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

Weight loss surgery may not extend the life expectancy of older men, and mortality rates following surgery may be higher for this demographic, a new study shows. Read the full story

Obesity could be treatable with a vaccine designed to suppress an appetite-inducing hormone, according to a new study. Read the full story

High fat diets may be linked to brain damage, according to a new study. Findings indicated that consuming a diet high in fat not only damaged neurons in laboratory rodents, but also triggered greater food consumption and ongoing weight gain. 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

Weight loss surgery can reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases, like type 2 diabetes, but it may increase the risk of suicide, a new study shows. Read the full story