In the in Dallas Texas

I saw this in the news if your in the Dallas area worth checking it out. FARMERS BRANCH, Texas -- Mark Nelson gets around with the aid of a wheelchair because walking causes pain in his knees. The pain stems from the 359 pounds on his frame. Still, at 359 pounds, Nelson weighs less than he once did. "Total weight I lost would be about 270-something pounds," he said. OBESITY SURGERY In Depth: Different Types More: Considerations | Risks, Benefits Survey: Would You Consider It? Resource: About Gastric Bypass Resource: Are You A Candidate? Nelson also looks younger than his age. The weight loss and youthful look can be attributed to the gastric bypass surgery Nelson had in November. The procedure not only made Nelson look and feel better, it cost him nothing. The pro bono surgery was performed by Dr. John Alexander, a bariatric surgeon, and his medical team at the Alexander Center for Obesity Surgery in Farmers Branch. During the past three years, 15 patients have undergone free gastric bypass surgeries at the center. The patients were medically qualified for the procedures but lacked insurance or were denied coverage by their insurance companies. "We thought it would be sad, actually, for these patients not to have the procedure done for financial reasons," Alexander said. Other doctors who work with Alexander at the center said the free surgeries are a way to reinvest in a community that has supported the surgical center. "We've gotten so much benefit from the community, it's important we give back, too," said Dr. Charles Loehr, a family practitioner. "We get a lot of satisfaction out of this," thoracic surgeon Dr. Bill Taylor said. Doctors at the center consider the severity of a patient's obesity, related health problems, and the patient's age and financial situation to identify candidates for the pro bono surgeries. Neither the center nor RHD Memorial Medical Center, where the surgeries occur, charge the patients. Mark Nelson is pictured after the surgery (left) and before. The doctors also follow up with their patients after the surgeries. Nelson, for example, eventually will lose more than 500 pounds. The weight loss will leave him with excess skin, which Alexander will remove. The follow-up procedure is free. "I'll be forever in debt to Dr. Alexander," Nelson said. "He saved my life." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information about the pro bono gastric bypass surgeries, log on to: On The Net: The Alexander Center for Obesity Surgery. Or, call the center at: On The Phone: (972) 247-7767. A free seminar on bariatric surgery will occur July 26 at Medical Center in Dallas. A panel of physicians will discuss gastric bypass, laparoscopic gastric banding (also called lap-banding) and open gastric banding. For more information call Suzi Prokell at: On The Phone: (817) 598-1556. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright 2005 by nbc5i.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.