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Blog 50043
 

thank you

thank you so much to the people who comment here in my blog. i really appreciate your insight and soothing words as well as recipes. :thumbdown: im so glad that there are so many wonderful, friendly, supportive people here.:closedeyes:   you are all fantastic. we can kick butt on this journey together!:tt1:
harliquinn

harliquinn

1
How I lost 100lbs
 

Well Duh...

I had a "Duh" moment today at my fill appointment. As much research as I did for 5 yrs prior to getting the band, and all the things I've read I never thought about, or put together the fact that the reason our fills work and don't, then work again is fat loss and shifting.   When my Dr said this today I was just like Ooooooohhhhhhh DUH!   The reason we get fills - fat loss around the band makes the band looser, hence the fill to tighten, then fat shifts, especially as you lose it, so there's days it'll seem SUPER tight and days it'll seem SUPER LOOSE, same thing with various times of day.   WELL DUH! How I missed that one I didn't know. For some reason it never "clicked" to me that our stomaches have fat around them.   In other news my total weightloss since Surgery on 12/18/09 is 47lbs WOO HOO! Got another CC put in today, bringing me up to 4 cc's.   1 cc at install Dec 18th 1 cc Jan 18th 1 cc Feb 8th 1 cc Mar 5th   And in other other completely random news... I had Maple Bacon Ice Cream tonight.. Yes I said Bacon Ice Cream - and it was SO good! If you live in AZ be sure to try Sweet Republic - SO good, but that Bacon One.. WOW
Yvette1026

Yvette1026

1
Blog 86799
 

Are you ready? Nah, I don't think so...

*entering the room dancing to Destiny's Child singing "I don't think ya readdddy fa this jelllllyyyy"*       Ok, so. I know that I have some concerns about my post-weight loss body. But realistically, looking at me bucket nayket now aint no picnic either :closedeyes: (maybe for my husband, bless him wittle heart). I know I can’t stand too much of my own self. Things jiggle and sag and weeble-wobble now. So, I’m not naïve enough to think that just because I lose some poundage, means that I’m gonna turn into Beyonce…Gee’once, maybe *smirk*, but I digress…         ALTHOUGH, in my mind…I’ve fast-forwarded about a year or so. And I can actually SEE a smaller, more healthy me. :thumbup:I’ve never been there before. And mayhaps that was the problem. *shrug* What I do know, is my saggalicious, droopylicious self is STILL gonna revel in how far I’ve come & gone. Ill hook up the breasticles in a new LB balconette bra and make them shine like the stars they are. I’ll coax the SPANX that ill have to sweet talk into undertaking the monumental task of turning “flab into fab”. Buy a new figure-friendly LBD, and perhaps I may be able to throw on a pair of sexy high heels long enough to turn a few heads and strut the “Skank [Ho] Walk” I learned in my Urban Striptease workout (gotta love On Demand cable program. Exercise TV is awesomeness) *head nod*     :rolleyes:Yup. I justttttt miiiight.       Btw – my bosslady (who also has WLS and looks fabulous) said to *possibly* expect the ending or stressing of friendships/familial relationships and possible spousal jealousy. *exaggerated sigh*     I really have been blessed in terms of my family & friends, so I don’t anticipate that area being an issue for me. But I guess any & everything is possible. Prayerfully those in my corner will stay there – even when I’m too high off my own supply *innocent grin* I know my tried & true peeps will chin-check me quick & without hesitation *lol*     This whole experience is reminding me of when I was with-child. So excited and anticipatory. Wondering “when am I gonna see my baby bump” “when can I finally hold my baby”. All that stuff I worried everyone to death about…and then one day: bam – She was here! The only thing that’s different is that this experience will end with a REbirth…of self. Saggy. Jiggly. Jellified.       So, yeah. I’m ready. But I’m not certain the world is.*pondering for a brief moment*     NaHhhhh. I don’t think ANY one is ready fa THIS jelly. :tt1:
vanishingvixen

vanishingvixen

4
Blog 84356
 

Broth suggestions

I'm about 3 weeks from my surgery date. Yay! I'm nervous & excited. I am trying to figure out this website, navigation is a little tough. This is a test - see if I have figured out how to post a blog! Anyone have some good broth suggestions? Supposed to have only that and jello 3 days post surgery & after fills. I can't believe eating/drinking just plain chicken broth from a can would be any good. I guess I should look up some recipes & try some out before the surgery. If you have some suggestions, please let me know!!!
Blawndy

