Cathy W.
My name is Cathy Wilson and I'm on staff with ObesityHelp as the Content Manager.
I am a WLS post-op and had RNY Lap gastric bypass surgery in 2001. I've lost 147 pounds. In addition, I also lost my diabetes, GERD, sleep apnea, and arthritic conditions of my joints and spine. I went from a size 26, 3x to a size 4. Weight loss and maintenance, and behavioral health are my passion. I am an accredited PCC with the International Coach Federation which is the equivalent in coaching to the ASMBS for bariatrics. I'm also a BCC (Board Certified Coach) with a specialty as a life coach, weight loss, health and wellness, and weight loss surgery. I have a website which I update that focuses on weight loss surgery issues. My website is www.LoseWeightFindLife.com.
It is a lifelong struggle that I’ve dealt with ever since I can remember. I went on my first diet at 14 years old and dieted ever since. I love helping others lose weight, maintain it, and achieve their goals. I tried all of the diets out there. I joined Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Gloria Marshall, Overeaters Anonymous, along with any diet out of a book or magazine that I could find. All in the hope of finding the magic formula for weight loss success. There were elements of the weight loss programs that I liked. Ultimately, I never attained permanent weight loss success. So, that’s why I’ve turned to coaching.
With weight loss coaching, we can create a program designed for you and just you. Sure, there are some common healthy habits you’ll need to embrace in your life but we can personalize and customize a program for you. I used to think if I had one-on-one access to my very own Weight Watcher leader, Jenny Craig consultant, or OA sponsor that I would have the answer I need. I found the answer and that is weight loss and life coaching. Another part of the answer for weight loss is to know that it isn’t about the food. What? It truly isn’t about the food. Eating emotionally or out of habit is what we do. Together, we can find out what will help you achieve weight loss, maintain that weight loss, and design the life you are meant to live. My life is completely different than it was six years ago. You can have that too. What I've gained is beyond what I ever thought I would have in my life.
I am a certified life coach specializing in weight loss. I completed all training courses in a life coach training program to obtain my certification and advanced certification along with a back on track faciliation weight loss course. I am a member of the International Coaching Federation and International Association of Coaches to stay involved and informed on all aspects of coaching. I am passionate about weight loss and am a member of the Obesity Action Coalition and a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.
I am the Director of Support Groups & Training, and the Mental Health Professionals Liaison for ObesityHelp. I LOVE, LOVE my job. I get to work with OH Support Group Leaders, train them in the operation and set up of support groups, the surgeries, and nutrition. I have written a bariatric coach training curriculum for a bariatric coach training workshop for ObesityHelp Support Group Leaders. I am the trainer for this exciting and important workshop. In my career experience, I assist and support people in the areas of nutrition, physical movement and activity, behavioral health issues, and forming new healthy habits to not only lose weight but maintain as well. I have been a support group leader for the past five years in the areas of weight loss surgery and weight control.
I've also been employed with one of the most gifted bariatric surgeon and his very comprehensive bariatric program that is nationally well respected. I was involved with his practice, surgeons and obtained a solid foundation in weight loss, maintenance, health, nutrition, and fitness that I will always be grateful for. I was also featured in a marketing program for the bariatric program of the hospital where I had my surgery. I taped television commercials, was photographed for brochures and newspaper advertisements. It was a WOW Moment of a lifetime. I was very honored to be in this role to represent the excellence of this hospital in such an exciting way. I chose surgery to lose weight because I was diagnosed with diabetes. Surgery is a tool in order to lose weight and allow the creation of new habits to create a healthy lifestyle. The diagnosis of diabetes was the wake-up call that I needed in order to take control of my life and my health, and lose weight. I was tired of living my life through what I ate, what I didn't eat, what I weighed, my size, and the day my next diet would begin.
Today, I have a fulfilling life that I would have never thought possible. I no longer live my life centered around food. Losing weight and coaching has enabled me to live a rewarding life for myself and my family as well. I never knew life could be this great and it only gets better and better. Since having my surgery, I've become a licensed private pilot, walked the 3 Day/60 Mile Breast Cancer Walk, walked in competitive races, traveled to New York on the set of Good Morning America to watch my bariatric surgeon boss interviewed by Charlie Gibson, made close healthy friendships, love being a wife and mom like never before surgery, did television commercials and a professional photo shoot, model in a fashion show, and had countless WOW Moments of my own and share in WOW Moments of others that I assist through coaching.
My favorite shirt that I love to wear sums up how I feel: "Life Is Good"!!!
About Me
Before & After
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