Carnie Wilson Joins RealSelf, Shares Her Amazing Journey in Exclusive First-Person Review

SEATTLE, May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- RealSelf, the world's largest community for plastic, cosmetic, and weight loss surgery, announced today that actress, singer, mom, and TV host Carnie Wilson has joined RealSelf's community and shared an exclusive, personal, and detailed review of her gastric bypass and lap band procedures.

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Carnie, who rose to fame as part of 90s pop-music group Wilson Phillips, opens up about her nearly 20-year weight loss journey to the 4 million monthly visitors on RealSelf.com in an incredibly honest, open, and relatable way. Her inspirational first-person account not only helps RealSelf members to learn more about the emotional and physical aspects of massive weight loss, but also garners support and confidence from the community.

"I was alone and frightened. My food was my only comfort and I remember getting on the scale every single day and watching it go up and up and up and up," writes Carnie in her RealSelf.com review. "I was absolutely at my lowest point in my life and I was scared I was going to have a heart attack. A doctor told me my liver was toxic and I would not live to see 38 if I didn't get a hold of my obesity problem."

Carnie is not alone in her struggle. Other public figures, most recently Chris Christie, have come out with their own decisions to undergo lap band – a procedure that scores an 84% Worth It Rating and an average cost of $7,675, according to RealSelf community reviews. Last year, RealSelf.com received more than 250,000 searches for procedures related to weight loss surgery, and the weight loss community currently has more than 250 personal and life-changing reviews. Though RealSelf community members can maintain 100% anonymity, deep personal connections are formed everyday on the site. Many reviewers, like Carnie, candidly document their path to procedures to provide others with valuable advice on the struggles and beyond the brochure expectations of weight loss surgery.

"No one is perfect. I have learned to honor my ability to make choices. That is what is the most important aspect I can teach people," noted Carnie, who is also an Ambassador of Hope for WLSFA. "There is always the next day and we all must remember that we are a work in progress. Speaking with others, working with others, [and] staying accountable is the key to success."

As part of its involvement with the WLSFA convention, RealSelf will award a $500 grant to one WLSFA member who posts about their current weight loss journey by May 18. Complete entry details are found here or by e-mailing [email protected]. RealSelf has also set up a dedicated page specifically for those interested in connecting with WLSFA members and learning more about the physical and emotional aspects of surgical weight loss. The WLSFA page delivers all the resources in one spot, including helpful guides on the various surgical options, tips for pre- and post-op patients and access to an inspiring support network. In addition, RealSelf team members will be live blogging at the conference and on Twitter using the hashtag #wlsfa, as well as helping people set up profiles to join the thriving community.

To learn more about any of the weight loss categories listed on RealSelf.com – including before and after images, treatment overviews, Worth It Ratings, average costs and even questions and answers with board-certified physicians – visit www.realself.com/weight-loss-surgery/info. 

About RealSelf
RealSelf is the leading consumer resource within the $30B medical-beauty industry, which represents everything from elective cosmetic surgery to obesity management to cosmetic dentistry. RealSelf takes the "whisper conversations" associated with these interests and has built a roaring online conversation of millions of visitors a month discovering what's worth it, and what's not. More than 5,000 board-certified doctors and medical specialists also contribute to RealSelf, lending their expertise to answer questions and to offer opinions. Learn more at www.realself.com.

SOURCE RealSelf