Weight Loss Surgery Directory

Recent Posts

Topic: *** Bra Spillage Solution!!!
Spring and Summer will be here before you know it... With the "perfect bra" you can wear the sexy tube and halter tops... No spillage + Full coverage = Sexxxy... Lets talk... lawanahartman@gmail.com
Topic: RE: Spasms in pouch??

Yes you can have spasms, talk to your doctor, he can give you something for it.  Levsin.

Topic: 2013: 20 Funny New Year's Resolutions

2013:  20 Funny New Year's Resolutions

When it comes to New Year's resolutions, our family members and friends can get quite creative and even funny with what they resolve to do in the New Year.  Here a few good ones I have heard along the way...Oh, and a few of my own!

1.  I resolve to stop procrastinating about procrastinating!

2.  I will stop sending Facebook messages and emails to my loved ones when they are in the same room as I am!

3.  I will use my treadmill for something other than a place to hang my jacket.

4.  I will not sit at the kitchen table in my PJ's all day.  Instead, I will move my computer to my bedroom.

5.  I vow to never take a laxative and a sleeping pill on the same night!

Click here to read more!

All my best, 

Tammy Colter
Director of Media & PR
Editor-In-Chief
ObesityHelp.com
OH Magazine
Topic: Super Storm Sandy and OH Members

 

Even though ObesityHelp members are around the world, at times like these with Superstorm Sandy, we are united and here for each other.

For our ObesityHelp members, families and friends that are in the disaster areas, our thoughts are with you.  We’ve listed some helpful links below to provide information so we can support you. 

If you live in an area not impacted by Sandy but still want to help, there’s information for you too.  Make sure you are prepared for a natural disaster by checking out the information in the links below. 

If you’d like the latest info from the Federal Emergency Management Association on Superstorm Sandy, clickHERE.

FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE

If you need to find an emergency shelter near you, text:
SHELTER and YOUR ZIP CODE  to 43362

If you want to apply for assistance from your computer, click HERE.

If you want to apply for assistance from your mobile device, click HERE.

If you want to apply for assistance, call (800) 621-3362


DISASTER SURVIVOR RESOURCES:

General information from FEMA, click HERE.

Here’s how you and your loved ones can prepare for natural disasters, click HERE.

During times of disasters, the American Red Cross is always among the first at the scene.  The American Red Cross exists to provide compassionate care to those in need.

TO HELP THE AMERICAN RED CROSS:

Click HERE to donate funds for survivors of Superstorm Sandy.

Donations help the Red Cross provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by disasters throughout the country including Superstorm Sandy. To donate, people can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

You can contact the “Join The Movement” of the American Red Cross to donate funds, donate blood, and read about other ways to help by clicking HERE.

With our support,
ObesityHelp Management and Staff

Topic: Meet Our Speakers: Ask The Experts!
                       Save the dates: October 5th and 6th!

Come to Atlanta, GA and ask our panel of experts the questions you want answers to!  If you are unable to atend the event, email your questions to:  Editor@ObesityHelp.com and we will ask the experts to answer your questions and then we will post them on the message boards after the OH event!

Click here to reserve your tickets today!  We hope to see you there!


Mixed Q & A Panel, 
Grads & Professionals

Friday  2:00pm - 4:30pm

Dr.  Paul E. Macik

Performing operations laparoscopically since 1991.  His practice offers Gastric Bypass, LapBand and Sleeve Gastrectomy options.  Also an Instructor for Quarterly In-Service Program of Bariatric Surgery at Emory Dunwoody Medical Center and Northside Hospital.

Jim Blackburn

Jim lost 215 pounds and found a love for running.  With 58,038 Race finishers at an avg time of 01:17:35, Jim finished the 2012 Peachtree Road Race (10k) in 1:07:57, a goal he's worked towards since having Gastric Bypass.

Dr.  Michael Williams 

Dr. Williams principal clinical and research interest include minimally invasive techniques, and the surgical therapy of morbid obesity.  He has been involved in training surgeons in laparocopic techniques in the United States and the Caribbean.  

Beth Sheldon-Badore

Blogger, & Founder of Bariatric Bad Girls. "Melting Mama" as she's known through her blog has been blogging about life since her WLS in 2004.  Her witty, honest approach to life after WLS has inspired and supported thousands.

Dr. Sheldon Lincenberg

Double-board certified, plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a board-certified general surgeon.  In 1995, he created and began sponsoring Pink Ribbons, an annual October event during Breast Cancer Month to benefit breast cancer organizations.

 Courtney aka tripmom02

An active OH member for 5 years and a frequent poster on the VSG forum! She's bringing her post-op experience as a Lap Band to VSG Revision. Courtney has lost 170 lbs and is training for her 1st half marathon in October. Her goal is to complete an Iron Man in 2014!



Professional Q & A Panel

Saturday  10:30am - 11:55am

Scott Steinberg, MD

Fellow-ship trained advanced laparoscopic surgeon. A member of the American College of Surgeons and the ASMBS. 

