Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool in the treatment of obesity. But, many bariatric surgeons note that the real key to positive outcomes lies in providing patients with comprehensive, ongoing support after their surgery. Dr. Emma Patterson, Medical Director at Oregon Weight Loss Surgery, explains the fundamentals of post-op support and the revolutionary program she has created for her practice in this interview at the 2009 ASMBS annual meeting in Grapevine, TX. Read the full story

What Are You Tending To? Often, we experience the fall-out from our actions and exclaim, “That’s not what I intended!” Regardless of our stated intentions, more often than not, the outcomes of our actions are evidence of where we focused our energy.  If you tend a garden, it will grow and thrive — but if you fail to tend to it, the plants will wither and die, or the garden will be overgrown with weeds. In this episode of 90 Seconds to Success, host Craig Thompson encourages us to be mindful of what we are tending to in our lives.

Through the Eyes of a Newbie. Have you ever tried to give a friend advice, believing with every fiber of your being that your wise counsel was just what they needed, only to have your words fall on deaf ears?  In this episode of 90 Seconds to Success, host Craig Thompson reminds us that we are each on a journey, and that many times, people who are newly post-op after WLS have to learn things for themselves. Although your hope may be to help them avoid painful experiences, sometimes all you can do is lead by example.

Got Faith? Sometimes, it seems like everyone else is just happy-go-lucky when it comes to navigating life’s daily challenges. They seem to have an unwavering faith that everything will work out for the best — and all you can think is, “Where do I get me some of that?”  In this episode of 90 Seconds to Success, host Craig Thompson explains that faith is not just an airy concept, but the practical application of trust in a power greater than ourselves — and a purpose for our lives greater than we can fathom.

Quality vs. Quantity. Are there days when you feel like the goals you’ve set for yourself are a heavy burden to bear? When you feel overloaded by everything you’ve put on your proverbial plate, and you have no idea how to make any headway? In this episode of 90 Seconds to Success, host Craig Thompson reminds us that sometimes, less is more. When it comes to setting goals for ourselves, we can achieve virtually anything we desire — but, we have to focus on one thing at a time.

Empowered for the Future. Odds are, you spent months — possibly years — planning your weight loss surgery. You researched different procedures, talked with post-op patients, maybe jumped online in a few support forums to get the inside scoop. And, odds are, your life after weight loss surgery is nothing like you imagined it would be! In this episode of 90 Seconds to Success, host Craig Thompson reminds us that surviving and learning from life’s unexpected challenges gives us the opportunity to develop greater resilience and inner strength than we ever thought possible.

In All Fairness. Everybody has their own path in life, and their own lessons to learn. For you, weight loss surgery may be an important part of that journey–but, that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. If you have a friend or loved one that struggles with their weight, you may be eager to share the good news of WLS. But, in this episode of 90 Seconds to Success, host Craig Thompson explains why sometimes, it’s better to stay silent.

We Are Family. Sometimes, the choice to have weight loss surgery can be a lonely road. If your spouse or parents have never struggled with their weight, they may not understand what it’s like to live with obesity, and what it means to overcome the disease. In this episode of 90 Seconds to Success, host Craig Thompson encourages viewers to join a weight loss surgery support group, to share encouragement and guidance with others who know first-hand the highs and lows that life before, during and after weight loss surgery can bring.