Eastern Star (PHA), thanks to much I was beginning to wonder if there was anybody in the DC area having the surgery? Have you had yours yet? Did you have the Lap Banding or the one where they cut your stomache in half. please excuse my spelling.

All right who is up to the challenge??

Who has not heard about the Walk From Obesity??
If not check it out, www.walkfromobesity.com

This is an amazing cause to help educate, support, and research obesity. We can make a difference. Not only that, but it gets us active. Now for those who still can't walk far, it's not about the distance you walk, it's about gathering for a good cause and supporting one another.

Just over a year ago I would have never done something like this. I'm going to be working with the group in Columbia, Sc. There are 70 walks all over the US and OH needs members who would be interested in representing us in these walks. Some slots are already filled, but if you would be interested in volunteering your time please email me [email protected]

Anyone else, I hope you will join us in walking for a good cause. To be in the walk is $25, you get a t-shirt, and fellowship. What else can you ask for, so I challenge you to sign up today in your area.

Ps. It doesn't matter what city you decide to walk in, we are ALL walking together on September 24th.

Amy

My surgeons are Dr Buras and Dr Afram. They came highly recommended to me by a new friend. I went to one of their seminars and that was it. I made up my mind then and there. I have been thinking about the surgery for about 5 years, and now I have found the doctors with whom I feel comfortable working with. Dr Afram and Dr Buras have more than 20 years experience doing just this surgery. They have done more than 3500 surgeries. Their whole program has a great success rate with minimal complications. They do a good deal of pretesting, so they can minimize any possible surprises. Their support system is quite comprehensive, complete with a dietician, trainer, psychologist and the support group meetings twice a week. I will be taking my husband and daughter in for one of their seminars, so that they can feel as comfortable as I do. I haven't scheduled yet, but once I have approval from my insurance company, I hope to really get things rolling. I already have my pre-op clearances in the works. I have seen the cardiologist once and go back for a stress test on the 9th of August. My appointment with the pulmonologist is on the 1st of August. I have a couple more letters to write to other doctors for recommendations for the surgery (to get the insurance company on board). Then I will just have the pre-op physical with the surgeon and whatever other tests may be necessary and I should be good to go. I am hoping for a date either the 1st or 2nd week of September. On one hand I am so excited with the hope of actually being thin again, after 35 years of a roller coaster ride on the scale. On the other hand I am petrified...what if I (of all people) have complications...what if I prove to be the one this doesn't work on...what if I wake up and find out they couldn't do the surgery because of some yet unknown, bizarre condition that I, of all people, would have...the list goes on. All things considered, I am happy with my choice of surgeons and do not plan on seeking a second opinion. Good luck to you Kathy

Is there anyone who has Dr.Aram as their surgeon? If so how is he? What protein shakes are the best and where to get them from?