Weight loss surgery can be more effective in patients who are less obese, leading to greater weight loss and a 100 percent rate of remission from type 2 diabetes, a recent study shows. Read the full story

In the latest episode of WLS Journeys, host Yvonne McCarthy talks with Monica Martin, a hurricane Katrina victim who is not much of a victim after all. Monica describes her emotional roller coaster when she almost lost her son during her pregnancy due to her extreme weight. She also explains the setback of her surgery due to the loss of her home to Katrina. Monica reveals how her own harsh criticisms of herself affected her, and how she overcame those criticisms to achieve true happiness. Click the player below to see Monica’s inspirational story full of trials and victories.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy – also referred to as the VSG, gastric sleeve, or “Sleeve” – is performed far less frequently than the gastric bypass, but has become increasingly common in recent years and shows similar initial outcomes. Like the gastric bypass and the Lap-Band® procedure, gastric sleeve surgery can be performed laparoscopically, reducing the risk of infection and speeding post-operative recovery time. Unlike these other procedures, however, the VSG is irreversible. Read the full story

My name is Sabrina Kershaw and this is my story. I come from a family of thick and full African-American woman of “butts, hips and tits,” the famous slogan of the “Brown” family. I have been overweight in all honesty since the day I was born, weighing in at 9 pounds and 6 ounces. Over the years, my weight increased, especially after I had my children. I have always been addicted to food liking the taste and the comfort that it would bring me. Certain contributors led to my obesity such as childbirth, poor nutrition, depression, and sickness.

Through the years, I have gone up and down on the scale trying everything to low calorie diets, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, you name it, I tried it. But later when all the attempts failed I found myself resulting to diet pills in hopes of blocking or burning the fat until this 15-year addiction began causing problems with my colon. I found myself constantly constipated and could not have a normal stool without taking laxatives. So not only was I addicted to diet pills but also to laxatives to help lose the unwanted pounds. I was miserable and uncomfortable in my own skin and frustrated that I was so out of control. Although the weight never stopped me from pursuing my dreams in life, I knew I was unhealthy and needed help. Read the full story

Obesity can be overcome if individuals take action to share their stories and promote acceptance of treatment options, suggests a new public awareness campaign. Read the full story

Gastric banding surgeries are on the rise, despite the shaky economy.  Research shows that doctors performed 350,000 bariatric procedures in 2009, and a 20 percent increase is expected in 2010. Read the full story

Biggest Loser contestant Ryan Benson, winner of the hit NBC reality show’s first season, has regained nearly all of the 122 pounds he lost on the show.  He shares the extreme measures that helped him capture the $250,000 prize. Read the full story

Watch this week’s WLS News to see how NBC’s very first “Biggest Loser” is doing, and why he wasn’t featured in the Biggest Loser reunion show. And how much can the wrong snacks in between meals affect you? Will these bite size portions lead to obesity? This report tells the whole story. Plus, you’ll hear about famed Chef Jamie Oliver and get some good news about projects designed to combat childhood obesity. Read the full story