariNation Website

BariNation - Email

BariNation - Partnership Monthly Membership   

BariNation’s How to Find an Obesity Specialist Guide

No One Left Behind: Dr. Richard Peterson

https://www.facebook.com/kellie.fredette.armstrong

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-armstrong-msn-rn-fasmbs-ih-cbn-4766501b/

Website: https://www.brownhealth.org/centers-services/center-medical-and-surgical-weight-loss