Teacher shares her journey to a healthier life through bariatric surgery

Monroe, Ga. (January 26, 2026) – January is Healthy Weight Awareness Month, and for Walton County teacher Heather Conner, the observance carries personal meaning. After a lifetime of struggling with her weight—and overcoming several major health obstacles—she is sharing her story in hopes of encouraging others to explore the tools and support available through Piedmont Walton Hospital’s bariatric surgery program.

Conner, 55, describes herself as having been “heavy” since childhood. Though she was active and athletic while growing up, she could never find lasting success in her efforts to lose weight.

“I tried every diet out there,” Conner said. “I worked with my primary care provider for years, but nothing ever worked for long.”

Her challenges intensified after a routine mammogram revealed an abnormality that led to a breast cancer diagnosis. Following a lumpectomy and radiation, her weight continued to climb until she reached 300 pounds. She briefly found success with GLP‑1 medication, losing about 50 pounds, but regained the weight after insurance stopped covering the treatment

“I was absolutely miserable,” she said. “I went back to my doctor in tears and asked for help.”

Her primary care provider referred her to Donald Maynard, MD, a bariatric surgeon at Piedmont Walton Hospital, and encouraged her to attend the program’s introductory meeting. Conner said that the visit changed her outlook entirely.

“From day one, they made me feel like they were in my corner,” Conner said. “They helped me understand that surgery isn’t ‘the easy way out’—it’s a tool. And they taught me how to use it.”

Under Dr. Maynard’s guidance, Conner began Piedmont Walton’s structured, six-month pre-surgery program, which focuses on nutrition, exercise and sustainable lifestyle habits. She lost 40 pounds before the procedure. A year after surgery, she now weighs around 150 pounds—half her previous size—and has gone from a size 24/26 to a size 10.

According to Dr. Maynard, her body mass index has dropped to 25, placing her in the healthy, normal range.

“He was life‑saving for me,” Conner said. “Without Dr. Maynard and my primary care provider, I would still be miserable and in terrible condition.”

Today, Conner starts her mornings at Fit Body Bootcamp, has completed a 5K and has the energy to coach community swim and cheerleading. Her lifestyle changes have influenced her entire household, including her husband, her father, her adult children, and her 9-year-old twin grandsons, who live with her.

She said the follow up support from Piedmont, Dr. Maynard and his staff has made all the difference.

“I know other people who’ve had weight-loss surgery elsewhere, and they don’t have this level of follow-up,” she said. “The team is amazing. They spend time getting to know you, and it feels like I’m part of a family.”

Dr. Maynard said Conner’s story reflects the program’s focus on long-term health.

“We emphasize sustainable lifestyle change—nutrition, movement and accountability,” he said. “Surgery is a powerful tool, but it’s the partnership with the patient that creates lasting success. Heather is a wonderful example of that commitment.”

Patients interested in learning more about bariatric surgery at Piedmont Walton Hospital can visit piedmont.org and register for one of the program’s free introductory meetings. These sessions offer an overview of surgical options, lifestyle expectations, and the comprehensive support available through Piedmont’s bariatric team.