METAIRIE Thursday!

Hi, everyone! I hope your 2007 has been up to a good start so far. I just wanted to remind everyone that on Thursday (1/4/07), we'll be getting together at Puccino's in Metairie (next to Lakeside) at 6:00. See you there!

I will be there as long as the weather is not too bad. It's supposed to rain Thursday and Friday and they said it might be bad. Lynn J., lap RNY 9/29/04 5'4" 306/146/135

Hi I'm replying because I just joined and noticed yu were in SLidell. I am only (ONLY!) 60 lbs overwieght and can't have surgery and saw something on the AM Soc for Bariatric Surgeon site about using anorectic drugs to lose weight by seeing a bariatric doctor. I am a heart patient and my cardiologist saiys he would recommoend GB for all his overweight patients, he feels so strongly about it. Has anyone seen a bariatric Doctor about the medicina approach? thanks guys!

Hi, Faye. Are you sure you're ineligible for surgery? Sometimes people think they're not eligible, but they are. In your case, your heart condition could possibly be considered a comorbidity that would make you eligible for WLS, even though you're below 100 lbs. overweight. Also, the criteria for eligibility based on number of pounds overweight is not very reliable. Instead, you should calculate your body mass index, or BMI, to see where you stand. As for medications, I happen to know that Dr. Raum, the internist/endocrinologist/bariatrician who works with the LSU/Touro bariatric group (Drs. Martin, Klainer, Paige, etc.), has some patients for whom he prescribes diet pills. Their practice, in fact, does have a "diet only" plan. The only problem I would see for you is that with your heart condition, you might not be a good candidate for diet pills, since they can affect your blood pressure and heart rhythm. If I were you, I would schedule an appointment with Dr. Raum, who would then be able to help you figure out whether you're a better candidate for surgery, medication, or something else entirely. I don't know where exactly where their group practice is these days -- I heard they're back in New Orleans, but I couldn't find them through the Touro website. (Any input from current patients would be great.) By the way, I am an Ochsner patient, and while I have been very satisfied with my surgery and treatment, I have to say I prefer the LSU/Touro group, just because they have Dr. Raum. Best of luck to you! Please feel free to come to Puccino's in Metairie so we can talk more.

Dr. Raum is back in New Orleans..a lady in my support group is treated by him. I won't see her again for a while, but will ask whenever I see her about his current location. Touro didn't flood, so he is probably still in his old office there maybe? Address and Ph: 3715 Prytania Street, New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 896-6850

Hi Faye, I am a patient of Dr. Raum's. His group is back in N.O. They are located in the Napoleon Medical Complex that is connected to Baptist Hospital. The phone number is 899-8411. Hope this helps, Debbie

I'll be at the meeting unless it rains. See you tomorrow night. Pattie

The weather reports are not looking good for tonight. I will let you know later whether I am going tonight or not. Lynn J., lap RNY 9/29/04