In this engaging conversation, Aimee Rothe, a board-certified bariatric nurse and post-op bariatric patient, shares her journey from being a medical provider who sought treatment for her obesity after a harrowing experience with a patient, when she was over 400 lbs, to being a provider in the field of obesity care.

She emphasizes the importance of normalizing obesity treatment, individualizing care for patients, and overcoming the stigma associated with weight loss surgery and onboarding adjunct treatments such as GLP-1’s. The discussion highlights the emotional challenges faced by patients post-surgery, the role of support groups, and the need for ongoing care and understanding from healthcare providers.

Aimee advocates for a compassionate approach to obesity treatment, encouraging patients to seek help and not feel ashamed of their journey.

Keywords

bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery, VSG, Gastric Bypass, metabolic syndrome, SADI-s, obesity care, individualized treatment, patient support, emotional health, chronic condition, healthcare, normalization, weight loss, patient-provider relationship, GLP-1, Type 2 diabetes remission, sleep apnea, PCOS, high blood pressure

Takeaways

Obesity is a chronic medical condition, not a failure of willpower.

Bariatric surgery should be viewed as a treatment, not a last resort.

Individualized care is crucial for effective obesity treatment.

Patients should not feel ashamed or stigmatized for seeking help.

Support groups play a vital role in the emotional journey post-surgery.

The journey of weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint.

It's important to normalize conversations about struggles with obesity.

Patients should maintain open communication with their providers.

Utilizing multiple treatment modalities is acceptable and necessary.

Healthcare providers must understand the complexities of obesity and support their patients.

Chapters

04:55 Meet Amy Rothe: A Journey from Patient to Provider

08:25 Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Condition

11:55 The Importance of Individualized Care in Obesity Treatment

16:06 Normalizing Conversations Around Obesity and Treatment

20:24 The Role of Support Groups in Bariatric Care

25:56 Navigating Body Image and Relationships Post-Surgery

30:12 The Emotional Journey of Bariatric Surgery

35:08 Understanding the Reality of Uncomfortable Situations

38:15 Breaking Points and the Decision for Surgery

42:34 The Importance of Individualized Care in Obesity Treatment

47:39 Normalizing Multiple Modalities of Treatment

Guest Bio

Aimee Rothe, BSN, RN, CBN, CEN, TCRN, NHDP-BC serves as the Hospital Program Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at a hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Under her leadership, the program maintains multiple national recognitions, including designation as a BCBS Blue Distinction Plus Center for Bariatric Surgery, an Aetna Institute of Quality for Bariatric Surgery, an Optum Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, and an American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Comprehensive Center. Aimee is a Certified Bariatric Nurse and is active within the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. She serves on multiple national committees, represents the nursing discipline as a Member-at-Large on the ASMBS Integrated Health Leadership Council, and acts as the Integrated Health Board Liaison for the ASMBS Alabama State Chapter. In 2017, Aimee underwent bariatric surgery to address her own chronic medical condition. That experience strengthened her commitment to guiding patients through the bariatric and obesity medicine journey while advocating for recognition of obesity as a chronic, treatable disease. Her work centers on improving patient outcomes, strengthening evidence-based education, and advancing best practices in metabolic health management. She is also focused on building stronger collaboration across medical specialties, expanding outreach efforts that encourage earlier intervention, coordinated care, and open dialogue about obesity and its associated conditions.

Links

Aimee Rothe Contact Information

mizzerrn@gmail.com

WeightManagementUABStVincents

BariNation Membership Community: BariNation.mn.co

The BariNation Podcast is a production of the BariNation Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that advances metabolic wellness for people living with obesity by providing evidence-based education, stigma-free support, and meaningful connections in the moments that shape daily life. The Foundation's mission is to walk alongside individuals pursuing medical, surgical, and comprehensive care, supporting real decisions, challenges, and victories that influence long-term health with the support and guidance of obesity medicine experts.

Learn more about the BariNation Foundation and make a tax-deductible donation by going to BariNation.org