Qammar Rashid, MD

Fellow-ship trained in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery.  A large part of her practice is breast and bariatric surgery.    

Dr. Dennis C. Smith  

The 3rd surgeon in the world to perform the totally laparoscopic DS and the 1st bariatric surgeon in the world to present the Hand-Sewn Duedenal-Ileal Anastomosis technique. 

Connie Stapleton, Ph.D

Dr. Stapleton is a licensed clinical psychologist, received her doctorol degree from Texas A&M University in Counseling Psychology.  

Donna DeMild, LPBLC

Post-Op and CEO of BodySmart, LLC. Donna works at NJ Bariatrics and is a licensed bariatric life coach. Her focus is lifestyle change after wls.   

Jeremy Gentles

A Ph.D Candidate in Sport Science at East Tennessee State University and for a number of years, served as ObesityHelp's Exercise Physiologist. 


Topic: Announcing Forum Upgrades!

Its been over six years since we've launched our forums. During this time it has seen thousands of fresh faces, greetings, meetings, partings, arguments, kind words, life transformations, cathartic rants, and simply happy time pass. It has been with us throughout this time, silently observing and facilitating. But like any wise old man, its bones were getting old. Its joints were aching, and it has been needing a new jolt of energy.

A Mobile World
Did you know that over 30% of you visit our website using a mobile device? For those who do visit us via mobile, we owe you a sincere apology, because our forums have been horrendous on a mobile browser. But the big news is that things are about to change! Our new forums are completely mobile friendly and compatible with iPhone, Android, and pretty much any other modern smart phone.

Each post, topic, and forum shows up beautifully, with the full set of features, and in nice large font. See the screenshots for yourself.

You dont have do anything different, just browse to the forums like you normally would. This means that you can finally put these away:



Not Just for Mobile
The interface on your desktop browser has also been cleaned up a great deal. There is now less clutter on the page, and the overall experience is a lot cleaner. Check out some more screenshots here!



You will notice that each post no longer has 400 buttons below it. Only the buttons that are relevant to each post show up, making your screen space a lot less cluttered. Also, when you reply to another person's post, the entire post is indented inside, making it a lot easier to figure out who has replied to whom.

Launching soon! Maybe as early as next week! Maybe.
And do remember that this is not in any way a be-all-end-all when it comes to the forums. We are in the process of constantly learning and improving upon what we have, and this is just one step along the way.

Stay tuned for the changes! We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

 ObesityHelp Developer
Topic: Meet Our Speakers: Colleen M. Cook

Meet Our Speakers: Colleen M. Cook

 

Hope & Help for the Pain of Regain

Join 17 year WLS veteran Colleen M. Cook for both a shot in the arm and a kick in the seat as she shares lessons from long-term losers and imparts insight, inspiration, and hope for WLS patients struggling with extended plateaus or weight regain. Her thoughts, stories, and personal experiences will inspire and motivate you to reach and maintain your optimum weight loss.

Also, don't miss her Keynote on Friday: Nothing Succeeds Like Success

We hope to see you in Atlanta, GA October 5th and 6th! Click here to book your ticket today!

Fast Facts About Colleen

-Colleen is the author of The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients.
- She is the president or Bariatric Support Centers International, a company that specializes in providing education and support services for weight loss surgery patients and the professionals who serve them.
- Colleen currently serves on the National Advisory board for the Walk From Obesity.
-Known as Ms. Enthusiasm, Colleen helps men and women from all walks of life recognize their extraordinary potential and then inspires then to aspire.

Topic: MEDICAID AND MEDICARE SURGEONS LIST!
Hello Members,

On a daily basis we get calls from members in desperate need of surgeons that will accept Medicaid and or Medicare for Bariatric surgery.  It breaks our hearts when we have to say "we don't know of any surgeons in your state we can refer you to". 

Can you please help us? If you know of any surgeons in your state that accepts Medicaid and or Medicare, will you list their:

Name

If they accept Medicare and or Medicaid

Phone number

Facility

Address

This list will remain here for our members to access and use.

Thank you so much!!!

ObesityHelp,

Member Services

Topic: RE: Need support in Jackson area
 Hi Chris, 

I am an "old timer" I suppose with 5.5 years since my surgery.  I just gained 10 lbs and freaked a bit.  I could certainly use the support as well.  Thanks for posting this so I could learn about the support groups available.  I had my surgery in California - (moved to MS 3 years ago) and don't want to forget where I came from (the weight) and want to provide support for those entering this journey as well.  I remember old timers really helped me when I was scared to death entering into this.

Best to you!
Shelley J.
Jackson

 Shelley J.
Clinton, MS

 284.5/140

Topic: RE: Meridian anyone??
Hi, I'm from Meridian and just saw your post. I am 4yrs today from my wls.. How has your journey been?
Enjoying the new life I have. May everyone be as pleased with surgery as I was. 

