ObesityHelp is proud to announce that we are about to start training the new Chapter Leaders on November 29, 2004 and would like to count you in that group. If you have ever expressed an interest in being a Chapter leader or have just wanted to help people. This is for you. If you are interested in starting an ObesityHelp Chapter please e-mail me back ASAP with you name, address, and phone number to: [email protected] We will be mailing the training packets out with the training schedule right away. All training will be conducted in a conference phone in room. There are three sections to the training. All instructions will be included with your manual. If you responded to this already and did not get a response from me please send me an e-mail to me directly as I lost a number of e-mails. Please feel free to contact me at 866 957-4636 x 385 if you have any questions or concerns. It's a Lifestyle, Monica Ganz, Ph.D.

There was a question about B&A photos for the gallery. So everyone knows this is basically the rules for that.... Eric nor I have ever said standing only for B&A Photos. I don't know where this is written, it's not true. And we've always requested from knees up... we just don't want a face shot only. And some don't have a knees up type of photo for before... what my letters have always stated to members are, "You might not have a full body for a before photo, but you've lost 100#... come on.. show it off! You can always take the current/after photo!" There are many photos on there w/ people sitting. Those are OK. Eric's favorite type of photos are where the person is in the same position in the after shot that they were in the before shot... and some after shots are even taken next to that same tree, or same railing, or same fireplace or in the same chair. Those are great for comparisons on how well you've done, but they have never been required. I apologize for confusion. Please, if there's ever any questions on any of this, instead of starting wars amongst yourselves, please, always come and ask me first. I don't seem very visible these days.. I'm taking three classes again and am finally getting that diploma :grad: I've been waiting and working so hard for (next step, the AAS, in ONLY six classes), but I'm always here for you. I might not get back to you the same day, but I will get back to you.. or one of my assistants will, if they can help you. If they can't help you, then my door's always open. Love ya! :kiss: Photo Processing Manager - Photos to [email protected] & Questions or concerns to [email protected]

As many of you have heard a number of insurance carriers are threatening to, or have already stopped paying for gastric bypass surgery. Because Blue Cross Blue Shield has so much of the health insurance market in Alabama we seem to hear more about Blue Cross than other carriers. Blue Cross is now implementing a new medical policy that would make it difficult for many people to be approved for surgery. I have also heard that Blue Cross and Blue Shield in some other states is no longer covering gastric bypass surgery. (Georgia & Florida) Those of you (like me) who have had the surgery, know first hand the tremendous health benefits we have received following gastric bypass surgery, and it concerns me greatly that many people will no longer have the health insurance coverage which will allow them to experience the same health improvements we have experienced. I would be interested in hearing from you regarding your experience with you insurance carrier. Who is your carrier? Does your carrier cover gastric bypass surgery? Does your carrier plan to stop covering gastric bypass surgery? Was it difficult to get your carrier to approve your gastric bypass surgery? We should have a voice in the decisions that these companies are making! I believe it is time that we take a stand in what we believe! Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond to this important matter. Skinny Wishes and May God continue to bless each of you no matter where you are in your journey. Becky PS I apologize in advance if this shows up repeatedly for I am going to be posting this on all boards.

when she goes for her additional fills, are they able to remove the same amount of fluid they put in? Has she tried asking for help from the lapband message board? Try it, you'll like it! http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/surgtype-forums/LapBand/posts/ Tash 274/198/170 8/11/03 Dr. Alldredge in UT

Calling all potential stars! The Maury Povich Show is in need of men and women between the ages of 20-40 who have a dramatic weight loss story to tell and a dynamic personality. The show will be filming on Friday, November 5, in New York City. All guests chosen will be flown to New York by the show and all accomodations will be paid for. If you are interested in telling your story on national television please contact Morgan at 1-800-547-6912 ext. 8487 and tell them you were referred to the show by ObesityHelp.com. 8-) Good luck!! Ronda Einbinder Public Relations ObesityHelp Inc. :type: