Sandi Henderson is a Certified Bariatric Coach and Bariatric Support Group Leader with over a decade of experience empowering individuals to achieve long-term success after weight loss surgery. Her journey began in 2004 when she made the life-changing decision to undergo Lap band surgery. At 54 years old weighing 424 pounds nd having lost and regained 100 pounds multiple times, Sandi knew this was it, her only chance to change and yes, to save her life.

Now, almost 21 years after that decision she has had her Lap Band removed and is still maintaining a 200 lb weight loss.

By 2007, Sandi was introducing her bariatric surgeon at his seminars to educate patients about weight loss surgeries and what they could look forward to and the changes they would have to make. She has spent much of her time supporting others both at the seminars by answering questions honestly and openly, as well as privately helping others navigate their journeys to health after weight loss surgery.

Sandi became a strong voice in the Weight Loss Surgery Community by blogging her journey and creating an online forum for people to give and receive support as well as answers to their questions.

Her website included her weekly blogs, The forum, as well as hundreds of recipes created by Sandi that worked for both her needs and the needs of her family.

Sandi has co-authored two books.

“Is Lap Band Surgery For Me”

“Eat Your Way to Success And Learn How To Control Hunger- A Weight Loss Surgery Friendly Cookbook”

Sandi walked the Halls of the Senate and Congressional buildings speaking with Congressional Representatives, Senators, and their aides advocating for inclusion of weight loss surgery as a necessary medical expense.

Sandi spoke to a group of hundreds at the International Sales Meeting of the company that owned Lap Band at the time. ( Allergen)

Sandi was a board member of the WLSFA ( Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America) from 2013 until 2023.

At 69 years old, Sandi was in the best physical shape of her entire life, working out 6 to 7 days a week -Swimming, strength training, elliptical training, diving, walking, bicycle riding, and enjoying life to its fullest.

And then came the pandemic. Unfortunately, when the gyms closed and the swimming pools closed, it was difficult for Sandi to maintain her training schedule because not being able to swim took the joy out of her workouts. Anxiety rose along with everybody else’s during this time. And suddenly she came down with ocular shingles. It was the most painful experience of her life, and she was left with pain over her eye and itching and burning 24/7 365 with no known cures and doctor’s words that it might resolve or it might not resolve.

Unfortunately, the pandemic experience was extremely difficult and left its mark on Sandi.

In July of 2024 Sandi’s Lap Band was removed due to a slip and severe adhesions.

In late November 2024 Sandi began taking GLP 1 meds. Her results have been excellent, and she is navigating ” the rules of taking GLP1 s ” just as she followed the rules of the Lap Band. At 76 years young, through her individual work on nutrition, exercise, and well-being, Sandi is here at WLS. Success Matters to continue to support the journey to good health, regardless of whether you’ve had weight loss surgery, you’re taking a GLP1 or other meds, or just wanting to live a healthy and productive life.

Happiness is not a small number on the scale or a single digit on the size tag at the clothing store. Happiness is balancing your life and living the best life possible for You.

Wendy Campbell is a certified Bariatric Coach and Bariatric Support Group Leader with over a decade of experience empowering individuals to achieve long-term success after weight loss surgery. Her journey began in 2009 when she made the lifechanging decision to undergo LAP-BAND surgery. At 34 years old, having lost and regained 100 pounds three times, Wendy knew this was her rock bottom—and her chance to transform her life for good.

Now, heading into her 16th year post-op, Wendy is living proof that weight loss surgery works. She has maintained her weight loss for over 14 years with her original LAP-BAND and has dedicated herself to helping others navigate their own journeys. Wendy’s approach emphasizes the mental aspect of the
process, often saying, “70% of the work happens in your head, and 30% is the weight loss surgery tool.”

A true advocate for health and wellness, Wendy has become a celebrated voice in the weight loss surgery community:

Wendy’s story includes becoming an athlete, checking off every fitness goal she set for herself, and maintaining her healthy lifestyle despite life’s challenges, including the loss of loved ones, career changes, and major life transitions. At 50 years old, she remains focused on her physical and mental health, staying attuned to her body’s needs and navigating menopause while continuing to grow and thrive.

Through her work with WLS Success Matters, Wendy inspires others to maximize their weight loss surgery tools, overcome obstacles, and embrace the mental and emotional growth required to sustain lifelong success. Her philosophy is simple: success isn’t just about losing weight; it’s about creating a life that feels good, strong, and fulfilling.