CNN report on obese people who live in Alabama who are penalized on insurance premiums for being overweight. This plan was implemented as a means to motivate people to lose weight. However, some feel that this is nothing more than a fat tax.
This video is a rebroadcast of this report.
CNN reports on a former soldier who’s sheer will was not enough to help him lose over 260 pounds. After undergoing gastric bypass surgery this patient was able to gain control over his life again and stay on track with his goals for a better life.
This video is a report on his success story.
Hey y’all! I am one week post surgical and have my good days and bad days - mostly good. I never thought that finally being able to have pureed potatoes would excite me more than a new pair of shoes but here I am!
So let’s have some fun! What are some habits that make you a “Gold Star” earner as a Lap Band-ite? What are some that might put you in detention? With school starting soon it makes for a fun game. I’d love to hear from y’all - I would hate to think I am alone on this board!
Go Hawks!
Jill
Hi! I just found the new weblog site. This is so great! We now have our own surgical center blog! I was at a seminar at the clinic this evening and Dr. Billing told me about this. The seminar was really fun and informative. It brought back memories of a year ago January when I was one of those people sitting and gathering info, trying to make one of the biggest decisions of my life. So glad I did! I think at least 5 people asked me if it hurts to get a fill and I, who am deathly afraid of needles, said no, it doesn’t hurt a bit…and it wasn’t a lie! There was one woman there who said that two of her friends had lapbands inserted last year and neither one is doing very well with the band. She said they have no support system, no nutritionist, nothing… It’s sad that there are places out there doing this surgery and then just kind of “throwing” the patient out there with no support to help them along. We’re so blessed… Anyway, glad I found the new site. Have a great rest of the week! :0) Allison
PSSC is offering the Stomaphyx Procedure for patients who have had gastric bypass and have had some weight gain. It is an endoscopic procedure that pleats the stomach, creating a smaller pouch. We know that pouch dilatation is one reason why patients may have weight gain. This is an outpatient procedure. We are the first in the area to offer this new technology. Make an appointment if you are interested. Here is the website for more information. http://www.endogastricsolutions.com/
I have been researching Lap Band Surgery for quite some time. My research continually brings me back to PSSC. I still have many questions and would like to talk to others who have had the surgery. Not all of my questions have been answered and like anyone thinking about any sort of surgery I have my hesitations as well.
I am aware of the support group that meets in the Stevens Hospital Cafeteria on the last Tuesday of each month, I am looking for online groups via yahoo or other avenues that I can either chat or post questions to boards since I can’t always make evening meetings.
I am leaning strongly towards the surgery for my health and to spend quality time with my son with out having to watch his activities from the “sidelines”, however, in order to truly make the right decision for myself I am wanting to get more information.
I have my appointments scheduled in the next week with the surgeon, and the nutritionist, so I am taking the necessary steps to move forward.
At the same time I am in the process of working with and collecting medical records for my insurance company. I have time to look at all the information to ensure that this is right for me.
Any and all information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!
Kasey
When is it time for a fill ? The reason I ask this, is because now that I have been feeling all the signs, I finally bit the bullet and went in for the fill.
Funny how subtle it is. Hunger … suddenly it bothers me when other people are eating. Taking a risk, eating some bread, and it goes down without a problem…danger signs for sure.. so today, I went in and Joy gave me some happy juice… we will see how the next couple of days go… and hopefully a few lbs will go away…!!
Denise
Hello everyone,
We hope the new website and blog will create greater communication and community for those who are in our program. If you have a question that you want me to answer, you are welcome to use this site or send me an email. Our other staff are also open to questions, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Most of you who have been with us for the past 2 years have seen the tremendous growth to the program. As the program grows we want to maintain that personal touch that you have seen. We are open to hear any concerns you may have and if you have ideas for solutions, that would be appreciated as well. Periodically, you will be receiving updates regarding new services at PSSC. This site will be an opportunity to exchange ideas and hear about upcoming events/news.
Many of you know we have an office and program in Bellingham. Our office is located next to the Bellwether Hotel at the Harbor in Bellingham. It has many of the components that you see in our Edmonds office. Cincy Tobiason, RN is our nurse coordinator there. We also provide dietary and psychological support locally and of course provide a place to have gastric band adjustments. We are doing our surgeries at Pacific Rim Outpatient Surgery Center next to St Joseph Hospital. If you know people in B’ham who are wanting weight loss surgery, I hope they would consider coming to PSSC.
I want to let you know about the Walk from Obesity march this September. This is to help create awareness about obesity by raising support for education and research. You can go to the website at walkfromobesity.com to learn more. We will need lots of volunteers to make this successful and those who are interested in helping will need to let us know soon. We are putting together a committee in May.
I hope to hear from many of you soon. It has been a wonderful experience seeing you get your life back. I never imagined that with one operation that we could treat so many diseases. More importantly many of you are doing things that you never could imagine doing. I am glad to be a participant with you in that.
Take care,
Peter Billing MD