Blawndy

4
Blog 295
 

7 Months Post-op

Well, yesterday marked my 7 month anniversary from surgery. I am pretty happy with where I am health-wise. I'll be having a follow-up visit with my surgeon the beginning of next month, so will have my labs drawn in a couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure they will show some deficiencies. This past month I've done pretty poorly taking all but my multivitamin, which has been pretty good. I've been ill off and on most of the month and I've just not been as good as I should have been.   I've also struggled this last month with my exercise routine. When the snow hit, things were closed and schedules erratic for working out. I then flew home for a week. So basically I went from consistently exercising for 5-7 days per week (since 1 month post-op) to 2-3 days per week. I'm hoping this virus is finally out of me and I can get back to normal.   My weight has continued to decline, but at a nice and slow rate. I lost almost 6 pounds, making my grand total weight loss -95 pounds. I think I'd like to try to maintain a weight between 140-148 pounds, but who knows where my body will be comfortable. I'd like to not drop below 140 pounds to try to maintain some curves and not have as much lose skin. Just today at work (spirit day-wearing jeans and a tee shirt) I was mistaken for a middle school kid (from the side and back) by two different teachers and a custodian. I NEED curves...I don't want to be mistaken for a teenager (although I wouldn't mind it so much in the face:-).   Other ramblings... I've become much more accustomed to receiving compliments about my weight loss and they don't bother me hardly at all. I'm pretty okay with people constantly talking to me about my weight loss, although it still does get annoying at times...especially the "wasting away" and "you're disappearing." But usually when I say I'm done losing, they have nothing more to say.   One mom said I should be the one to talk with her son because it might come better from the "pretty, enthusiastic, young teacher." When she first said it, I was thinking oh, I'll have so and so across the hall talk to him then and then I realized she was talking about me. It was really sweet and made my week.   Today a teacher came up to me and said, "I can't stand to look at you anymore." He had a smile on his face so I knew it wasn't meant in a bad way. He explained how when he met me 9 years ago he never thought I had it in me to get so healthy. He saw a very happy person who enjoyed her food and was happy to live her life the way she was living. It lead to a really good talk about food addiction and the benefits of wls for some people.   I went up to one of our administrators after school to set up a time to meet next week because I couldn't do today as I was already busy. I thought she wanted to discuss the state tests coming up in May. She said, "no big deal I just wanted to ask you a few questions about your procedure...not that I'm really convinced it's for me, I just wanted to talk some things over." I look at this as a huge step and it makes me happy that I decided to tell others about my surgery.   Well, I guess that's all for now. Still chugging along. Still super happy with my sleeve and loving life. Can't wait to see what the next 7 months bring.   Weight Loss by Month: Starting 238 pounds   July 2009 -16 pounds Pre-Op August 2009 -21 pounds Month 1 September 2009 -15 pounds Month 2 October 2009 -11 pounds Month 3 November 2009 -13 pounds Month 4 December 2009 -9 pounds Month 5 January 2010 -4 pounds Month 6 February 2010 -6 pounds Month 7   Current -95 143 pounds
deedee

deedee

6
Blog 77798
 

Today is a Big Day

I can finally say that I have 50 pounds!   I have been sick as a dog, and didn't really expect to still be losing this week, but it happened! Now I have passed my first big milestone and cannot wait to get over the next ones. I am well on my way and couldn't be happier!
laughnleo

laughnleo

3
Blog 87112
 

Got my appointment date for my initial consult

I have finally decided to take the plunge and get banded. I am really excited to have it done. I have the appointment scheduled in 14 days, and can not wait for it to arrive. It is like a 4 hour meeting with the nurse, psychologist, doctor and the finance person. I wonder how long I will have to wait to have the surgery? How many tests will I have to have run? So many questions!! I can't wait to find out!!
Purrplelover

Purrplelover

1
Blog 50043
 

not a good day. :(

i had to stop taking the Oxycodone that was given to me by my surgeon because im itching like crazy and breaking out in red rashes. this is an allergic side effect of the drug but thankfully not a severe one.   and since i went all night and morning without pain meds, im in a lot of pain. my port area hurts the most but a couple other parts of my abdomen are sore as well. sitting up on my own and laying down on my own need to be done VERY slowly or else BAM! pain city.   feeling very down. depressed. upset. hating my life.   my dog just slammed her paw into my side. she hit an incision, causing a sharp jab of pain. shes not a small dog, shes a boxer. thanks, dog. :closedeyes:   im going back to bed until tomorrow.:tt1:
harliquinn

harliquinn

6
Blog 1639
 

My Sleeve and Me

My surgery was 3/3/2010. It was done by Dr. Facundus of Alabama Surgical Associates, a Center of Excellence. Dr. Foreman also was in attendance as they do all their surgeries together. Per the bariatric coordinator they are close to receiving their 2nd Center of Excellence award.   I'm 48 hours out at this time and I feel good. I still have some pain in my left shoulder and sometimes across the shoulders from the gas. And of course my stomach is sore but I can lay down, get up and walk around with little problem. A 36 bougie was used and they clip off the sleeve and test with 60 lbs of pressure prior to closing to have no leaks. They have never had a sleeve leak and only 7 leaks in 2500 gastric bypass surgeries.   I have no drain and as the Dr. used 2 prior incisions from lap surgeries, I have less scarring than expected. I have had no nausea. I have glue over my incisions and was able to shower when I got home.   I was in a bariatric wing for a 23 hour stay and received wonderful care. I did have some pain med issues but they had been expected as most pain medicines make me restless and itchy. When those symptoms appeared benadryl was added to my IV however as the symptoms has started already the restlessness and itchiness never completely disappeared. I did spend 12:00 to 12:15 the night of surgery walking due to the restlessness and it was not time for additional benadryl but the walking did greatly reduce my shoulder pain from the gas.   I was very glad to get home and take the pain meds and liquid childrens benedryl at the same time and sleep in my own bed. I was able to lay on my side in my regular sleep position and catch up on my rest. I did run a slight temperature the afternoon I came home and did take liquid SF Tylenol for that.   Working on getting my liquids down and cannot finish 2 oz of SF jello as I'm stuff at 1 oz. I do have some discomfort as it seems the liquid 'catch' at the breastbone and then go down. Some of that may be because I had a hiatal hernia repair done at the same time.   I had planned to take off work until Monday 3/15 but I probably will work from home some hours at the end of next week.
Kabranda

Kabranda

4
Blog 65988
 

Haven't posted for a while

Well, it's been a while since I've posted. Mainly because I have been so frustrated and down about my band...For three months my scale did not move, despite repeated adjustments and hours of exercise everyday.   I'm happy to report thanks to my last adjustment a week ago, I have finally had a change in the number on the scale. I kicked the darned thing out of my bathroom and refused to look at it for a week. Low and behold this morning the number shocked me so much I had to take a picture! WHOOP WHOOP!!! :tt1::thumbup:   I am now 18 pounds from a goal that I had twenty one years ago. My sister had promised me that if I got down to under 200 pounds that she would buy me a new outfit. Fortunately, she's still willing to do that...can you say "SHOPPING TRIP"!!!!!!!:closedeyes::drool::thumbdown: Loving the shopping! It's so nice being able to go into a store, pick out the size and know that it's going to fit or that it's going to be a little big..Yup, I said it "BIG" hehe!!   Anyway, to all of those who may read this and feeling discouraged by your band, don't give up, just keep going back and getting fills and talking to your fill nurse, it helps.   Good luck to all! I'd love to hear from you!
bashful1269

