Successful Gastric bypass 15 years ago

Hi all! I am Michelle. I had lap RNY in December 2003. I am so grateful personally that I did it but looking back there is so much I wish I had listened to and known!!!

Fast forward to now when I am the healthiest I have ever been in my life!! I am a registered nurse. I am going to a course to be a certified personal trainer and I need opinions. I have a huge heart for people I can identify with. I want to give those people an edge I never had but I am not sure if there

might honestly be a market for it? If s personal trainer specialized in pre and post baristric patients coaching and support and training, do you think it's a service people would really pay for?

thank you for any opinions in advance and God bless you on your journeys!!

Michelle

There's a market for everything. The real question is, how big of a market is there for the thing you're looking to sell.

When I started working out I asked if anyone on staff had knowledge and or had WLS. I was told no, so the nitch may be small unless you are aggressive and network with support groups and surgeons. Congratulations on your long termed success and she wish you luck!

I think it also depends on where you live. When I first started working out at a gym I had to "train" my trainer to my specific needs. Either way you're doing great and congrats on your surgerversary and continued success.

I think there may be a market because I think WLS is a lot more common now than in our day. I honestly think the bigger market might be regainers looking to stop gaining or relosing.

I don't think you have to give away your services, but don't price yourself out of the market.

Congrats on your 15 years, it's not easy keeping on track as the years tick away.

I did not follow through with this, but at one point considered starting a business for pre and post surgery patients. I was going to include exercise, diet ideas, a makeover session with hair and makeup, and a shopping trip for more flattering clothing. I think there is an opportunity for you. People are looking for help with their new way of life.

Im sure there is an Interest, but connecting with those with an interest is what will keep your business alive. How will you build your network?

My nephew, who has been my trainer, for many years, has in his bio something like "works with individuals who have lost extreme amounts of weight, and require special attention"...I know those aren't the EXACT words, but you can get the idea, of it...He "gets" that our cores are different/our bones are different, etc

Though he has the body genes of Hercules, he has somehow relates to people like me, and has a huge following, of clients. He is also an RN

You being a post op would be an added bonus, but I wouldn't limit myself to just the post WLS community

I offer personal shopping (clothes) for people and assist finding the proper fit in clothing for WL patients because I love shopping and to help others.

As others have said, I definitely think there could be a market - how big depends on where you live.

Mostly I just wanted to post and say congrats on the long-term success!