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@I'm Changing 4 Me I created a spreadsheet to help me figure out what I wanted. Personally, I contacted each and every one of these companies/doctors. How are you going to know if you like them unless you deal with them directly? I think in reality, you have to go through some kind of coordinator. Do you expect your surgeon to be dealing with email and phone queries all day? (In fact, out of all these doctors, the only one I was in contact with was Dr. Illan - and while he seemed very nice, the wi-fi connection was so bad I have no idea if he actually answered any of my questions). So, while it would be nice to talk to them, it's not always possible. However, in some cases the coordinator will contact the doctor if you have any specific questions. This is far from a full list, but based on this, and other sites, I felt that these were the most consistently well-regarded companies and surgeons. As I've mentioned in other posts, I think the biggest reason for price differences are the reputation of the doctor, the hospital used, and the hotels used. Unless otherwise mentioned, all these doctors are in Tijuana, and these are quotes I got for a Gastric Sleeve (prices may vary depending on your personal health conditions): Bariatric Pal Team MX: Dr. Jalil Illan ($4399) Endo Bariatric (in Piedras Negras): Dr. Alvarez ($8900) Mexico Bariatric Center: Dra. Louisiana Valenzuela ($5500) and Dr. Ismael Cabrera ($4995) Obesity Control Center: Dr. Ariel Ortiz ($6500-$9000) Pompeii Surgical: Dr. Sergio Quinones ($4500) Ponce Bariatric: Dr. jaime ponce de leon ($5000) Tijuana Bariatrics: Dr. Fernando Garcia ($4250) WLSC: Dr. Ramos Kelly ($4870-$7710) Another option seems to be Trinity Medical, also promoted by a pretty active member here, but unfortunately I didn't come across that company until after I had made my decision. In my particular case, I live in Japan so unlike most of you in the US and Canada, I have some pretty long international flights, and my pear-shaped bottom can no longer squeeze into a 17" economy seat. I might have done that one-way, but I definitely did not want to be squeezed in for 14 hours after major abdominal surgery. Knowing that I would have to buy a business class seat on an international flight meant that I couldn't afford the more expensive doctors - so anything over $6000 was out. I did not like the way I was treated with Tijuana Bariatrics - all I got was a form letter "you've been approved - send money" - and all requests to speak to a coordinator or doctor were completely ignored. In the end the surgeons I was most interested in were Dr. Q, Dr. Ponce, and either Dr. Valenzuela or Dr. Cabrera at MBC. What swayed me the most was how well I was treated by the coordinator, and the amount of information they could give me about the operation, hospitals, etc, how many surgeries the doctor does daily (some doctors work out of more than one hospital, so make sure you find out the daily total and not the hospital total), and finally the price. Oh - and whether or not the surgery could be done on a day that was most convenient for me (for some reason it seems like a lot of the doctors will be away or on vacation or are already booked in February). I know in the beginning it seems overwhelming, but the best thing to do is bookmark the sites you like, fill out the forms, and see what happens from there. I started with 3 different companies, but over time I expanded my search a little. That said, the problem is the paradox of choice: the more options we have, the more difficult it becomes to choose. Keep it small for now as you get your feet wet. Ask questions. Do research (other bariatric forums, facebook, etc.) It should get better as you go along. My surgery is less than 6 weeks away, so I can't tell you how it went, but I'm confident enough that I will be treated well. Anyway, I hope this helps.

Well, I just went to the market. Partly to get out of the house, partly to get in some supplies. I feel OK. A little light headed and a little bit of stinging around my wound, but the walk was no problem. I bought some consomme soup and pro-biotic drinks. I also bought some Spirulina. Does anyone else take this? My local health food store said it is a good source of protein if you're on a liquid diet. It also has B12 and Iron in it so should prevent hair loss. My doc also recommended Prune juice to try and get things moving - and dammit if I can't find it anywhere! I bought some prunes and will make my own in the blender with some apple juice and water. If I pass it through a seive it should be thin enough I hope. I came home and had half a can of consomme (in two attempts) and I feel full as an egg. Hoping I'm not eating too much, but I'm also worried about passing out - I do feel quite light headed and can't even concentrate to the Telegraph crossword, which I usually do in an hour. Another query for you guys - Driving - how long until it's OK to drive? I suppose I should check with my insurance. I know after a Caesarian it's 6 weeks but I'm hoping to get back to driving soon. I succumbed to the temptation to step on the scale this morning. 2lbs down! Doesn't meant anything I know, but at least I can update my signature!

