Greetings!
In the May 22, 2009 edition of WLS News, learn what the makers of the Lap-Band are doing to fight heart disease in women, find out what researchers have discovered about the link between allergies and childhood obesity, and get the scoop on a friendly bacteria that can help new moms stay thin. Plus, we’ll tell you how Americans can get back to our skinny selves from the 1970s, and which state recently approved weight loss surgery for government employees. Tune into this week’s newscast now!
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The Road to Success
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One Man’s Journey
 Weight loss surgery success story Ramon Lopez wowed the crowds at last weekend’s RYD Obesity conference. Hear Ramon share his incredible story of his lifetime battle with obesity, his struggles with addiction transfer after bariatric surgery, and his ultimate personal triumph on our most popular episode of WLS Journeys.
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Online Resources
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What’s Up, Doc? 
Are you a pre-op patient looking for a good bariatric surgeon? Then be sure to check out the Doctor Directory on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel. All of the surgeons listed are members of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and many are also practicing in Centers of Excellence. Create a free profile to see the doctors’ contact information.
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Community Support
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Share the Good News
How many people have you told about the Weight Loss Surgery Channel? If the answer is “lots!” — or if you’re looking to expand your circle of friends — then “friend” us! Check out the Weight Loss Surgery Channel’s newest home on the Web, and connect with hundreds of folks in the WLS community, on Facebook! |
Do you have an interesting story about your weight loss surgery journey? Did you experience changes in your health, your marriage, or your friendships after choosing to have weight loss surgery? We’re currently casting for guests to appear in future episodes of
WLS Journeys, hosted by Yvonne McCarthy. If you’re at least three years post-op and have an important message to share,
drop us a line. Your message of hope could help change someone’s life!
Sincerely,
Craig Thompson
12 Years PostOp RNY
President
Weight Loss Surgery Channel
Greetings!
In the May 15, 2009 edition of WLS News, get the skinny on whether high fructose corn syrup makes you fat, find out why weight loss surgery may benefit patients who are not morbidly obese, and get an update on airline’s decision on its proposed fat tax for overweight passengers. Plus, Chef Dave pops in to share a tasty and nutritious snack that’s packed with protein. Stay up to the minute on what’s happening in the weight loss surgery community on this week’s edition of WLS News!
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Do You Tweet?
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A Little Birdie Told Me…
 Want instant updates about what’s happening on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel? Want to share a story idea or send feedback on our programming? Follow us on Twitter, and connect to the WLS community!
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Medical Update
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 Online Support for Your Success
Find out why a new version of a common adjustable gastric band may be a better solution for bigger bariatric patients, and learn what the manufacturer is doing to provide community support for post-op patients!
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Expert Insights
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Reveal Your New Slim Figure
Have you been thinking about a body lift, breast lift or tummy tuck after weight loss surgery? Don’t do it! That is, until you get the skinny on body contouring procedures from our sister station, The Plastic Surgery Channel. |
Do you have an interesting story about your weight loss surgery journey? Did you experience changes in your health, your marriage, or your friendships after choosing to have weight loss surgery? We’re currently casting for guests to appear in future episodes of WLS Journeys, hosted by Yvonne McCarthy. If you’re at least three years post-op and have an important message to share, drop us a line. Your message of hope could help change someone’s life!
Sincerely,
Craig Thompson
12 Years PostOp RNY
President
Weight Loss Surgery Channel
| Greetings!
In the May 8, 2009 edition of WLS News, we’ll tell you about a new bariatric study out of Switzerland, where research on super-obesity is yielding super results. We’ll also explore why sonograms may be ineffectual for overweight moms-to-be, examine whether exercise alone can beat belly fat, and look into a weight loss “miracle pill” with some frightening side effects. Of course, no edition of the news would be complete without a visit from WLS Journeys host Yvonne McCarthy, who stops by to tell us about two of her favorite websites for weight loss surgery information and support. Catch this week’s edition of WLS News and stay up to the minute on what’s happening in the weight loss surgery community!
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Only Six Weeks Left
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Be a Part of Our Special Report Broadcast!
 We are excited to announce that the Weight Loss Surgery Channel will be attending the 2009 ASMBS Annual Meeting in Grapevine, TX, June 21 – 26, 2009 to film a Special Report series that will air this summer. We are offering sponsorship opportunities to partner with us in bringing news from the conference to our national and international viewership.
