Jennifer Laster

Before Jennifer Laster, 57, had Lap-Band® surgery she weighed over 300 pounds and was trapped in a downward spiral of overeating. The decision to get weight loss surgery with Tennessee Weight Loss and Surgery Center (TWLSC) at the University of Tennessee Medical Center was one that changed her life, and made a positive influence in the lives around her.

As an assistant principal at Morristown West High School, Jennifer has the hardest job in the world—managing hundreds of teenagers. Nevertheless, Jennifer says that not only faculty members, but students have gone out of their way to support her decision to maintain a healthier lifestyle. "This school is my family, and I feel especially thankful to have such a large support system helping me everyday." Jennifer wanted to prove to herself that weight gain was a challenge she could overcome, but more importantly wanted to set a positive example for her students. "I didn't want to be defeated by obesity.  I wanted to show my students how they can overcome any challenge they set their mind to."

Almost three years since her surgery she is proud to say she has succeeded, and of all the benefits of weight loss, the hope the surgery gave her for a better future is the most gratifying gift. Since her surgery, she had to reverse years of poor eating habits and detrimental food choices. Jennifer says the psychological changes she had to overcome, changing how she thinks about food and staying active, were just as important as her lifestyle changes.

Her routine now includes working out three times a week at the Rehab Group of Morristown and the Wellness Center with a few of her faculty members, playing tennis, and hiking. Among the most critical keys to Jennifer's success have been her family, friends, and TWLSC who all have given her their unconditional encouragement. Jennifer stays in constant contact with her surgeon Dr. Greg Mancini, her primary care physician Dr. Juli Williams, and a few members of the TWLSC team who keep her on the right track to healthy weight loss.

Jennifer is especially grateful for her sister, Dr. Janet Purkey, a physician with the Graduate School of Medicine, who has given her the courage and strength to walk this journey to a healthy and prosperous life.

Now Jennifer is living her life without any physical restrictions. She says that before her surgery, "movement was an obstacle every day, and it kept me from really making a difference in the world."  The amount of weight loss that the Lap-Band® helped Jennifer achieve meant traveling was no longer uncomfortable but rather enjoyable.  She thinks a mission trip to Africa is now in her future—a 27-hour flight and an opportunity to make an international impact which would not have ever been an option before weight loss surgery.