Welcome to our new website for Beyond Change.
After 9 years of producing this monthly publication we are finally able to refresh our site and hope that you will enjoy what you see.
No one knows the rigors of having to meet a deadline like we do. I remember over nine years ago when I decided that Beyond Change would be a monthly publication. After all so many WLS individuals did not have a support group to attend so this newspaper would be their ‘support group in print’, it would have to be received monthly. One of my surgeon friends asked if I would have enough material to print on a monthly basis. Somehow I didn’t worry about that and haven’t had to worry about it since.
Dr. Cynthia Buffington has dedicated so much of herself to this publication. She is acutely aware of the recent research and has the unique ability to write to the level of understanding of all of our readers, professional and lay people alike. Her work and knowledge is without boundaries in the field of research regarding the disease of obesity. She is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met in this business. I appreciate her more then she knows but what is most important for her to know is that our readers likely subscribe to Beyond Change just to read her articles more then any others.
Our psychologists and therapists have added such valuable information regarding the emotional recovery following weight loss surgery. Teri Holtzclaw, PhD and Katie Jay, MSW recently collaborated with Dr. Buffington and Dr. Dennis Smith regarding the very sensitive issue of weight regain. They along with other psychologists and therapists have written articles that are uplifting and supportive to those who have struggled with the psychological effects of the disease of obesity for years and now are left to struggle with the often emotional side of weight loss.
Sally Myers, RD and Merri Lou Dobbler, RD are providing nutritional support for our readers. If it is about the deficiencies of vitamins and minerals or about journaling they cover it all. Both have worked with weight loss surgery patients for many years. Both are kind, caring and nonjudgmental dietitians who make nutrition interesting to those they teach. They are respected and appreciated by the Beyond Change staff and our readers.
Those who have willingly written such wonderful and educational articles for Medical Matters and Special Features must be acknowledged for their contributions. Jacqueline Jacques, ND, Dr. Mervyn Deitel, Dr. Dennis Smith, Dr. Robert Brolin, Dr. Ken Jones, Ralph Carson, Ph.D., Liz Goldenberg, MPH, RD, CDN, and Dr. Edward Mason. Yes there are more but these are just a few who have believed in and supported Beyond Change all of these years. I personally would like to thank them for their outstanding work that has greatly enhance the educational process for those who have or are suffering with the disease of obesity.
Last but not least I would like to thank the countless individuals who have written regarding their Great Escape from the disease of obesity. It is not an easy road for anyone who has had weight loss surgery. It has taken a great deal of courage for these people to write their stories and share their most sensitive thoughts. I applaud and greatly appreciate each and every one.
We welcome you to our website and would like for you to enjoy a few samples of the articles that have been featured in past issues. Beyond Change is a monthly newspaper that is committed to education and is published for the layperson's understanding. It is being circulated throughout all of the United States as well as eight other countries. We invite you to send us your suggestions for future articles and look forward to your comments as well as your submission of an article. Your opinions are very important to us. Our goal is to continue to provide the knowledge and the tools that will be educational and hopefully serve a purpose that we might recognize a decline to the epidemic of this deadly disease in our lifetime.