Looks hopeful, but further research is required according to the first link. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28255851 https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/july-2017/vol-10-issue-7-p-3-4/ https://www.sages.org/meetings/annual-meeting/abstracts-archive/do-thyroid-stimulating-hormone-levels-change-after-gastric-bypass-surgery/ A query from a person who had bypass/thyroid issues and response from doctor: https://www.thinnertimesforum.com/topic/69147-thyroid-function-and-replacement-absorption-after-gastric-bypass/

Okay.....this is going to be one of those rambling "off your chest" sort of posts. Emotional upchucking at its best (yeah, I know, I put it so delicately, don't I? I'm such a frail southern blossom of femininity.). Seriously, though, sometimes I feel as emotionally hormonal as an adolescent! It directly correlates to a big sudden drop of weight and the release of fat locked hormones into my bloodstream. I intellectually know this, but I hate _feeling_ like this. Combine this with how stupid I feel about how _frustrated_ I feel and I feel like a mess. I guess for all of those who don't speak "Lyra" I should probably explain this.... I've spoken before about how it takes awhile for the mind to catch up to the new body. People treat you differently and suddenly you're dealing with flirting, and come-ons and half the time I'm bloody oblivious to it all because nobody has looked twice at me in years! And no, I'm not complaining, because it's awesome, but I feel like I'm speaking the same language as everybody else, but with a different dialect so that things get lost in translation. It rather reminds me of when I went to England as a teenager and had a little misunderstanding involving biscuits vs. cookies. Basically I need the Rosetta Stone for social situations. I thought I had outgrown my lack of social acumen in my late teens, but apparently not so much. I've gotten myself into some really embarrassing situations because of my oh-so-charming inability to read the bright neon social signs. Add the above together with the fact that I caught Ebola (translation: the flu) for three days and was a miserable wreck of a human and it's been a crazy week. Literally, if a ninja had suddenly broken into my home I would have gladly asked for a quick beheading. Ya'll, I highly highly HIGHLY recommend getting your flu shot this year because you don't want what I had! Granted the flu got me over my little 189ish lb stall (185 now! huzzah!) but it meant that I lost those four pounds in 3 days. Thus my poor body was inundated with hormones besides having to deal with Bubonic Plague. Add on that I feel sad (for no reason, life is good!), frustrated, exhausted, and moody and I'm sure my coworkers are loving me right now. I loathe feeling so overly emotional and finding ways to channel it has been interesting. Running seems to be the best method I've found, along with working on my artwork. Strangely enough though I don't think my bosses would like it if I went for a couple mile run when I should be decorating cakes! *amused*. I know that this too, shall pass and I'm aware enough to be able to reason out why I'm feeling this way and that that it's purely biological. If I follow the normal pattern I should be back to 'normal' within another few days as my body absorbs, processes, and resets...but man, is it aggravating while it's going on! So my query to all you fine readers out there; Does this happen to you? How do you deal with it when/if it does? Any good stories that may bring a smile to my poor, wan face? *puppy dog eyes*. The flu is good for nobody's complexion, lol!

Just read the angry outbursts at lipstick lady. no offense, but you did ask for an opinion in your query. We're all entitled to them, so here' come my thoughts again...What struck me is why you needed to drink that amount period to go out and have fun. It's kind of sad that how much "one" drinks is how "one" measures how much fun "one" is having. One of your ressponders asked why wouldn't "one" drink a bottle of wine 7 weeks. post op. Ok, but really I ask back, why would one? This is your journey of courde, and I rhink older pre-ops want us to avoid aligators on our road to recovery. In my ever to be humble opinion, your gearing up for a few bites along the way. no-one is saying drinking is bad. For most of the world, it's not. Oh phooey, just take good care and God bless ya!

Oh and umm... I can't repost the information, but it's not hard to find out who owns a domain. And from there it's not hard to find that person's contact information. And from there, you can send them your opinions. But of course, domain queries are to be used only for assistance with registering a domain, never to contact someone, so I would never condone using the information in such bad way.

hi all have a query when we were at karingal someone was saying { i think it was colleen actually } that was advised to wash pouch out now i can't remember was it with soda or mineral water and was it last thing at nite or first thing in morning

Hi guys. I've read a couple of threads recently and some people have mention x-ray after banding? Is this common practice? I was banded a couple of weeks ago and have a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks time. No x-ray was mentioned. Is it only some consultants who will x-ray or has everyone else had one. I'd be grateful if someone could get back to me on this so as I can query this at my appointment. Thanks xx