       Sweet T
    
Topic: 4 years ago today
Today has been 4yrs since my RNY surgery. I have maintained a stable weight and want to have my lose skin removed. Here is my question, were in the state of Mississippi does Medicaid/Medicare pay for this kind of surgery?? I would even consider going back to Mobile,Al were I had my surgery if needed. Any help would be greatful.. Thank you in advance for any advice.
Enjoying the new life I have. May everyone be as pleased with surgery as I was. 

       Sweet T
    
Topic: SSI and Medicaid here, verifying that MS Medicaid does NOT cover WLS?
 I so very much wish that (with MS being the highly public most obese state in the nation) that the state Medicaid would cover something to help that change.  I have many health problems, just none that were on that relatively short list when I signed up, would love to be able to stand again, or walk, take my kids to the zoo, anything that requires the use of my back, legs and hips, again! Anyway... Is there ANY way around it so that MS Medicaid WILL pay for a gastric sleeve or another WLS?

Thank you!
Velma
Topic: RE: Need support in Jackson area
I am still in the process of getting insurance approval. I live in Brandon and am going with Dr. Carroll from the River Oaks Bariatric group. I will be having the sleeve hopefully by the end of the month or first part of May. I am usually on the vertical sleeve forum but thought as I get closer to surgery I could use a support group here and will be going to the Bariatric support groups at the River Oaks center soon.

Gale     Age: 55, Height: 5' 5.5", HW: 236, SW: 210, 1st GW: 150.  Surgery BMI: 39.3  Extremely HBP, High Cholesterol & borderline diabetic.      

    
Topic: RE: Hi from Jackson
Hey there Jimmy - I am also from Brandon and have Dr. Carroll! I don't have a surgery date yet but hope to by end of this month. I have one more weigh in for my insurance mandated 6 month diet and have been doing really good. How is Dr. Carroll and his office been for you through this process?

Gale

Gale     Age: 55, Height: 5' 5.5", HW: 236, SW: 210, 1st GW: 150.  Surgery BMI: 39.3  Extremely HBP, High Cholesterol & borderline diabetic.      

    
Topic: RE: 4 weeks post gbp and having trouble
Thank you! I ended up being rushed in for an emergency dialation yesterday, very scary situation, but procedure went well, it was definitely a stricture. They said I will probably have to have a few more in months to come. But hopefully this will allow me to get back to concentrating on getting my fluids and proteins in with much less problems! Not sure if it's the surgery, and the combination of dehydration and 3 days with no protein, but I can lift my arm without being exhausted! I wish I could just put new batteries in and have energy again!
Topic: RE: 4 weeks post gbp and having trouble
i sure hope everything gets staighten out for you,prayers sent your way from another mississippi gal
Topic: 4 weeks post gbp and having trouble
I had gbp on 12/14/11 and am headed back to the surgeon tomorrow for what I'm positive is a stricture. They are wanting to do labwork and see me before scheduling the scope though. I am so happy that I've lost 42 lbs so far, but this is proving to be a battle that I'm trying to reassure myself that I can overcome. In the last few days, I'm having trouble keeping any food down, everything gets stuck and even my protein shakes are proving to be challenging. I am stuck in this "absolutely NO energy" stage and I dream of the day I get past it. Also, I have HORRIBLE lower back pain and cannot figure out why. I'm getting my daily fluids so I dont know why it would be hurting in my kidney area. If anyone can offer any advice or promising words, I'll take anything!!! Thank you!!!
Topic: Questions
I had gastric bypass in May 08 and have been having problems. Seems like about 90% of the time when I eat, no matter what I eat, I end up running to the bathroom. I don't know what could be causing it. Has any 3 years out ever experienced anything like this? If so, what do I need to do or have checked?

Also, what is the new surgery called that if you have had gastric bypass done that you can have this surgery? I have heard little about it and just curious. What kind of issues would call for you to have this surgery?

Thanks!

Sonya
Topic: LGBT forum invitation
Hello,
I just wanted to let people know   there is a forum for the community and anyone who is friendly and want to stop by. I was very active 3 years ago and would like to see it become active again.   It is listed under  "weight loss related"

I am not attempting to offend anyone. I understand that some might not agree with me posting. I am doing it to help LGBT people. Everyone has the right to not agree. I respect that.

                                                             Thank You !
    
                                                                    Sean


If you have trouble finding it just PM me
Sean  
 
YOU CANNOT GIVE SOMEONE HELP........YOU CAN OFFER HELP,  IT IS UP TO THE OTHER PERSON TO ACCEPT  OR REJECT IT !!!
  
Topic: RE: LOOKING FOR FRIENDS AND LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP
Mandiway, did you have your surgery?  Was it in Mexico? My insurance specifically excludes weight loss surgery and so I will be self pay.   Any insights?  I am a part time resident of Biloxi and part time resident in New Mexico.  There aren't any doctors I would see in New Mexico.