I became involved in Bariatric Surgery after having a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass myself in 2004. I worked in a facility that was starting the process for the ASMBS COE designation. I was recruited to the Bariatric Coordinator position which subsequently turned into a management position. I became very passionate about what we do from educating staff to educating and supporting patients through all aspects of surgery from seminar to post surgery, including support groups. The professional organizations I belong to are the ASMBS, TABS- the State Chapter of ASMBS, ANA, and TNA. I sat for the first CBN exam on pencil and paper and was successful. I was privleged enough to become involved with one of the ASMBS Intergrated Health Committees- Clinical Issues and Guidelines Committee for four years. I sucessfully started two ASMBS COE's and transitioned into the MBSAQIP Program. I am also a member of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) a non profit organization that advocates for those who have obesity. I have hosted/lead 3 Walks From Obesity. I enjoy advocating with local employers & others educating them on how helping their employees get healthier will make them more productive. I went to work for my current employer in 2008 because they wanted to start a Bariatric Program and ""raise the bar"" so to speak for Bariatric Services and care of our patients;I am currently the Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program for STHS McAllen Heart Hospital, which is the 2nd facility that I helped achieve ASMBS COE and re-accreditation as a MBSAQIP fully accreditated facility plus adolescents . I help educate the medical community as wel as the general public on Bariatric Surgery as an alternative for those who cannot lose weight with diet and excercise. I am very familiar with the insurance company's own required designations to perform WLS on their insured lives which include BCBS Blue Distinction Plus, BCBS HealthSelect, UHC- OPTUM, Aetna IOQ, and CIGNA Certified; The facility I am with holds all of these designations. We remain dedicated to helping those who suffer from Obesity become healthier so they can enjoy a better quality of life.