Thank you! My plan is to keep fighting to get back to where I was Healthwise pre op in the first instance. Obviously now, I will have to manage the C Diff issue and it's complications. It is a tough infection to cure. The percentages on reoccurrence are quite worrying. Once all that is under control. I need to concentrate on slowing down the weightloss. I am still losing between 5 and 7 lbs a week and only getting in between 300 and 400 calories a day. I need to get my Vitamins, minerals, Iron and nutrient levels sorted out. Once all that is completed, and this could take months to achieve, I then need to get back to my pre op routine. Seeing family, friends, neighbours,attending church etc. It is heartbreaking to be isolated from your family due to illness. Now I have to worry about who I infect with C Diff. On visits, I need to be conscious about using people's loos etc. Beyond that, I plan to develop a good relationship with a GP that has enough knowledge to help me get back to health and to get away from the bariatric system. I may have to pay privately for this care. As I keep saying, I don't live in regret. I live in a fight for my life. I believe that I have had C Diff for nearly eight weeks now and the inflammation, blood and mucous presenting, makes me fear that this situation may become even more serious due to the neglect of the bariatric team in post op care. My GP believes the bariatric team should be dealing with me and the bariatric team wants the GP to do it. Meanwhile, I am in trouble. I live my life deep in my Faith. And because I do, I am told that there is a plan for my life. That plan appears to be perseverance with grace. Ultimately, I plan to consult an NHS healthcare advocate. I am going to ask that my case be looked over to ensure that I get better care and other people don't have to go through all of this. If your query concerns my dislike of my sleeve, I accepted the ultimate responsibility for my mistake weeks ago. We all make mistakes. I made the decision in error. There is no point in dwelling on this as it is irreversible. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

yes, she has a severe issue with this....her hiatal hernia! so now, any answers to my query?

I think you get something like 20%, I'm the same, I gave it to my tax lady. However what I didn't know, which was helpful, was that my husband as the bigger earner, was allowed to claim it on his taxes. I'm self-employed so it wouldn't have made much difference to my tax return. Also, make sure you have a proper receipt from your clinic as the tax department will flag you and ask for a copy of the receipt. (I originally got a statement, and not a bill) It is the amount we are claiming that brings it up for a query. But I was asked for it, and faxed them the invoice and I got a letter saying all was well. My accountant warned me that would happen, so I didn't freak out or worry about it. At least we get something back! Mary

Wow! Joe, you are not very bright and you are a bigot. Anyone with a legitimate business would never, I repeat Never, respond to honest queries in the manner that you have. I wouldn't trust your motives for any amount of money. Sincerely, Arlene

They were not queries, they were attacks. Its one thing to say "I have the following questions" vs. "This sounds like a scam and you sound like a dishonest person, so tell me this........" So you are going to take Water and put it in bottles and charge people for it? Hmmm that sounds suspicious. So let me get this straight, you are going to open a store and charge people $5 for a cup of coffee? That sounds dishonest. So people are going to write for you about the Lap-Band and you are going to pay them? Hmmm that's not Kosher. You can all be as skeptical as you like, that does not mean I have to do a public disclosure of my business plan, the bottom line is this, get over it, I sent out payments to three people this morning, like I have done for the last 3 weeks, they are working, making money and you are on the "beating a dead horse" team. I needed talent, found it, paying for it and you can cry foul until the cows come home, if it was a scam the people working for me would be here telling you so, they are not and as a matter of fact one of them posted exactly to the contrary. The show is over, nothing left to see here, move along.

Hiya Brittu.... Yup, many of the docs vary in their post-op diet regime. And, no doubt, you will receive several replies to your query. But bottom line is that it doesn't really matter what "others" did....you should really listen to YOUR doc and follow his plan of attack. There are reasons for it. Besides...if you find it is more strict (as was mine)...you will only be better off in the long run!

Your dietitian and bariatric support team will prescribe some foods and drinks that you will consume just about every day so it makes sense to buy these items in volume. I love Facebook. It’s a way I can stay in touch with my patients (and their families) here in New Jersey between office visits and once they are on maintenance after reaching goal weight. I recently posted a query asking my post-op patients what healthy staple items they buy from the big warehouse stores—BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s Club--and I received many helpful responses that I’d like to share with you. Armed with these terrific recommendations below, you’ll eat healthier, save time, money and require fewer trips to the grocery store during your weight loss journey. “What "go-to" items do you purchase from warehouse stores since weight loss surgery?” · Premier protein shakes · Protein bars · Sam’s chicken sausage with mozzarella · Muscle Milk · Liter bottles of water · Optimum Nutrition protein powders · Frozen Mahi Mahi filets · Cranberry almond chicken salad in 4 oz. cups. · Chicken breasts and ground turkey · Baby Bell light cheese · Frozen veggies · Veggie burgers · Salmon fillets · Fresh spinach · Probiotic 10 and Fiber Gummies · Ready-to-eat veggie tray · Gold Standard Whey, Kirkland Fiber Caps, Opti-Fiber, Kirkland Calcium Citrate · Mini cucumbers · Bagged chopped kale salad · Kirkland plain Greek yogurt · Kirkland citrus green tea, Crystal Light · Figgy Pops, Healthy Choice fudge bars · Quinoa · Chia seeds If you are a member of these clubs, take an hour or two and really peruse the aisles in search of healthy products that support your nutrition plan. Keep in mind, many food items can be frozen and thawed when you need it to avoid spoilage. Ask your IWL dietitian for more ideas or bring in a sample of a food or drink you’re not sure of (take a screen shot of the nutrition label before you buy it). If you’d like to friend me on Facebook, I can be found here.

Be faithful to your Miralax, I am on a twice daily game plan, if I deviate I end up in the ER, had to have a Milk/Molasses Enema to dislodge things in early May. Repeat trip yesterday, not as bad but now I have ileitis, querying whether it could be a precursor to IBS? But if so it is probably the IBS-C,variety, but it is still all good. Not my RNY surgery's fault as much as being 73. You do develop. marring, scarring and poor transmission in the Old Chassis. But even if I have to strip off all my chrome, I am a Spiffy- Mobile and I shall make it to the Finish Line too.🚘🚗🚘

PHILIPPINES LOCAL LAP-BAND SUPPORT (yay!) Hey there! I am Oscar Lopez and I have been reading posts in different forums here in lapbandtalk.com. I was looking for a local support forum for Filipinos who have been banded and those who intend to undergo the surgery, but to my dismay, I failed to see any. It's disappointing considering that we have the best health care professionals around and we have the best hospitals in Asia. Well, here it is! Share your thoughts and tell us your story. For a starter, maybe you can post the following details (since these are the FAQs): For Banded: 1. When did you undergo surgery? 2. Who was your doctor and where was it performed? 3. How much did it cost you and were you covered by insurance or you paid for it with your own money? If insurance, what was your insurance company and what process have you undergone to be able to claim the benefit. 4. Give your medical background before and after surgery. 5. Post any comments, suggestions or anything that you think is relevant to consider to help our fellow Filipinos. For People Wanting to Get Banded: 1. What is your medical profile now? 2. Have you consulted with a bariatric surgeon to check if you're a candidate for lap-band? 3. What is your main motivation for considering lap-band? 4. Do you have any apprehensions about lap-band? Post your concerns or queries here. I hope this forum can be a catalyst for open discussion among Pinoys! If you know of anyone who has undergone the operation, you might want them to share here. Invite, invite, invite! Tulungan na lang to! Ingat! ** If there are any Filipino surgeons around, you might want to ellucidate us on the ins and outs of lap-band surgery, the cost involved and the preparations for the surgery. :wink: :wink: :w00t: :w00t:

This is kind of where my thought process on guidelines are just guidelines comes in, and honestly, if I kept my calories under 1000, I'd still be losing. I have to eat a minimum of 1500 calories a day or I drop weight. Take away the pregnancy, but I had to consume more to stop my losing. I know this is NOT your issue, but there is sometimes when guidelines have to be tweaked, and honestly, WLS is NOT a cookie cutter world. This situation reminds me of the old saying "doing the same thing over and over yet expecting different results". You've followed the guidelines to a T yet you've been in an 8 month stall. Obviously, this guideline is not working. I'm not suggesting adding 800 calories a day, but 200 calories with an additional 20-30gr of Protein could be all your body needs to get the scale moving again. Have you ever calculated your BMR(basal metabolic rate)? If you'd like to consider putting some science behind this query, do some google searches on BMR, and actual caloric needs for weight loss, maintenance, and your own metabolic needs.

Thanks to everyone to my query! It's funny to be this age and think you know everything and you don't! HA Loving growing up! K:)

In the part I, I had discussed briefly about how most of the small businesses go about selecting a product, whereas a successful small businessmen would be careful and would evaluate the product based on various aspects listed below before making a choice. I will relist all the important factors, which one should consider before buying an ecommerce product (www.ritecart.co.uk) or software for their company. 1.Ease of configuration 2.Ability to Scale 3.Useful latest features 4.Available marketing tools with the product 5.Ability to analyze data (analytics, not only google analytics!!) 6.Reports 7.Integration (with other modules, Like epos with near realtime online/offline synchronization of data and other packaged application ) 8.Customer Service 9.Technical Support 10.Technical Implementation Aspects 11.Build vs Buy Ease of Configuration- Integration Integration is one of the key non functional requirements; one should look at, before choosing ecommerce software (www.ritecart.co.uk). Some of the key questions would be how easy is it to integrate with third party software? Does the ecommerce provider have the pluggable modules provided like Epos (Online electronic Point Of Sale) and Accounting package? Palindrome Software Labs (www.palindromesoftware.com) has been very successful in marketing and selling its RiteCart enterprise product, which has ecommerce, epos, accounting and other pluggable modules. Major sales in the RiteCart enterprise have been the epos and ecommerce combination. RiteCart (www.ritecart.co.uk) has n tier architecture for its epos module. Epos module has online/offline synchronization with the order management, warehouse management and ecommerce module As I said earlier, ecommerce solution should be the tool for business to enhance its marketability, sales and in no way should limit it. Customer Service Any online retailer will understand how important customer service is to maintaining the success of a business. In choosing an eCommerce package, as a consumer, customer support is all the more important. Make sure that eCommerce software provider does provide with the elements you need to keep an online business operating at its peak level at all times. Does the vendor offer notifications regarding product updates or enhancements, personalized service, and technical support? Is there an option for an online help with live chat and IP2IP calling (www.supportnow.biz)? Keep in mind that the eCommerce solution provider should offer the same individualized service that one would want to give to his customers. Technical Support In the same vein, one shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get someone to aid you if there is a problem with your online store—so make sure the service providers have experienced, reliable technical support and are committed to fixing a coding error or bug quickly. Quality counts; be assured that your ecommerce service provider (www.palindromesoftware.com) has people behind and are equally committed to quality and the customer experience as you are. Technical Implementation Aspects This is one of the most neglected factors by the ecommerce customer community. Remember, Ignorance is not always bliss. it is important to understand that the product development technology plays a vital role in defining product features, customization, support and ease of product usage. It is fairly common these days to use a scripting language to build products because that is the easiest way to build a product for the product supplier!! I encourage customers to ask some specific questions, to name a few ·How can I customize the product behavior? Does it use XML or Property files? ·How can I change my query? Can I change without looking into the code? ·How can I change the content? ·Can my Home page flash dynamically pick up product images, price and other details from my database ·What language is used for development for product? Scripting language like PHP and others are a huge no, no. Make sure that your product is built using a software language like Java or .NET (most preferred ones) ·Can I add more modules to my product? How simple is it? Is the development Object Oriented Our product RiteCart (www.ritecart.co.uk) is built using robust MVC/Struts framework, which is modular, extensible and configurable. Technologies used in this product are Java, XML, BSH. Build vs. Buy Over the period of time, this has become one of my favorite customer questions. Build or Buy? I usually answer this by asking a question- how much ROI do you expect out of your ecommerce investment and product? Building is an expensive option (not from cost point of view but from ROI Point of view). You can build your solution using one of these options 1.Build with a good reliable vendor onsite (with or without an open source solution) 2.Build with a good vendor offshore 3.Build with a small vendor onsite/offshore 4.Go for your own development with some open source tools Point 1, 2 &3 are feasible but one should ask himself the following questions, is the cost feasible? Will the vendor understand all the functional needs of the ecommerce solution? How long has the vendor been in the ecommerce solution market? Will the solution be ever built? Will it work as per expectations? Can the software vendor be relied upon? How much time will it take? What impact does it have on my business if it is not delivered to my satisfaction? Finally for option 4, if you decide to pursue an open-source application to manage your store, make sure to thoroughly research and examine your options. Is the project continuously updated, or has it been stagnant for a long time, with very few updates on the project and very little news as to where it is headed? Several open-source solutions are released every year. However, very few have the longevity that you will need to be used as a foundation for your online store. Examine the programmers behind it, and others who use the program. Buying option is a much easier option. One can feel and see the solution. One can make sure that he has got everything in the product he needs. Also, he can be rest assured that the company has the required functional, technical and support expertise to support all of his needs. Finally, look at the company that’s behind your eCommerce solution (www.ritecart.co.uk). What have they done in the past? Are they a growing enterprise, likely to continually make improvements to their firm, and pass on those benefits to you? When considering a package, make sure that the company you are dealing with is credible, with a solid reputation to back up any claims. See where your customer and technical support will come from. Is it in-house or out-sourced? Do they have a solid, supportive community in the form of a forum, blog, or network of satisfied eCommerce businesses (www.ritecart.co.uk)? Examine the philosophy behind the company. Ask for references or email others, who’ve used their services in the past, and see what they have to say about the different aspects of the company you may be working with. These are the people who are going to help you build your business and make it a success; so choose wisely. Ritecart product (www.ritecart.co.uk) is sold in two flavors (Lite & enterprise). If you are looking for ecommerce software, Please request for a quotation from our Sales team. We have got the right product for you tagged with the right price!!! Author is working as a Senior Retail Analyst with Palindrome Software Labs (www.palindromesoftware.com).

I'll let you know. I may end up using BandedLawyer.com (Steve Kalman). He has responded to my query. For $300 he will file my appeal with decent hope of success...

As the others said you may need a slight unfill. Mornings we are usually tighter because of Fluid settling around our bands overnight while we sleep and as it drains away the band becomes looser. You were probably fine over the weekend because all the fluid hadn't made it the the band area. Now that it has you're feeling much tighter. I queried this today with my doctor when I went in for my fill this morning as I've noticed the same pattern after a fill, not much difference for a few days then a big difference. Also with each fill it's taking even smaller bites of food. Hope you get it sorted out quickly.

Hear, hear. And people who write posts asking for advice should not be offended when members tell them to call their dr. We don't say it to be mean or to try and bolster the medical profession. We say it out of genuine concern for the issue/query that the poster has raised. - and because we are not medical professionals.

Hi I'm new to the website and am scheduled for surgery 25JUL07 with Dr Cobourn. You might want to check out The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Homepage which is the ontario college of physicians and surgeons. There is an area there to query Doctor's names etc. Once you have found the doctor you were enquiring about, check out "current referrals". There is an allegation/explanation that may be of interest to you. Hopefully he gets it resolved quickly. DNGS

In the part I, I had discussed briefly about how most of the small businesses go about selecting a product, whereas a successful small businessmen would be careful and would evaluate the product based on various aspects listed below before making a choice. I will relist all the important factors, which one should consider before buying an ecommerce product (www.ritecart.co.uk) or software for their company. 1.Ease of configuration 2.Ability to Scale 3.Useful latest features 4.Available marketing tools with the product 5.Ability to analyze data (analytics, not only google analytics!!) 6.Reports 7.Integration (with other modules, Like epos with near realtime online/offline synchronization of data and other packaged application ) 8.Customer Service 9.Technical Support 10.Technical Implementation Aspects 11.Build vs Buy Ease of Configuration- It is very important that the product is configurable and suited for one’s current needs and future needs, Like some of the things one may want to determine that how easy it is to ·Add products, categories and catalogs. Can this be dynamically created using administrative tool and dynamically displayed on the user side? Can it support multiple images with different resolution to be displayed on the user side? ·Look and manage all the orders placed by the administrator? Before placing the order, does it check for inventories? Does it notify the administrators, if the inventories go below a threshold value? Can the administrator mix and match the shipment to the customer? ·Create new sales store and new warehouses for inventories? Can the store’s inventory be picked up from different warehouses? ·Define several types of prices for the same product like list price, default price, component price, sale price etc? Can the price be dynamically setup using a rules engine? ·Associate a product with host of features like size, color, height, width, UOM, density, length etc? Can the product be setup and shown on the user side on any of the feature mentioned above or any of your new custom features? ·Return an order, look at shopping list/wish list, browse through the items last visited, go to most popular products in store, discounted product or special product in store, look at promotional products, place a review on the product, recommend a product or provide a valuable feedback and look at the products which are most sought by the people who had brought the same product as the customer in past? ·Can I select or add a new payment processor easily? I may want to use PayPAL today but I may need GoogleCheck out tomorrow. How many Payment engines does the product support? ·Customize my shipment company or add a new shipping company? Can I integrate directly with ups, RoyalMail, USPS, Fedex etc? Technical Support In the same vein, one shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get someone to aid you if there is a problem with your online store—so make sure the service providers have experienced, reliable technical support and are committed to fixing a coding error or bug quickly. Quality counts; be assured that your ecommerce service provider (www.palindromesoftware.com) has people behind and are equally committed to quality and the customer experience as you are. Technical Implementation Aspects This is one of the most neglected factors by the ecommerce customer community. Remember, