Surgery On NBC Nightly News [CP]

July 23, 2001

I just was dozing with the TV on after my recent, successful

surgery. Imagine my surprise when I suddenly awoke in the

midst of a WLS story!

Unfortunately, this story seemed to me to be extremely biased in

favor of rny in particular and against WLS in general. How's that

for 2 insults in a row? We just can't get a fair shake.

Anyway, they were telling people that generally, a WLS patient

will not enjoy more than a 50% weight loss. This was not limited

to the rny in particular. This was presented as being true for WLS

as a whole.

Also, I actually thought I heard the doctor from the NIH stating

that the surgery has a high incidence of compication. Further, a

surgeon from UCLA stated that WLS is drastically being

'over-sold' to unsuspecting patients.

Here's the URL for the story.

<<http://www.msnbc.com/news/604133.asp#BODY>>

I would be interested in what you all have to say. I sure would like

someone to contact the NBC coorespondent to set him straight.

It's nice for the surgery to get notice but not at the expense of

safe, accurate info.

Hugs,

gobo

July 23, 2001