June 28, 2023 (Georgetown, KY; Gig Harbor, WA) – The Kentucky Bariatric Institute (KBI), led by medical director Dr. Eric Smith, and BariNation, a leading provider of educational resources and support for individuals pursuing a metabolically healthy lifestyle, have announced a strategic collaboration during the American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS) National Meeting in Las Vegas. This alliance aims to revolutionize the field of metabolic/bariatric patient care by combining BariNation's innovative educational & support platform with KBI's renowned expertise in weight loss surgery and patient health management.
As obesity rates continue to rise worldwide, effective education and comprehensive treatment options become increasingly more vital. Recognizing this urgent need, Dr. Smith and KBI identified BariNation as the ideal integrated organization to expand their already extensive patient education and advocacy programs. Dr. Smith has performed thousands of bariatric surgeries on patients from across the Bluegrass state and beyond.
Dr. Eric Smith announced the collaboration on Instagram Live alongside the three bariatric patients that founded BariNation (April Williams, Jason Smith and Natalie Tierney), and on a BariNation Podcast episode, by sharing: "We are excited to engage with BariNation in our ongoing commitment to improve patient outcomes. This collaboration will significantly enhance our ability to educate and support our patients throughout their weight loss journey. By combining our clinical expertise with BariNation's comprehensive educational platform, we can provide our patients with a holistic approach to weight loss and long-term success."
April Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of BariNation, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "On behalf of myself and co-founders Jason Smith and Natalie Tierney, we are thrilled to join forces with the esteemed Kentucky Bariatric Institute. BariNation exists to empower individuals through community to access and utilize the tools, resources, and education needed to achieve and maintain personal wellness. This will allow us to combine our expertise in educational resources and technology with KBI's exceptional patient care and surgical excellence. Together, we aim to provide individuals struggling with obesity with a safe and welcoming space to connect, learn, and grow along their bariatric journey.”
Cliff Wilson, CEO at Georgetown Community Hospital and Market President of Lifepoint’s Central Kentucky Market shared, “Our investment in BariNation demonstrates the unique approach and pride taken in the relationships we build with our patients. Our goal is to provide quality care, individualized service, and develop relationships with resources that ensure healthy, long-term success for our patients.”
Patients who undergo bariatric surgery with KBI will be granted a complimentary trial membership to BariNation’s user-friendly online platform as part of the sponsorship crafted between the two organizations. With over 100 virtual support groups, classes and meet-ups per month, many led by ASMBS members, the KBI/BariNation collaboration strives to provide patient centered support that is accessible, on demand and meaningful to meet the needs of those in treatment for the complex disease of obesity. Created by bariatric patients, BariNation structures its offerings across the pillars of Mindset, Movement and Metabolic Wellness. This association will empower patients to take an active role in their weight loss journey, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions and achieve long-term success.
The educational sponsorship between BariNation and Kentucky Bariatric Institute represents a significant milestone in the field of bariatric medicine. By uniting their resources and expertise, these organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals struggling with obesity, ultimately improving overall health outcomes and promoting a healthier future.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kentucky Bariatric Institute
Contact: Savannah Sullivan
Phone: 502-868-1155
Email: savannah.sullivan@lpnt.net
BariNation
Contact: April Williams
Phone: 253-569-2321
Email: april@barination.com
Contact: Christine Mason
Phone: 646-418-0290
Email: christine@barination.com