It is shameful that we as a people allow the marketing of anything directly to the consumer of such monumental importance and potential danger as surgery. These decisions are hard enough to make without one's thoughts being contaminated by an advertiser's positive (and always biased) spin. Have you heard that breast implant advertisements will soon be running "on a station near you"? Check out this link http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=34604

I am more disgusted every day at our willingness to accept the propaganizement of our nation's people and our minds.

I agree somewhat, about the advertising part. some doctors I feel are doing it because of large amount of money that's paid out. and many people don't do their homework. But as drastic and dangerous as it is, I can't completely knock it. I had a weight issue, 400 solid pounds. bad health and near death. I felt I had no answers to my weight problem, I had many years of failed diets, costing me money, heartaches and tears etc. many doctors just told me what to do, and left it up to me, then others hurt your feelings by thinking talking down to you will make you do something about it. andyhow I was at my last straw. I was 400lbs and always in pain, I came to the point to hide up in the house and sent my older kids out to get what I needed. I was on the dole which I hated. I wanted to get a job and work like everyone else. This had became a dream of minds. not mentioning having a relationship, blah blah blah. LOL anyhow I had no ideal weight loss surgery was available for command folks like me, I only heard of the rich and famous getting it. until one night I came across a program on wls (gastric bypass surgery. after watching it, it was like I had one more chance to live, not exsit. I did my homework on the issue. You are faced with death, yes, but I felt I was facing death anyhow, just slower. I had my wls. with no complications, no problems what so ever. I have been losing wt nicely. and am now 189 lbs. wanting to reach my goal wt of 150. I feel great, I look great, I do not take 15 meds a day, nor do I take my debetes needle. I'm off all meds and it feels great. I'm active and can't keep still. etc, etc. I have a job, I can buy clothes in regular store. But all in all it is a very dangerous operation, just like any other. I do feel so sorry for those who came out with more problems than they went in with. Or lost the life, trying to live their dream.I feel so blessed It didn't kill me, it saved me. would I do it again? YES if it was the only answer to my high weight problem. I don't agree with alot of folks having it if their only reason is to loss a few lbs. the right diet should take care of that. I think those folks are looking for a easy way out. I felt for me it was a health issue. and I glad I had a second chance to live. Just my opinion, take care