I WROTE THIS TO A LOCAL PAPER RE CUTTING GASTRIC BY PASS

It is with great distress that I write this e-mail after reading the article in the August 24th edition of the Daily News. After being super morbidly obese most of my adult life and after moving back to Nova Scotia from Ottawa after 12 years, I decided that I should look into the gastric-bypass. I had a consultation with Dr. E. S. MacDonald in Halifax in1999 and was told that at 555 lbs. I was a prime candidate for the surgery. I had the surgery on June 23, 2005. I was one of Dr. MacDonald's last patients before he retired. In the meantime, I did lots of research online, whi*****luded the website ObesityHelp.com. Every day, I chat with people all over the world who have already had the surgery or are waiting to have it. We help each other deal with weight and eating issues. As a result of my success, I have many new friends who consider me an inspiration. My new American friends cannot believe how long the waiting list is in Canada. Yesterday was the 14 month anniversary of my surgery. I have lost 300 lbs since that day in June 2005 - now weighing 255 lbs. I moved to Fredericton, NB in March/06 as a much smaller man. I have a new life with a great job. I have Dr. MacDonald to thank for my new life because without the surgery, I probably would not be here today. At 555 lbs, I was slowly killing myself. I think that the Nova Scotia government should find the funding to re-establish the gastric-bypass program. There are many people that need this surgery...probably a few politicians should have it as well. The government here in New Brunswick funds the surgery. Obesity is a big problem in Nova Scotia....do these people not deserve to get help? Alcoholics, drug addicts and gamblers get help. Obesity is just as big a problem as those issues. I hope that the government of Nova Scotia wakes up and does the right thing and helps the 24,000 plus obese people in the Province. Someday they might just need their votes. ROBERT CULLEN FORMER ANTIGONISH, NOVA SCOTIA RESIDENT NOW IN FREDERICTON NEW BRUNSWICK

Very well said Robert. I too hope they reestablish your program for those who need it. I do get tired of politicians making choices that are so ridiculous. They should find other ways to cut funding so that people can get the help they deserve. Good luck, Wendy

Robert, Kudos to you for taking a stand and being a voice for those who suffer from obesity! It is such a shame that weight loss surgery falls under such scrutiny. So many of the morbidly obese are unable to work or care for themselves. You would think that the powers that be would want to see as many people as possible restored to health and able to care for themselves again. And you are right..... a very large portion of the voting public is obese.... those votes add up! Pam