I'm working on an article about bariatric surgery.

Hello all. My name is Amy Wold and I'm a reporter with the daily newspaper in Baton Rouge, The Advocate. I'm currently working on a story about bariatric surgery. The story is going to look at the increasing popularity of the surgery, what exactly bariatric surgery is, what it means in the lives and health of the people who get it, some of the dangers and how the surgery includes lifestyle changes. I'm looking for people who are considering the surgery, have had the surgery and those who have had the surgery some time ago. I hope talking with you will help give me a broader perspective on the surgery benefits and struggles. For the purpose of this story, I will need to use a person's full name. I just like to let people know that up front. I am also looking for one person who would be willing to let myself and a photographer follow you through the process of before, during and after surgery. If anyone out there would be willing to talk with me about where you are in the bariatric process, please feel free to email me or call me at the following contacts. I'm especially looking for people in Baton Rouge, but I'd love to talk to anyone from Louisiana. Thank you in advance for your help. Sincerely, Amy Wold The Advocate 225 388-0320 (direct line at the office) [email protected]

Hi Amy, I'm excited about the prospect of raising awareness of our fights against the effects of obesity. Please let me know any way I can help. Also, my support group, NooMee meets this Thursday night. If you can, I think it would be a great source of feedback and perpsective. Please let me know if you can attend. The meeting is at 6:30, but there's an informative seminar 30 minutes before for people considering the surgery. Good luck, Frances P.S.: Everyone, I know Amy and she's an extremely good peep and a wonderful/fair journalist.

Hello Amy I live in a small town called Broussard, Louisiana, which is about 8 miles outside of Lafayette. I am waiting on insurance approval to have this surgery. I read your article and I might be willing to participate. Betty B.