Dr. Fullum's departure is no secret. He took an academic position at University of MD and is consequently moving the practice to Glen Burnie and Baltimore. He has sent out and is still in the process of sending out letters to patients. He will now perform surgeries at University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. I am sorry that you were not aware of this. Dr. Rickford is a very capable doctor and can handle your after care until Dr. Fullum has completely set up in the medical center downtown Baltimore. Valerie Bariatric101 Support Group Facilitator for Dr. Fullum.

Hey! I worked with Dr. Lin's partner, Dr. Lee. I went on the liquid diet before my surgery and it was fine. The cost is $230 and I still have extras from before surgery that i'm using now. I wasn't hungry during this time but I did want to taste food. You might want to consider going to one of the support meetings that his and Dr. Lee's patients have every two weeks, I've been going since before surgery and I love it. Good Luck, Elana

Yes I have kaiser and was denied the first time because I didn't complete six month process.But I went and completed all 6 classes and lost my 15 pds and was approved 2 weeks after.All I advise is to put in a request for all your paperwork from kaiser that you need to provide to your surgeon in advance because there pretty slow with that and you don't need anything to hold you up.I went to see surgeon Dr.Paul lin 6-26-06 very nice.I now have my surgery date for 8-17-2006 very excited and nervous a little but I'm trusting in jeuses.I think the process with kaiser went well. Good luck with everything and God bless.

Dr. Brody assisted on my surgery, 9-13-05. He was amazing - very professional, kind, and concerned about my well being. I would highly recommend him!

Philadelphia Gathering of Friends of WLS Friday, October 6, 2006 - Sunday, October 8, 2006 Adults Only Registration Deadline is September 1, 2006 Late Registration Deadline is September 15, 2006 These weekend gatherings are about meeting and connecting with people who can understand the journey we all have taken and to have fun with fellow WLSers and support people. And this year is something a little special, a Halloween Costume Ball! You can even win prizes for your costumes! So grab your ghoulish gear and come see Philly in the Fall. We have finalized the Hotel Information for the Philadelphia gathering. The cost of the hotel is $99.00/per night, this is per room. You can call the hotel to make your reservations at 1-800-325-3535 or (215)547-4100 by September 15, 2006: Ask for "FRIENDS OF WLS". Sheraton Bucks County Hotel 400 Oxford Valley Road Langhorne, PA 19047 The hotel has a pool, hot tub, sauna and gym for guests to use at no charge. As a lot of people did at past gatherings, we recommend doubling and tripling up in rooms. If you are flying into Philly, the best choice is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) which is about 30 minutes south of the hotel on I-95; but you could also fly into Newark Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, which is about 1.5 hrs from the hotel. Cabs are available to the hotel, but we will try to organize our own little shuttle service, if we know what time people are coming into the Philadelphia airport. Remember, "You have a Friend in Pennsylvania" is our state motto- we will get you to the hotel! Please feel free to bring your Significant other or Support person, but children will not be allowed at the Friday night or Saturday night events. In addition, the Philadelphia area has a wealth of nearby attractions and shopping. The hotel is down the street from Sesame Place for those interested in a family activity. We will be releasing a full itinerary later, but a very brief overview is as follows: Friday, October 6, 2006 Mix & Mingle, evening Saturday, October 7, 2006 Sight seeing, during the day Dinner/Dancing a the Halloween Costume Ball Sunday, October 8, 2006 Farewell Breakfast Here are the costs associated with the weekend. COSTS: Deadline: September 1, 2006 Post -Op $ 72.00 Pre-Op/Sup $ 78.00 This includes: Registration fee: $25.00 Saturday night meal: Post-op ($35.00) Pre-op ($38.00) Sunday breakfast: Post-op ($12.00) Pre-op ($15.00) COSTS: Deadline: September 15, 2006 - LATE REGISTRATION- Money Orders Only will be accepted Post -Op $ 97.00 Pre-Op/Sup $ 103.00 This includes: Registration fee: $50.00 Saturday night meal: Post-op ($35.00) Pre-op ($38.00) Sunday breakfast: Post-op ($12.00) Pre-op ($15.00) We are still working on some of the details and activities, so more information is to follow. The registration forms are posted on the Philadelphia website: www.geocities.com/philly_wls_gathering/ or you can email us for it: [email protected] Please feel free to email Steve or me at [email protected], if you have questions or need more information. We can't wait to see you all there!!!