Tulane University

www.whyweight.com I believe the FULL cost for Lap-RNY including hospital, anesthesia, testing, etc. is under $20,000. It is on their website -- I gave the address above. 985-234-3000

No advice. Just wanted to say hello from your old friend Fran. Now that your wife is considering startng her journey, maybe both of you would like to join us April 27 for our OHLA support group meeting. The topic will be incorporating exercise into your weight loss journey. It's at the BREC Independence Park and we are about to start regular activities which might include a fitness class for people in a weight loss journey. I've been spending some time teaching on the 'Bluffs, your own stumping ground. May stick around a while, but unsure. I hope you've been doing well and find all the information that you and your wife seek. Onward! Frances

Hi Fred - I checked on surgeons at Tulane a couple of months ago and none had returned since Katrina! I don't know if they're now back or not. I just had surgery six days ago at Ochsner with Dr. Richardson. He is head of all laparoscopic surgery at Ochsner and has excellent credentials. Their cash price is $21K. I'm happy to answer any questions about my experience...

Hi Lisa -- My name is Linda Domino and I met you at a support meeting at Ochsner in February. I was sitting right in front of you. I believe you had just gotten word that your insurance was going to cover your surgery (I believe United). I probably told you but I have United and it wasn't covered. We have a written exclusion in our policy. I was self-pay and Dr. Richardson did my surgery. I didn't realize you had your surgery last week. Hope you're doing well.

Hi Linda - I had two days to get ready for my surgery! Approved by United Monday a.m. and surgery on Wednesday. No complications so far. How are you doing? Are we having support group tomorrow? Don't know if I will be able to go or not. Maybe...

That's the way to do it. Glad you're doing well. I think Dr. Richardson is an excellent surgeon. Happy you mentioned support -- I looked on the calendar and it is tonight. I'm not very good at remembering it. I would like to go but my 92-year old mother lives with me and was not feeling too well when I left this morning, so we'll see. But, hope to see you soon, if not tonight. Are you on clear liquids now, or have you progressed to shakes, etc.?