Stars from several Weight Loss Surgery Channel programs will be attending the 2009 Annual Meeting, and our production team will be setting up a remote television studio at the event. Sponsors will be able to designate participants for on-camera interviews to be broadcast on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel as part of our Special Report and also added to our Patient Education video series. For more information or to request a sponsorship package, please contact Executive Producer Leslie Thompson.
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Meet Our Faculty
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Living a Life Beyond Her Dreams
The Weight Loss Surgery Channel is extremely blessed to have as an associate Yvonne McCarthy, host of WLS Journeys. Originally from Louisiana, Yvonne moved to Dallas in 1987 and had gastric bypass surgery four years later, taking her from more than 260 pounds down to her current svelte self. A musician by avocation (she plays cello, piano and guitar), Yvonne now spends her time hosting her talk show on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel, maintaining her blog at Bariatricgirl.com, and working with her friends Debra Flores and Ramon Lopez on RYD Obesity, which is dedicated to helping others find the way from obesity to good health.
“I am living a miracle I never expected,” says Yvonne, “and I want to share the beauty of my new life.”
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Media Matters
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Our Sister Station in the Spotlight!
 We recently announced the launch of our sister station, The Plastic Surgery Channel, the mission of which is to ensure that anyone considering cosmetic or reconstructive surgery can get accurate, objective information from the most credible doctors in the industry. Earlier this week, we brought a camera crew from the new network to Las Vegas, to attend the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). We had the opportunity to interview more than 20 surgeons and medical industry experts, and our remote television studio even caught the attention of a reporter from The New York Times, who snapped the picture you see above. Click on the photo to see the full slide show from the event, and learn more about the outcome of the ASAPS meeting. Or, click here to check out the latest news on The Plastic Surgery Channel!
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If you read last week’s enewsletter, you know we’re in the middle of Nurse’s Week, which runs from May 6th – 12th. I just want to encourage you again to take time out of your day and thank a nurse! As a weight loss surgery patient myself, I know firsthand what an incredible difference it makes to have a caring R.N. to offer help and guidance when you’re in the hospital. So send a card, make a call, or just tell a nurse in person how much you appreciate them!
Sincerely,
Craig Thompson
12 Years PostOp RNY
President
Weight Loss Surgery Channel
| Greetings!
In the May 1, 2009 edition of WLS News, learn why women may experience stronger food cravings than men, find out why some cells store fat and others don’t, and get the full story on how obesity is affecting Britain’s socialized medicine system. Also, hear what an Irish airline is doing to address passengers whose laps overlap their seats, and discover why some scientists theorize that a Happy Meal really can make your child happy. Check out the current episode now!
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| Supporting the WLS Community |
Together We Can Make a Change!
 WLS Journeys is quickly becoming one of our most popular programs. Host Yvonne McCarthy is eight years post-op, and has experienced such a joyful transformation that she has dedicated her life to helping others experience the same.
This week on WLS News, she details the second annual meeting of RYD Obesity, happening this spring in Galveston, Texas. The event is hosted by the three founders of RYD Obesity–Yvonne, Ramon Lopez and Debra Flores–and by plastic surgeon Dr. John LoMonaco, who has been featured on TLC’s Big Medicine. Galveston may never be the same!
Visit the RYD Obesity website for the full details about the event. And, to get to know more of Yvonne’s amazingly generous heart, pop over to her home page at www.BariatricGirl.com or even her page on Obesity Help. She’s the real deal, and we’re blessed to have her as part of the Weight Loss Surgery Channel team!
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Keeping You Informed
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Visit Our Sister Station
 For many weight loss surgery patients, the transformation isn’t complete until the excess skin is removed and their svelte new bodies are revealed. Of course, this dramatic change can only be accomplished with skilled plastic surgeons who are experienced in post-bariatric surgery procedures.
But how do you learn about the various options, and which are right for you? Unfortunately, the world is rife with surgeons who are looking for a “cash transfusion” for their practice by taking a weekend seminar on plastic surgery — then calling themselves “certified.” In an effort to bring you, our viewers, the most accurate and timely information about plastic surgery, we have sought out the top cosmetic and reconstructive industry experts in the country and now launched The Plastic Surgery Channel. Pop over to our sister station and take a look! Click the image above to visit The Plastic Surgery Channel now! |
Making Connections
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Find a Friendly Face Online
Join a community of support by adding the Weight Loss Surgery Channel on Facebook to your list of friends! You can meet faculty members, swap success stories and trade tips with other pre- and post-op weight loss surgery patients from across the country.
