WLS Surgical Associates   

  December 2012 

 Greetings!


New options for 2013, Final Thoughts on 2012:  Walk, Chat, Share, Plan, and more.  Read below to understand.


Sincerely,  Joseph A. Kuhn, MD




2012 was a crazy but Good year. 

2012


1. We had the Greatest Walk from Obesity ever.  The best in the country.  Super thanks to all who came or supported the effort.

2. We started the Facebook Chat every Tuesday 9-10:00 pm.  We have the most fun on that night.  It is a chance to connect and share.

3. We introduced a new Doctor Jeff Henke who joined the practice. 

4. We had several research presentations at regional meetings

5. We started an electronic health record.  By late January, we hope to start the patient portal with all of your information.

6.  We welcomed the patients of Dr. Frank Felts, who moved to New Mexico. 

7.  We had two great holiday parties.

8.  What were your great things?  How did you help others or family members?  This is a great time to reflect on 2012 



Have You Been Waiting for Sclerotherapy?

Purse-String Procedure: A New Revision Procedure for Gastric Bypass patients

pursestring  

 

We have identified a new procedure that can help tighten the connection between the pouch and the small bowel.  This connection is really the critical "food-limiting" aspect of the gastric bypass. 

We have called it the Purse-String procedure, since it creates a purse-string stitching of the stretched out connection.

This procedure is done laparoscopically and is expected to be covered by insurance, since it is not a bariatric procedure.  It is typically combined with some other procedure.  It requires about one hour and is done as an outpatient procedure, so that you go home the same day. 

The ideal candidate might be someone who has had a prior gastric bypass and has regained some of the weight.  In particular, if you can eat solid food like bread or chicken (without sipping fluid) and it seems to go through too quickly, then you might be a candidate. 

We would need to visit with you in the office to discuss the procedure and determine if anything else was a problem.  We also would assess your eating behavior. 

  
      

January SUPPORT MEETING: 

    January 14, 2013
         7-9:00 pm, Medical City
          NEW LOCATION:  Building E
          City Hall Room
          Second Monday of Month

  
     
   


January 14

   How Body Composition Affects Metabolism

   Learn how to increase your metabolism.  How to burn more calories while at rest and in motion.  Does your metabolism change with weight?

 

  

 
New Referrals

 
 
 
For new referrals, we will mail a DVD to a potential person who is considering their options or who simply wants to learn more about bariatric surgery.
 
You can Email our new patient coordinator to assist with mailings:
 
COE emblem
 
 

Sincerely,


Joseph Kuhn, MD,  FACS Medical Director
Jeffrey Henke, MD

WLS Surgical Associates
MEDICARE COVERS THE SLEEVE NOW!!!

Thanks to a lot of effort and negotiation, the Local carrier for Medicare has allowed for coverage of the Sleeve, effective immediately.  Now.  That is great news for the folks who have been waiting. 

The Sleeve is a good alternative for some patients.  Read below for the Sleeve expert.

 

 

sleeve 

 




Dr. Kuhn is Sleeve Expert on D-Magazine


Dr. Kuhn

Dr. Kuhn was selected as a "Sleeve Expert" according to the D Magazine.  You can link to the article below. 

We have introduced some technique improvements to reduce the incidence of obstruction or leak.

The Sleeve achieves about 70% excess weight loss (almost as good as bypass).  Not quite as good as bypass for severe diabetes and severe acid reflux.  Otherwise an excellent option.

 Link to Dr. Kuhn, D Magazine Sleeve


Join Our Chat Tonight,
Tuesday, January 1
9-10:00 pm
Tonight we will have an open chat for posting questions, commenting on new information, and sharing ideas and opinions. 

Every Tuesday 9-10 pm.  Dr. Kuhn and a lot of patients "like" WLSSurgical Facebook page. 

It is easy, and fun.  You can ask questions or just check out what others are saying . . . Live or later.

facebook  

WLSSurgical Facebook (click Here, then, "LIKE")


Holiday Party Was a Blast!!!
You can see some of the photos here
We had about 150 people at the Medical City Party and about 60 people at the Baylor Party.  There were many Door prizes, Dancing, Visiting, and Music.  I am so glad that folks could come and share in the spirit of Christmas and all Holidays.
   susan and others party


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