Women have always been the majority when it comes to breakdowns by gender for WLS, in general (as far back as the early 2000's). However, we have had an increase in male attendees year over year at our National Conferences. We even had a Men's Roundtable Discussion this year that was well-attended.

Unfortunately, photos are not captioned with names due to the number of attendees we have each year, and the photos do have labels below each of the 4 sections.

We're thrilled to announce the return of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (aka Dr. Now from "My 600-lb Life") as Keynote Speaker & Fireside Chat guest for #OH2023! Get ready for an extraordinary session filled with invaluable insights only Dr. Now can bring! It is an honor to have him join us to help celebrate our 25th Anniversary; as part of the celebration, use promo code DRNOW25 for a $25 discount on your conference tickets. Click here for more details!

For more information about the 2023 ObesityHelp National Conference, including details on the agenda, speakers, and ticket availability, visit https://www.obesityhelp.com/events.

Welcome to OH.

You will probably find that more people have gravitated away from the lap band and opted for the VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) Since you are just starting the journey, I would definitely research all three surgery types Gastric Bypass (RNY) VSG and Lap Band. There are forums for each of those surgery types, but Lap band probably has the least activity at this time, since many have converted to an RNY or VSG.

If you post some questions on either of those boards asking if anyone has had the lap band and revised to a new surgery type, they might be able to answer some of your questions as to why they did it.

But, to answer your question regarding where do you start, the best option is to determine if your insurance carrier will cover the procedure, which surgeon is in your network, and then attend a webinar or seminar to learn more about that surgeon and the procedures they perform.

If you need help with determining if your insurance will cover the surgery, our team of Member Service Rep can assist you. Just email [email protected] and let them know you would like some assistance and they will send you what they need to verify your insurance and assist you in locating a surgeon.

Best of luck!

Hello JerseyGirl94,

We would be happy to help you locate a skilled weight loss surgeon! Please PM us or contact us at: 866-957-4636

Hello OH Friends and Family!

We would love to share your WLS Journey in a Before & After featured article on our ObesityHelp.com home page and social media platforms! Or perhaps you would like to blog about a topic that is important to you? Your journey and words can help to inspire so many others! Whether you are 20-plus years as a post-op or a few weeks out, or considering surgery...your words matter! Please email [email protected] for brief guideline details.

Every year our Platinum and Gold Sponsors provide scholarship tickets for the OH National Conference.

The conference is in Costa Mesa, CA this year, and thanks to Premier Protein, PatchMD, and VIDA Wellness & Beauty, for their support of the bariatric community and for providing these scholarship tickets.

Sign up if you would like to be considered for a Scholarship Ticket to OH2022. The scholarship ticket covers the entrance to the full two-day conference, including all sessions and social events on 9/30 and 10/1, plus includes a weight loss-friendly lunch for that Saturday. The ticket does not cover hotel accommodations, parking fees, food, or travel expenses.

Tickets awarded have no value and cannot be sold or given to another person.

We published an article about this procedure previously. It is written by Dr. Shelby Sullivan:

https://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/weight-regain-after-wls -and-the-trans-oral-outlet-reduction/

It is with a heavy heart that we share this news, but Slimpressions will be closing and is liquidating everything. Everything in stock is currently 50% off when you use the code SAVE50 at checkout out.

You can find some great compression garments from this business if you are pre-op, I would suggest taking advantage of this now. Many post-op patients, including OH staff, love these. They are also great for individuals with lipedema.

www.slimpressions.com
Promo Code: SAVE50

I completely understand why you are so frustrated, but at least your GI doctor can possibly help. You may want to get your operative report from the hospital you had surgery at so that the GI doc is aware of what was done during that time and what possible issues you could be experiencing.

I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia after having food get stuck and belching. The pressure of the hernia pushing up was causing both. I have not had surgery for it as of yet, but will need to at some point.

Keep us updated on how things progress with you. I hope you do get some answers and relief.

Hello Dominique,

Here is a link to an article you might find helpful:

https://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/complications-happen-my -struggle-with-a-stricture/

My regain was about 45-50 lbs at year 15.

Thank you so much for sharing! This is one I want to try, so knowing what to expect is so helpful. I've never been disappointed by UNJURY's flavors or taste, but this new item has me intrigued and wanting to try. Great idea about a gellato, that is something I would enjoy for sure.