Yesterday I had the amazing honor of being interviewed on TV as KSL 5‘s Blog of the Week. Every Wednesday, they highlight the website of a local Utah blogger on their Browser 5.0 show. I was interviewed by Scott Haws about my weight loss journey and how my blog has affected the success I’ve had.

For someone who has struggled with morbid obesity for several years, the thought of being on TV was daunting. Back in high school, I lost a significant amount of weight taking Phen-Fen. At my skinniest, I was an anchor on my high school’s morning television broadcast SpartanVision. Since then, I have been so self-conscious about being recorded on TV or having pictures taken of me. So had I been given this opportunity a few months ago, I don’t know if I woud have taken it.

While I was waiting to go into the newsroom, the 12:00 noon news was being filmed. Mrs. Backer from Mrs. Backer’s Pastry Shop was on the show, displaying all sorts of gorgeous holiday treats, pastries, and cakes. After filming the segment, they brought out all of the goodies on a giant rolling cart for people to eat. The “former Nicole” would have pounced on that tray for something gooey and covered in frosting. But I wasn’t tempted at all.

As I was getting my mic on, and the show was going to a commercial break, Scott Haws said “And next up, we’ll be meeting the beauty of Beauty and the Bypass. Stay tuned.” The way he said it made me chuckle inside and ease some of my fears about being on TV. I felt a little more nervous than I expected on screen. Because my weight loss struggles have been such a personal part of my life, I had a hard time holding back emotions at time. For how I felt as I was being interviewed, I think I came across as being fairly confident.

I am glad that I was able to give a mention to the Obesity Action Coalition in my segment, as well as my goals to be an advocate for others who struggle with obesity. But because I didn’t know the questions I would be asked ahead of time, I didn’t get to talk about some of the other important factors in my weight loss success. Beyond the support of my readers, I wanted to talk about the support I’ve gotten through my friends in Bariatric Bad Girls Club and my support group at Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians at St. Marks Hospital. I also wanted to give a shout out to Dr. Sherman Smith, the surgeon who changed my life.

It was fun and nerve-wracking to be on TV, but overall, I feel honored to be recognized as KSL’s Blogger of the Week!