The BariNation FoundationThe 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 guidance of obesity medicine experts.Learn more about the BariNation Foundation and make a tax-deductible donation by going to BariNation.orgEpisode SummaryIn this episode, April Williams and Monique Coleman, a bariatric patient and Certified Fitness Instructor and BariNation community member, discuss the many barriers faced by women in the Black and Brown communities in navigating family and cultural bias in their journey to access bariatric care. The importance of representation, the power of community support in overcoming stigma and misconceptions about obesity, and treatment options are key to changing perceptions faced by those battling the disease now and for future generations.KeywordsObesity, Bariatric Surgery, Black and Brown Community, Representation, Advocacy, Healthcare Barriers, Community Support, Race and Health, Patient Stories, BariNation Foundation, Metabolic Surgery, Roux-enY, Gastric Bypass, VSG, Gastric Sleeve, DS, Duodenal Switch, SADI-S, Obesity Medications, GLP1’s, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, ZepboundKey Takeaways from the Conversation:Representation Matters: Individuals are more likely to engage with resources when they see others who share similar backgrounds and experiences.Breaking the Stigma: Obesity is a lifelong disease, not a moral failing. Treatment options like Roux-en-Y or VSG should be accessible and stigma-free.The Power of Advocacy: Sharing your personal story can empower others to reclaim their lives and advocate for the care they deserve.Community is Everything: Finding a safe space—like the BariNation Foundation—can help overcome the isolation often felt during a health journey.Guest Name & BioMonique Coleman is a Wellness & Motivation Coach for Women Over 40, founder of Curvy Fit Fitness & Healthy Living With Monique, and a bariatric surgery and GLP-1 wellness advocate. At 46, she empowers midlife women to stop procrastinating, move their bodies with confidence, and feel good in their skin again.Five years post-bariatric surgery and navigating perimenopause, Monique combines mindset, movement, and real-life strategy to help women break free from shame, food noise, and self-doubt. Through fitness events, virtual programs, speaking, and community building, she creates safe spaces for women to heal, grow, and show up boldly in the second half of life.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:47 Representation and Community06:37 Cultural Barriers to Treatment10:50 Reclaiming Life After Surgery12:42 The Journey of Self-Discovery15:22 Overcoming Barriers to Care17:45 The Role of Community Support19:51 Understanding Obesity as a Disease21:30 Advocating for Yourself23:42 The Importance of Empathy in Healthcare25:47 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery27:45 Individualized Health Journeys29:20 The Importance of Representation in Healthcare31:21 Documenting the Bariatric Journey33:38 Navigating Cultural Barriers in Health35:16 Empowerment Through Advocacy39:20 Understanding Obesity as a Disease41:00 The Role of Community in Healing44:08 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations52:31 Sharing Your Story as EmpowermentResourcesBariNation Foundation - barination.orgSupport This Work, Become a Donor- https://barination.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/8NDR96EKBariNation Support Community- https://barination.mn.coMonique Coleman's Social Media - IG @healthylivingwithmonique1Community Room Zoom Link- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84398962120