Question:
Does anyone know how to become a spokesperson/model for bariatric surgery?

   — Heather P. (posted on April 13, 2004)

April 13, 2004
I think talking to your surgeon or her/his office manager would be a good start. Ask them who handles their marketing and advertising. Good Luck. [Ann in TX]
   — Ann B.

April 13, 2004
My doctor's office contacted me. I met a criteria that was being sought by the hospital's marketing department. In my case, they were looking for prior competitive athletes who then had bariatric surgery who were able to regain a competitive athletic lifestyle. I think being a spokesperson for bariatric surgery either happens based on a situation or, you are a gifted speaker and you take/find the opportunities as they present themselves. If this is your calling, make it happen. Good luck
   — smummert

April 14, 2004
I wouldn't say I am exactly a spokesperson or anything, but I started a website to support my surgeon a little before my surgery 2 years ago. Now I get about 2,000 visits/month. I spoke at a conference the clinic conducted in the fall. I just like to help my friends who started out the same way I did - obese. <br><br>Other than starting out as a celebrity first, I think that being a "spokesperson" is a pretty hard nut to crack. You would need an agent to "sell" you to conferences, etc. And if you don't start out famous, it is hard to demand money for that, especially since so many are successful with the surgery. The celebs on TV talking about it are selling it pretty well already. I wouldn't want to do this as a career, even though it is the best decision I ever made, and shout it from the rooftops. <br><br> Good luck to you!
   — kultgirl