Hello All, I'm just wondering if you chose to tell your co-workers prior to WLS. I work in a small office with me being the largest by 150lbs. They are nice ladies but I don't want to feel that I need their approval. What did the rest of you do? Kadie

Hello I am scheduled for bypass surgery on March 21, 2006. I know I need high protein clear liquids after surgery. Does anyone have any suggestions and advise to where in WV is a good place to by diet products or online addresses and products that are good? And any preop advise would be appreciated.

Wow....Of the people that I know or have worked with who have Prader Willi, I would not expect them to pass the Psy. Eval. It is so hard for people who do not have this syndrome to cope with the head issues of eating after WLS.....I would be very scared if someone had PWS and had WLS..BUT maybe I am just compairing them to the ones who have it that I have worked with. It will be a very interesting article! Best wishes DI~

According to the news and the PA at the surgeon's office where I *had* an appointment for next week, on February 21st the announcement was made that "Medicare would cover some procedures only at hospitals considered "centers for excellence" by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery." Hospitals were given no time to apply for certification from either organization. We ALL need to contact our federal congressmen and senators about this. The more he11 we raise, the more likely it is the rule will be reversed or revised. Here are some things to point out in your communication (preferably by phone): 1. There was no notice given for this ruling. Hospitals should have had time to apply for certification. 2. Obesity is a life-threatening disease and this ruling has dramatically reduced the facilities available to perform bariatric surgery for months to come. 3. Waivers ARE available and you should urge your politicians to push for a waiver for your particular hospital. Here's the list of US Senators. Just find yours and slam them with emails & phone calls: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Here's the list of Congressmen. Ditto above: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issuesaction/alertlist/?issue=30

I just wanted to send a special Thanks to all who have helped make this dream to help Patty and Leonard a reality. I appreciate all of you who have taken your time and efforts to send items etc to help them through this tough time in their life. I hope you know how much good you have done and how much it is going to change the quality of their life !!!!! I hope with all my heart that Patty will see how much love and support is out here in the community and the WLS family, and someday consider becoming part of that special group of individuals. I thank you so much for taking the time to dig those clothes and household goods out and mail them across the state/country etc. You guys and gals are the best!!! I will be taking Pictures on Saturday and sending them to all of you, so you can be part of it all. Because without all of you this dream wouldn't of gotten off of the ground. Thank you again so very much, Laura