Make yourself at home — write on the wall, send us a message, and upload your photos so we can all celebrate your success! It’s easy…just do a search for WLS Channel and let’s be friends! |
Next week is Nurse’s Week, which runs from May 6th – 12th. (Yes, it starts on a Wednesday. I don’t make the rules.) I encourage everyone in the weight loss surgery community–whether you’re pre-op, post-op, or a bariatric surgeon–to go out of your way to thank a nurse! I know firsthand what an incredible difference it makes to have a caring and detail-oriented R.N. to offer help and guidance when you’re in the hospital. These healthcare professionals work tirelessly, and they deserve a load of gratitude. So, be sure to send a card, make a call, or just tell a nurse in person how much you appreciate them!
Sincerely,
Craig Thompson
12 Years PostOp RNY
President
Weight Loss Surgery Channel
Greetings!
In the latest episode of Melting Mama’s Reality Bites, host Beth Sheldon-Badore shares “pearls of freakin’ wisdom” on what life is really like after weight loss surgery – regardless of which procedure you had – and tackles the topic of getting enough vitamins and nutrients post-op. Although not a doctor or dietician, Beth has learned from her own diligent research how to avoid nutritional deficiencies, and she shares her best practices on getting enough of the good stuff (with a teaspoon of humor to help the medicine go down). She’ll also give the inside scoop on a couple of choco-licious protein powders, and wag a finger at those who claim that weight loss surgery is the “easy way out”. Tune in now!
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Special Report
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| Less Than 60 Days Until ASMBS 2009
We are excited to announce that the Weight Loss Surgery Channel will be attending the 2009 ASMBS Annual Meeting in Grapevine, TX, to film a Special Report series that will air next month. We are offering sponsorship opportunities to partner with us in bringing news from the conference to our national and international viewership.
Stars from several Weight Loss Surgery Channel programs will be attending the 2009 Annual Meeting, and our production team will be setting up a remote television studio at the event. Sponsors will be able to designate participants for on-camera interviews to be broadcast on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel as part of our Special Report and also added to our Patient Education video series. For more information or to request a sponsorship package, please contact Executive Producer Leslie Thompson.
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Information You Can Use
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 Get the Latest Medical Updates on WLS News
In this week’s report, find out what kind of fat actually burns calories, learn about government plans to tax some sweet treats, and see how teen pregnancy can lead to future obesity. Plus, get the latest on a class-action lawsuit against the Canadian doctor accused of sexually abusing several patients, and discover what scientists have learned about preventing metabolic syndrome.
And, don’t miss Chef Dave’s report from the road, as he gives viewers a behind-the-scenes peek at a special cooking event for bariatric patients. You’ll find all this and plenty more in this week’s edition of WLS News. |
Finishing Touches
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 Embrace Your New Body
Weight loss surgery can bring about enormous changes not only to your physical body, but also to your self-image. After reaching their goal weight, many people decide they want to “complete” the transformation by removing that last vestige of obesity — excessive loose skin.
If you are considering an arm lift, thighplasty, tummy tuck, or any other body contouring procedure, we encourage you to visit our sister network, The Plastic Surgery Channel. Learn about new surgical techniques and medical technologies, and find out how to choose the surgeon who is right for your procedure. Click the image above to visit The Plastic Surgery Channel now! |
I want to personally thank all our friends and fans for your continued support, and encourage you to spread the word to other members of the weight loss surgery community who you feel might enjoy our programs and articles. And, of course, please email us anytime if you have suggestions for how we can improve the content on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel!
Sincerely,
Craig Thompson
12 Years PostOp RNY
President
Weight Loss Surgery Channel
Greetings!
This week on WLS News, we’ll take a look at how Ohio is taking action to shake its title of the 17th fattest state in the union, show you how a hormone that aids nursing mothers may be lowering metabolism and raising cardiac risks, and explain why being obese can kick off a case of Restless Legs Syndrome — and wreak havoc on your gums! Plus, we’ll report on a new effort by authorities in the UK to help healthcare workers shed extra pounds, and our wise Web guru, Yvonne McCarthy, has a great recommendation for a Website that follows one woman’s journey with weight loss surgery. You’ll find all this and plenty more in this week’s edition of WLS News!
