All,
There are many people who work in our WLS business that have NOT had any surgery; yet we put our trust in them.  Why?   Because we assume they have had specialized training and that they definitely know more than we do.  Darcie has had countless hours of lapband training. 

I have met very few Bariatric surgeon's who have had weight loss;  yet they sell a surgery.  I have had 2 kinds of weight loss surgeries and yet I share information on all types of procedures to everyone.  Am I an expert?  Not if being an expert means one has to have had every type of procedure that they talk about.  But, having workedi n the field for 6 years and being very active in support groups for almost 8 years; I think I have a few pieces of info that can help others from time to time.  Some use it.  Some don't.

People are inspired by a weight loss!  Millions tune in each Tuesday evening to get their 2 hour dose of inspiration from the Biggest Loser!  They haven't had our surgeries of chocie but they share our determination to be healthy and succeed!  ..... Darcie is inspiring!  Period!  Why does it matter whether she's had a lapband or an Rny?  Kudos to her for being at goal weight NINE years post-op from her surgery.  I'd say we ALL have a lot we could learn from her!!!!  Some day the newbies on this site will realize just how impressive that really is!  Losing happens...maintaining is the real work!

As for someone on this thread saying that she likes docs who do ALL types of surgeries; well good for her.  But, many people want to go to a "specialist"; someone who does hundreds and hundreds of one thing is going to be pretty darn good at it!!!!  Someone who does several things will have a broader perspective but won't have nearly as much time and experience into one piece of the curriculum!  .So the good & the bad of both options.....And the same person stirring this pot on this site implies that she doesn't sell any surgery.  Bologna!  WE all sell a surgery when we give our personal testimonial of someone or something that we are passionate about!

I feel badly that people had to pop out of the wood work to lynch someone who was offering a FREE support group (note those are usually AFTER someone has had surgery so she wouldn't benefit from it at all!)....and was sharing her story....which is something done by thousands on this support site!

I think we should all calm down.  O.H. allows everyone to advertise support groups that are open to everyone.  It's not breaking any of their rules.  If someone is honest (and the accused was very honest about being an Rny working in a lapband environemtn) then O.H. has always applauded the sharing of experiences that inspire!

Use your delete button freely if you don't like something someone is saying.  I'm sure my posts are deleted on a regular basis by the masses!  But, one person may be moved by one thing on one day.  That's the thing!

How bout we all be the warm Arizonans that we should be?

If someone crawls out from under a rock to attack someone then consider the source. 

Support groups tonight:

AZ Grads of WlS:  5:30 at Phx St Lukes (all welcome)
Banner GATEWAY AT 6:00 PM (all welcome)  -  Dr. Mazaheri, plastic surgeon is presenting

Hugggzzz,

It is ruff at first.  It does get easier.  Keep sipping and sipping it will all change in a couple of days,  I know for me it was about the 5th day and it all came together.
Good Luck.  Hope to see you at the support group sometime.

I noticed that as well. No offense, but showing an RNY patient's weight loss on a sugery website for banders.... is very misleading... and kind of shady-looking.

Just another thing that would make me think twice.

I just love your rebuttals, they are very insightful, thank you.

Im sorry you saw that thread before I could delete it -- Not sure who the person was but one of my posts conflited with hers and she got very upset --- I did report it --- Hopefully it will be resolved quickly. Id really like suggestions for what patients realy want to discuss in support groups.... I know what I wanted to discuss... choosing the right foods., learning how to measure and how to cook...   Since Im 9 yrs post I may have different ideas than someone who isnt as far out as me....  Do you have any ideas or suggestions?