In addition to our own website, there are other resources on the Internet that provide a great deal of information on weight loss surgery and the options available today. Because we are committed to improving the overall health knowledge of our patients, we are providing the following selection of website links you might find useful and informative. We have organized the links into categories in order to provide quick access to the topics of greatest interest to you.

If you have a suggestion for a new link, please send us an email, as we are always looking for good resources to pass along to our valued patients and visitors to our website. We hope you find these sites helpful!

Bariatric Associations

The following links provide updated information on bariatric surgery by the largest bariatric assocations across the country.

• American Obesity Association
  The American Obesity Association (AOA) is an organization focused on changing public policy and the overall perceptions about obesity. The AOA serves as an advocate for obese people across the country with a goal to re-conceptualize obesity to be viewed as a disease rather than an individual failure.
  
  
• American Society for Bariatric Surgery
  The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) was founded in 1983 and is the largest society for this specialty in the world. Their website is intended to provide education and support to surgeons and allied health professionals with some additional information also available for patients considering bariatric surgery.
  
  
• American Society of Bariatric Physicians
  Formed in 1950, The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) is a non-profit international medical association of allied health care professionals with special interest and experience in the treatment of obesity and related disorders. The ASBP provides useful information to their members, the health care industry, and the general public.

Bariatric Interests
The following links provide some good information on topics of interest to bariatric patients.

• BariatricEdge.com
  Detailed bariatric (weight loss) surgery information, resources, and tools for people struggling with morbid obesity seeking to lose excess body weight for good. The site provides information on the health risks of obesity, diseases caused by morbid obesity, and the effectiveness and risks of bariatric surgery options available today.
  
  
• Lap-Band
  Learn everything you need to know about the LAP-BANDŽ System (for the adjustable gastric banding procedure); considered one of the safest and least invasive weight-loss surgery procedures available today. The site includes information about costs and insurance, as well as post-op resources such as checklists, guidelines and more.
  
  
• ObesityHelp.com
  ObesityHelp.com is dedicated to the education, empowerment and support of all individuals affected by obesity, along with their families, friends, employers, surgeons and physicians. Membership to ObesityHelp.com is free and provides patients with weight loss resources, message boards, chat rooms, and other interactive features.
  
  
• Realize Band
  The REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution is more than a gastric band designed to help you lose weight. It's a solution that will help you to discover a new life. The REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution is unique because, in addition to the REALIZE Band, it includes a one-of-a-kind patient support system - REALIZE mySUCCESS - that will help guide you on your journey to consistent, long-term weight loss. The site includes everything you want to know about the product, insurance approval and or financing and more.

Patient Advocacy Groups
Obesity patient advocacy groups work on behalf of overweight and obese people to inform the public, media, Congress and other influencers about the effects of obesity.

• Obesity Action Coalition
  The mission of Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is to elevate and empower those affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support. They continue to educate patients, family members and the public on obesity and morbid obesity.
  
  
• The Obesity Society
  Since 1982, NAASO has been a scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. The society is committed to promoting research, education and advocacy to better understand, prevent, and treat obesity and improve the lives of those affected.

General Health
The following are general health related sites that cover a broad spectrum of issues and topics.

• National Institutes of Health
  Official website of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH is one of the world's foremost medical research centers. An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH is the Federal focal point for health research. The NIH website offers health information for the public as well as medical professionals. The website has an A-Z index on various health topics, NIH health resources, clinical trials, health hotlines, MEDLINEplus, drug information, and more.
  
  
• National Sleep Foundation
  Sleep is not merely a "time out" from our busy routines; it is essential for good health, mental and emotional functioning and safety. Check out this website to learn whether you're getting the quality -- and quantity -- sleep you need.
  
  
• WebMD
  The leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information. Providing credible health information, supportive community, and educational services by blending award-winning expertise in content, community services, expert commentary, and medical review.