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News You Can Use
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| Special Report from the 2009 ASMBS Meeting
We are excited to announce that the Weight Loss Surgery Channel will be attending the 2009 ASMBS Annual Meeting in Grapevine, TX, to film a Special Report series that will air next month. We are offering sponsorship opportunities to partner with us in bringing news from the conference to our national and international viewership.
Stars from several Weight Loss Surgery Channel programs will be attending the 2009 Annual Meeting, and our production team will be setting up a remote television studio at the event. Sponsors will be able to designate participants for on-camera interviews to be broadcast on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel as part of our Special Report and also added to our Patient Education video series. For more information or to request a sponsorship package, please contact Executive Producer Leslie Thompson.
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Eating Right Every Bite
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 Chef Dave Gets Cheesy in Wisconsin
The Weight Loss Surgery Channel’s newest correspondent, Chef Dave takes his show on the road and gives viewers a peek behind the scenes of his upcoming cooking show with a fun and informative video blog, starting next week in WLS News.
Chef Dave had weight loss surgery in 2002 and lost 200 pounds. His culinary degree and 15 years of experience as a chef helped him begin to discover ways to create tasty dishes that were “pouch-friendly.” Today, he shares these recipes and cooking techniques with other bariatric patients through his cookbooks and at his many speaking appearances. Now, he’ll reach an even broader audience as a regular guest on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel, giving viewers tips and recipes for cooking healthy and delicious meals that comply with the specialized needs of weight loss surgery patients. |
Get Plugged In
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 Have You Seen Our Facebook Page?
Connect with other friends and fans of the Weight Loss Surgery Channel on Facebook! Meet our faculty members, share stories with other pre- and post-op weight loss surgery patients from across the country, write on our wall, and upload your photos for all to see!
These are just a few ways you can take advantage of the exciting social networking technology that Facebook offers. Just do a search for WLS Channel, and let’s be friends!
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Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of dining with Trulykath and BeckaMarie, two friends from our sister site and weight loss surgery support forum, Renewed Reflections. I was delighted to meet these ladies in person (along with Kathleen’s husband), and encourage any of our readers and viewers who may be coming to the Dallas area to drop us a line. We’d love to give you a tour of our production studio and get to know you face-to-face!
And, of course, please email us anytime if you have suggestions for how we can improve the articles and programming on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel. We appreciate your continued support!
Sincerely,
Craig Thompson
12 Years PostOp RNY
President
Weight Loss Surgery Channel
Greetings!
In our WLS News report for April 10, 2009, we’ll share the results of a recent clinical trial for a new obesity drug, explain how rapid weight gain in infants may predict future obesity, and tell you about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup. Plus, we’ll report on new findings about the differences in how people from various ethnic groups process fat, and tell you what Canadian authorities are doing to curb the epidemic of childhood obesity up north. And, of course, our resident Web-diva, Yvonne McCarthy, will share the scoop about a great website with excellent weight loss tips for those who have not had weight loss surgery. Click the image above to view this week’s newscast!
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One Woman’s Story
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| WLS Journeys – Guest Shirley Mastenbrook
 Join host Yvonne McCarthy on WLS Journeys as she talks with guest Shirley Mastenbrook about how she has learned to navigate life since having weight loss surgery. Shirley shares about her decision to undergo bariatric surgery when she reached 264 pounds, and recounts the often comical stories from her life post-op, from purging her size 22 wardrobe to devising clever tricks for hiding excess skin. You’re sure to appreciate Shirley’s humor and her insights on how to manage everyday challenges without turning to food, and maintain the discipline to keep off the pounds long-term.
