It is with mixed emotion I say congratulations. I was scheduled for a extended tummy tuck with you for early Oct when I got the call from Leslie advising me you were closing your practice and heading for Ohio. If I am unable to find a new surgeon in this area that I feel is as talented and compassionate as you then I may be headed to the Cleveland Clinic after the New Year to see you. Best wishes on your new adventure!

“Kids will be kids. Here's how to act like one.”

Have you ever said "I'm too old for that?" If you are past the age of nine or so, you probably don't skip anymore. In addition, you probably haven't tried doing a cartwheel, standing on your head, or walking like a crab in quite some time. Swinging by your knees from the monkey bars would probably result in a trip to the E.R. That said, having a mindset of what "young people" do and what "mature" people do can set the stage for inactivity. Instead of thinking you can't, why not try? You may still be able to jump on that pogo stick, ride a bike, and play hopscotch. If you don't want to do those things for fear of looking childish, then act like a child in another way: try something new. Find some new activity to test drive: yoga, dancing, or taekwondo. Stay young at heart, young in mind, and your body will likely follow.

I had roux n y GB surgery in November 2008. I went from 328 to 160. However.. I'm having issues absorbing my psych meds and really need to see a psychiatrist who knows about wls patients..malabsorption etc.

“You - only happier.”

A recent study found that most people want the same thing: happiness. How do we get happy in our lives? Do we wait for the happiness fairy to sprinkle us with happy dust or plan for the day the happiness stork delivers a bundle filled with smiles on our door step? Sorry, no. We must figure out what will make us happy and then go out and get it. We've figured out that being healthier will make us happier, so we workout and we eat better. Not so miraculously, we feel better about ourselves...and happier. Now just expand on that. Look at your happiness factor in your relationships, religion, job, being creative, etc. Focus on one and a time and see what you can do to improve your happiness quotient.

“You have an event to attend where temptations will be in view. Here's how to see past them.”

You can already see the beautiful buffet spread lined with everything you'd love to indulge in. Trays of food will float past with tempting smells. Drinks will flow. How on earth will you get through it without completely ruining your healthy plans? Use your imagination. As you imagine all of the food on the buffet table, see yourself walking past it. See the trays of food going by and watch yourself appreciating their interesting shapes and smells but not taking one. See the drinks and imagine the one that you'll choose (that is lower in calories) and how you'll walk around with your drink while you smile, talk, and have fun. By playing it out before hand, you'll be able to create a future you'll be proud of.