bashful1269

6
Blog 61341
 

My Menu Blog

Menu Blog I do push the limits of the food budget 1300-1500 calories per day vs. the typical 800-1200 quoted by most doctors. I do this for 4 reasons:   1) I think that they (the doctors) under estimate the amount of protein people need. The higher I keep my protein the better weight comes off.   2) I lift weights and feel I need the extra protein   3) I want to keep my metabolism in as high a gear as I can   4) based on my target weight 190 lbs. I won’t have to make many changes when I get there.   Key for my Menu   First, one of my key tools is Vitol Egg protein powder.   Second is packing all my meal in 8oz plastic containers so I don’t have to guess.   Third, we make most of the items below in a big batch on Sunday and uses them during the week.   Fourth, sometimes you have to eat out, when I do I stick to fish or soups/stews they are easier to digest.   Fifth, I avoid directly adding carbs because they make my hungry between meals.   Breakfast (5 am)   Option 1: 1 whole egg and 3 egg whites, 1oz low fat cheese and sliced peppers and mushrooms Option 2: 1 Cup Oatmeal with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Option 3: 1Cup fat free yogurt with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein)   Mid-Morning (9 am)   Option 1: 1Cup fat free yogurt with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Option 2: 8oz Diced Chicken Salad Option 3: 2 String cheese and 1oz. Almonds Option 4: MuscleMilk Protein Shake   Lunch (Noon)   Option 1: 1 cup Turkey Chili with 1 oz of Cheese Option 2: 1 cup fat free fried beans with diced, onions, peppers and salsa Option 3: 8oz Diced Chicken or Tuna Salad   Pre Work Out Meal Late Afternoon (4 pm)   Supplements – Nitric Oxide Drink with Creatine, Gummy Vitamins, Gummy Omegas Option 1: ½ Cup fat free yogurt with Vitol Egg powder 2 Tablespoons (adds 24Grams of Protein) Option 2: 4oz Diced Chicken Salad Option 3: 1 String cheese and 1oz. Almonds Option 4: MuscleMilk Protein Shake   Post Work Out Dinner   Option 1: 6 oz Ahi Tuna Steak in olive oil and lemon pepper Option 2: 1 cup chipotle chicken crock pot stew with carrots, onion, mushrooms, peppers Option 3: 8oz Chicken Brest   Happy Eating
Cingulus

Cingulus

2
Blog 85277
 

Feeling down

Well its March 5th and I get my first fill on the 8th. I can eat anything and i have tried. I am so hungry. I hope this fill works. Im sad that i have gone back to bad habits. Eating more than 1/2 cup and drinking . Whats wrong with me am I crazy. Its only been a month:frown:
Bell73

Bell73

2
Blog 1118
 

Weekly Update

Today was my weigh day, and I'm down 2 more pounds! Yay. 55 total!! I've been concentrating a lot more on getting my water/liquids in these past few weeks and I think that is helping alot. I still have yet to incorporate some organized exercise into my daily routine, although I am way more active than I used to be. I know I'll have to get some weight training in to reshape my body. Other than that, I'm doing great, feeling good and waiting for spring to get here!
Shontel

Shontel

0
Blog 68671
 

Easter Challenge 3rd Weigh In

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AtJHinfw3ya3dFFUVUd5NVhreklrV3p1RlItVXcwd0E&hl=en     ahhhhhhhh no change!!! I guess that's better then gaining. Best wishes to everyone!
kdee

kdee

2
Blog 85917
 

I am down 67 pounds now

Yes i feel alot more better I am going to the gym at least twice a week and doing the biggest looser everyday I feel much better and eating healthier helps The scale issue I have my daughter hide it for me and weight once a week that help out of sight and out of mind so i dont think about it :tt1:
pam1969

pam1969

3
Blog 81481
 

When Men start noticing!!