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Weight Loss Surgery Support Forum
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 Check Out Renewed Reflections
Where can you discuss your weight loss surgery journey with other pre- and post-op patients, get great recipes that suit your smaller pouch, and share photos and success stories as you shed those pounds? You can do all of that and more in our support forum at RenewedReflections.com! With sections that range from “Stupid Questions” to “Family and Loved Ones” and “Non-Ops” — plus discussions on topics as diverse as Memorable WOW Moments and Exercise After Gastric Bypass Surgery — you’re sure to find loads of helpful information and make new friends who offer unbridled encouragement. Click on over to check out the action! |
A Brand New Network
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The Plastic Surgery Channel
We are excited to announce the launch of our sister network, The Plastic Surgery Channel! Like the Weight Loss Surgery Channel, this new network is available online 24/7 to provide people who may be considering a cosmetic or reconstructive surgery procedure with accurate, objective information from experienced, board certified medical experts. The site includes educational articles covering more than 40 different subject areas on topics ranging from gynecomastia to rhinoplasty, and from Botox® to body lifts.
The Plastic Surgery Channel also features a weekly newscast, hosted by Lindsay Hall, which highlights the latest research findings about plastic surgery procedures, new medical technologies, and engaging human interest stories. Click on the logo to visit The Plastic Surgery Channel online, or click here to see this week’s episode of PSC News!
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We want to wish all of our readers and viewers a happy and healthy Easter Weekend. (Remember, those Cadbury Eggs are for the kids!) Please email us anytime if you have suggestions for how we can improve the articles and programming on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel, and thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Craig Thompson
12 Years PostOp RNY
President
Weight Loss Surgery Channel
Greetings!
In the latest episode of WLS Journeys, host Yvonne McCarthy interviews Shirley Mastenbrook about the many life lessons she has learned since having weight loss surgery. Shirley talks about how she addressed her husband’s fears when she decided to have bariatric surgery, and shares the sometimes comical journey of life post-op, from ditching her size 22 wardrobe to her tricks for hiding excess skin. She also admits to sometimes feeling like an imposter in her new, thinner body, and offers insights on how to maintain the daily disciplines that will keep you on the road to success while living in the real world. Tune into watch Shirley’s story now!
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New Medical Research
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| WLS News – April 3, 2009
 Check out WLS News this week to find out how experiments on drugs for Parkinson’s disease could lead to the development of a medication to treat obesity, and discover how prenatal exposure to the insecticide DDT may play a role in the obesity epidemic among women. We’ll also tell you about a gene that is turning carbs into fat; explain why authorities in Boston are concerned about the BMI of fledgling emergency responders; and report on what researchers have discovered about the health risks of even moderate obesity. Plus, our Internet gal-on-the-go, Yvonne McCarthy, will highlight a new social network specifically for weight loss surgery patients. Click the icon to see this week’s episode!
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| Online Support |
 Bite-Sized Servings of Encouragement
Need a little pick-me-up? Feel like you just can’t get your head on straight ever since your surgery? Then be sure to tune into 90 Seconds to Success every day as Craig Thompson shares an inspiring message to help you stay healthy and happy, wherever you are in your weight loss journey! Now 12 years post-op, Craig offers guidance and support from the heart to members of the weight loss surgery community, and you’re sure to find his daily message inspiring!
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Connecting You with the WLS Community
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Join Us For Our Coverage of the 2009 ASMBS Meeting
We are excited to announce that the Weight Loss Surgery Channel will be covering the 2009 ASMBS Annual Meeting in Grapevine, TX, and we are offering sponsorship opportunities to partner with us in bringing news from the conference to our national and international viewership.
Stars from several Weight Loss Surgery Channel programs will be attending the 2009 Annual
Meeting, and our production team will be setting up a remote television studio at the event. Sponsors will be able to designate participants for on-camera interviews to be broadcast on the Weight Loss Surgery Channel as part of our Special Report from the ASMBS Meeting and also added to our Patient Education video series. For more information or to request a sponsorship package, please contact Executive Producer Leslie Thompson.
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Congratulations to Yvonne McCarthy on her 8th “surgiversary”!! Yvonne is an exceptional role model for what it means to discover joy, health, and inner peace after weight loss surgery. She knows first-hand the mental and emotional struggles that so many people experience not only when they are obese, but even after surgery, as they deal with the attitudes and behaviors that drove them to overeat. Yvonne is relentlessly upbeat, deeply compassionate, and always has an encouraging word to share for anyone in need. We are blessed to have her as part of our team, and we encourage you to give her a shout-out for her eight years of post-op success on her WLS Journeys show blog!
Sincerely,
Craig Thompson
12 Years PostOp RNY
President
Weight Loss Surgery Channel
