Kellie Armstrong Is Building Bridges For An Integrated Health Approach to Bariatric Care
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 journeyWhy 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-opWhat 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 isThe 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 procedureTune 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 medicine13:09 The intersection of professional and patient life: merging your bariatric identity with everyday life19:27 Why bariatric support programs are not a quick fix and the importance of using tools from your toolbox22:27 Creating patient-provider communication pathways and keeping integrated health teams accessible to patients26:59 The three C's framework: continuous, conversation and connection for long-term weight loss success30:22 How ASMBS accreditation programs share best practices and collaborate across bariatric care coordination teams40:53 The future of obesity medicine and eliminating stigma in disease of obesity treatment46:31 Discussion of shopping for the right bariatric program, asking for bariatric surgery follow-up resources and contacting your insurance provider50:30 Don't seek medical advice on social media: the importance of professional bariatric patient educationKEY 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.
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