Anyone there yet?? At the point where you are feeling better and other people.. ie MEN start noticing you look better too. Men are such visual creatures and a skirt and boots when there is still snow on the ground will do the job most any day. It was just nice to notice others noticing me in a good way:) NSV1... lol... I haven't lost much on the scale only about 10 lbs but my tummy is down and with a little black slimmer and a sweet new top... Well lets just say that outfit has magical powers lol.. I sure hope this trend continues. all aboard... to ride the crazy train to the land of skinny... :tt1:
Jadeite

Jadeite

6
Blog 86799
 

shEmotions

**enters the room singing to the tune of Whitney’s “So emotional”: I get sooooo emotional baybe, everytime I think of FOOOOOOOOOD! **   Happy Friday faithful few -   Yesterday was an emotional doozy. At least the last half was. That tends to happen when things are really going well. When I’m mentally & spiritually focused and on my grind. But such as life. The devil is a micky-flickin LIYAH!! *tripple dawg daring him to even THINK about looking my way today* He gets NO play over here. :thumbdown:   This here post will serve as a reminder that no matter the circumstances, I (we) can make better food choices. It bears repeating that I am mostly a total emotional eater. In order to stay my course, I have to break that cycle. (more like forcing myself into submission via suplex, then headlock)   See, for me – here’s how it works for me: quite simply…if I don’t keep it in the house (ie: snack cakes, junkfood, unhealthy snacks, soda, whatever) I can’t get to it when $h!t goes down. If I keep healthier foods in the house, I won’t sabatoge myself when I’m on a mad dash to shove something in my mouth in an effort to self-soothe. :tt1:   It sounds really simple, huh? Not so much. But in theory, its what I know will work for me. If its not there, I can’t gorge/graze on it. If I just HAVE to put something in my mouth, it will be something that I know won’t totally derail me. Besides, I’ve found there are plenty of treats to sate my oral fixation & sweet tooth. Fudgepops are one good indulgence (its not my fault it shaped like a phallus, but hey that could be considered a benefit *shrug*) :tt2: Low fat. And/or fat free at 40-60 cals a pop. Even if I eat 3 (which I haven’t *lol*) no skin off my teeth. And also those 100 mini bags of stuff likr choco pretzels, or cookies, or what have you.   I’m no expert, but I DAMN sure know that a night like last night would have sent me running back into my ex-Lover’s arms. :drool: Me & some cupcakes or a whole quart of ice cream would have be getting. It. IN. *going churchified* But I rebuke thee, oh Devils of Deliciousness. Get thee behind me, Little Debbie, you Jezebel! You Harlot!   Woooosahhhh. :closedeyes: It all alright. I woke up this morning feeling good. I know that there will be plenty more opportunities for me to screw up. But yesterday wasn’t the day. (And today won’t be either *hmph*)
vanishingvixen

vanishingvixen

6
Blog 79919
 

Post-Surgery day 2

I have been having a lot of the shoulder pain that I've heard about. Hopefully it will pass by tomorrow. My stomach hurts a little but I was able to splint it with a pillow and sleep pretty well last night. I do feel like there is some slime caught in my throat but nothing comes up when I cough. My goal today is to shower and to get enough protein in today. So far I have mostly been taking in water. Stats: Pre- surgery 228 lbs 2 week liquid diet 211 lbs :tt1:
kleinow01

kleinow01

2
Blog 50043
 

oh...by the way....

im 7 days post op. i lost 16 pounds on the 2 week pre-op diet and lost another 7 pounds in the week since surgery. im down 23 pounds total. gas pains are gone, only slightly sore when bending or being active.   i feel great! :tt1:
harliquinn

harliquinn

3
Blog 75574
 

76 1/2 lbs down and the scales are dropping! This is FUN!

