OH Magazine Issue 3 2007 is on its way to your mailboxes! The latest issue of OH Magazine features OH spokesperson Jackie Guerra, who updates our readers on her story since we last heard from her in Issue 2 2006. Her husband, Bill Torres, also is featured in an article titled Together where he talks about his relationship with Jackie. Readers will also be treated to the story of OH member Ramon Lopez, who was recently seen on the hit tv show Big Medicine. Other articles include Heart Health by cardiologist Shalizeh Shokooh; Completing Your Journey by Dr. Edward Domanskis; and Safe Exercise for Arthritic Joints by Mark Allen, MPT. We also provide delicious recipes; fitness q&a; and support group news. If you are already a subscriber, your issue is on its way. If you want to subscribe to this bi-monthly publication for the low cost of $25 for six issues, click on the purple word "magazine" on the top of the screen and follow the directions to subscribe.

Hey everyone, wanted to say that you guys have provided a lot of great info on here. I have always had this surgery in the back of my head but had mixed reviews, But didnt think I needed it. But I know it was going to be tough as making a life style change is not a easy task. I finally admitted to my self that this surgrey would be a thing for me as I had lost a daughter over a year ago to SIDS and now I realize LIFE IS TO SHORT to not enjoy it. Also that I need to make the change for my Son, I dont want him to miss out on stuff cause Dad cant do it. So I have done my research, and have made my first consultation appointment with Dr O'brian which I will have on the 23rd. Just looking for a little more info on what to expect and if I should have any information with me when I go. Any Help would be appreciated on the start of my journey

HI!  I had Obrien too, and I had Lap Band in Dec 06.  I also have BC/BS...and the psych eval was required by my insurance...it is basically a 500 question true/false test, totally no biggie, then you sit and go over the results with the Psychatrist...then she will send off a letter to your Insurance..Obrien is really good at getting his letters to the Insurance out in a timely fashion too!  I think my approval took 4-5 weeks... Hang in there!  You will do great!  All the hoops you go thru in the beginning is kind of a pain, but it is sooooo worth it in the end! Join us at Band Buds if you would like, there are a bunch of SDakotans there!!

Hi!  My name is Maghan and I had an open RNY on December 5th 2006.  To date I have lost 100 lbs and today is my 7 month post op mark.  I would like to wish you well on your journey and if you ever need any help I would love to be of assistance!

Well, it went pretty good. It was a short appt.! Of course the insurance lady and the nutritionist were both on vacation. I met with the Dr. but I didn't have a lot of questions that weren't answered at the seminar or on here! He said I'm a good candidate for the lapband, which is what I wanted. He sent a letter to my insurance, now I sit and wait.........I did call and set up and appt. for a psych eval, but is that only if your insurance needs it?? Dr. Obrien didn't seem to have that as a requirement. I'm going to call BCBS and see if they require it. It is a 2 hour appt!!! Good grief, you're bound to break down mentally in 2 hours of talking about all your failures in your past diets! Well, anyway, that is where I'm at with the process. I did ask if he thought I could get approved and have surgery before school starts, he said it would be pushing it, but he'd really try. I teach K-5 special ed.