Bariatric Surgery/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am a certified life coach and specialize in weight loss surgery. As a successful RNY gastric bypass post-op since 2001, I've lost and maintained my weight loss of 147 pounds. I have worked in the bariatric field since 2002. Currently, I am the director of support groups for a weight loss surgery internet education and support company. I train weight loss surgery members that want to lead support groups. I teach the set-up and operation of support groups, overview of the various bariatric surgical procedures, and basic bariatric nutrition. I am a certified back on track facilitator and enjoy working with post-ops finding their way to get back on track and stay on track. I have written and teach a bariatric coaching workshop and conduct weight loss surgery group teleclasses and coaching. In my current position, I am also the Mental Health Professional Liaison and work closely with the leading bariatric mental health professionals in the country. Coaching weight loss surgery patients, pre-op and post-op, back on track are my passion.

Experience in the area

I am a gastric bypass post-op since 2001. I lost 147 pounds and my other co-morbidities including diabetes. I conduct training in the areas of support groups, nutrition, all of the surgery procedures, and teach a bariatric coaching workshop. I am an international coach and coach clients throughout the entire United States. My website is www.LoseWeightFindLife.com.

Organizations

ObesityHelp.com, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Obesity Action Coalition, International Coaching Federation, International Association of Coaches.

Publications

ObesityHelp Magazine, eZine.com, SearchWarp and numerous on-line publications.

Education/Credentials

I am a certified life coach and specialize in weight loss surgery. I have taken extensive courses in formal coach training including group coaching, teleclasses, and bariatric foundational coaching.

What do you like about this subject?

I am passionate about weight loss surgery, specifically post-operative issues, behavioral and mental health and back on track. After we've lost our weight, the changes, goals and reinventing our lives are exciting and rewarding.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I want to continue my advanced coach training track along with a back on track teleclass for weight loss surgery patients. I am progressing with my accreditation with the International Coach Federation.