:tt1: Boy am I loving my band NOW! I am getting into size 12's and I CAN HARDLY believe it myself!! This is FUN! Losing weight has NEVER Been FUN before but now, I just love getting on the scales. I don't even care if it shows a tiny l lb gain, cause I KNOW that by sticking to my program, it will be gone by the end of the week and taking another lb with it! FUN! I love shopping for NEW CLOTHES too! And I am smaller now than I have been in a very long time. I wore a size 14 Wedding Gown from JC Penny's in 1979. I will be wearing a size 10 to my daughters wedding in OCT. if I stay on track with my weight loss! Now how FUN is that????????? If you are new to LB or just thinkin about it! Don't wait another minute! JUST DO IT~ OMG you will love it and have FUN toooooooooooo! Join us here on LBT and keep up with me on by blog too at www.thegoldendayz.blogspot.com:thumbup:
janetsjourneytoslim

janetsjourneytoslim

6
Blog 87245
 

1-800-get-thin

Don't trust them with your life! The waiting room of the Beverly Hills surgery clinic was teeming with customers on a recent Saturday, with many of the patients there for the weight-loss operation hawked on freeway billboards, bus placards, and TV and radio commercials across Southern California: 1-800-GET-THIN.   But few, if any, were probably aware of the troubled history of the medical suite where they might be waiting to undergo major surgery. Suite 106 at 9001 Wilshire Blvd., currently known as the Beverly Hills Surgery Center, has for years been a business address of TopSurgeons, the sponsors of the ubiquitous marketing campaign for the lap-band® -- a surgical implant designed to suppress the appetite of obese patients and normally prescribed for those who are at least 75 to 100 pounds overweight.   As I wrote last month, the people behind TopSurgeons are the Omidi brothers -- Julian, whose medical license was revoked in 2009, and Michael, who was placed on three years’ probation for gross negligence in 2008,according to the Medical Board of California.   TopSurgeons attracts customers in part by pitching the lap-band® to people who, according to conventional medical guidelines, shouldn't need major surgery to shed weight.   The Omidis formerly operated the Wilshire Boulevard facility as the Almont Ambulatory Surgery Center.   Almont lost an important federal certification last summer after inspectors determined that conditions there posed "immediate jeopardy to the health and safety" of patients.   The government's cancellation of the clinic's certification, which was effective July 20, meant it could no longer receive payments from Medicare and Medicaid for treating the programs' members.   Separately, the American Assn. for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities had already revoked the clinic's accreditation.   The California Department of Public Health was well aware of health and safety issues at the clinic -- its own staff had performed the inspection for the federal government.   The Medical Board of California was aware of the history of TopSurgeons' owners because it was the agency that had revoked Julian Omidi's license and placed his brother Michael on probation.   Yet state regulators' ability to respond to the actions by the federal government and the accreditation body was limited.   Under state law, no agency has clear jurisdiction over such free-standing ambulatory surgical centers.   Free-standing surgical centers owned by a physician are exempt from licensing by the Department of Public Health.   For its part, the California Medical Board has no legal oversight over a surgical facility because its legal authority extends only to disciplining individual doctors.   The federal government's authority is limited to determining whether a clinic can participate in Medicare and Medicaid (in this state, Medi-Cal). Once it does that, its regulatory bolt is shot.   Robert Silverman, an attorney representing the Omidis, points out that his clients "have no involvement in the performance of weight loss surgeries themselves."   So why should you care about them?   For one thing, the business model of free-standing surgery clinics unaffiliated with hospitals is spreading.   These places perform major surgery under general anesthesia, which can be life-threatening.   If there are any holes in the regulatory safety net applicable to such facilities, they need to be closed, but quick.   Then there are the particulars of that June inspection report of Almont Ambulatory Surgery Center, which runs for 22 pages. Here are some highlights:   * The inspectors found unsanitary conditions in the surgical areas. Medications and supplies to treat complications from anesthesia were expired or missing, though 23 patients were waiting for surgery.   * Surgical instruments weren't being properly disinfected. Medical supplies that were supposed to have been tossed after use on a single patient were being reused. Two employees had positive tests for tuberculosis, but there was no record that they got required follow-up chest X-rays.   * The crash cart, which carries equipment and supplies for cardiac emergencies, contained opened and expired drugs and supplies, including some more than 4 years old. Other drugs and supplies, including emergency drugs, were months or years past expiration. Filled and inadequately labeled syringes were found in the operating room. Most of the scrub sinks weren't working.   * Patient records, which contain such confidential information as psychological exams, were left where unauthorized people could read them.   That inspection wasn't the only one to turn up problems. The American Assn. for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, a voluntary association that inspects such facilities to make sure they're safe and properly run, had revoked the facility's accreditation April 4.   The association's executive director, Jeff Pearcy, told me that it had suspended Almont's credentials a few weeks earlier, after receiving a serious complaint that he wouldn't specify.   During an unannounced visit April 4, its inspectors discovered that surgery was being performed on the premises despite the suspension. Pearcy said his organization promptly informed federal Medicare authorities and the state medical board of its action. Silverman blames those violations on unidentified Almont managers who he said were placed in charge by the Omidis.   He said Almont went out of business soon after the revocation of its certification and accreditation.   The clinic's quarters, he maintains, were then taken over by Beverly Hills Surgery Center. Under that name the facility received accreditation as an ambulatory care center in January from a different medical accreditation agency, the Joint Commission.   Silverman maintains that Beverly Hills Surgery Center is "a completely separate entity" from Almont. But he also acknowledged that Julian and Michael Omidi helped launch Almont, and records show both have connections to Beverly Hills Surgery Center.   The Department of Public Health still lists Michael Omidi as 100% owner of the surgery center at Suite 106 at 9001 Wilshire Blvd. and Almont as its corporate name, department spokesman Ralph Montano said Wednesday.   He said the information was filed with the agency in May 2009 and that the center's owners have not updated the filing since.   Julian Omidi, who is identified in Los Angeles County records as president of Almont, is also listed as president of TopSurgeons Inc., which, as mentioned earlier, also listsits address in state and county business filings as 9001 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 106.   Beverly Hills Surgery Center was registered with the county by Thomas C. Cloud on Oct. 15, 2009, also at 9001 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 106.   Cloud is a business associate of Julian Omidi's, according to legal papers Cloud filed in several lawsuits in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking payments from patients who allegedly did not pay their bills.   Cloud is a former doctor whose license was revoked by the medical board -- for the second time -- in 2001, based on a string of felony convictions, including a 1993 conviction for Medi-Cal fraud that garnered him a sentence of 16 months in state prison.   Silverman says Cloud isn't an employee of TopSurgeons, just "an independent contractor."   Through Silverman, the Omidis refused my request for interviews.   Silverman told me this week that TopSurgeons Inc. no longer conducts any business. There's a TopSurgeons LLC, he says, but it doesn't operate at 9001 Wilshire Blvd.   As of Wednesday, however, the California secretary of state's website listed that address as the entity's official address, and the TopSurgeons website listed the location as one of the offices to which it refers patients.   Silverman refused to identify the ownership and management of TopSurgeons LLC but said it's different from TopSurgeons Inc.   Should we take that on faith? I'll just note that when TopSurgeons LLC registered its business name with the county last April it listed the same Wilshire Boulevard surgical suite as its address and named as its registration agent Cindy Omidi, which is the name of Julian and Michael Omidi's mother.   When TopSurgeons LLC filed its business registration with the California secretary of state in 2008, its agent was Thomas Cloud and its address of record was 9001 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 106.   Silverman said there was no "wrongdoing, illegal conduct, or even inappropriate conduct" involved here.   But the public record shows that one or both Omidi brothers have been doing business out of the same location under various corporate names since at least 2005 -- and it's a location that has drawn some not entirely positive attention from health and medical inspectors.   If I were even remotely inclined to answer one of those "GET THIN" ads, I'd like to know if my regulators were still keeping their eyes on the place.   Michael Hiltzik's column appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Reach him at michael.hiltzik@latimes.com, read previous columns at Michael Hiltzik - latimes.com, and follow @latimeshiltzik on Twitter.
BigMaMaJoans

BigMaMaJoans

5

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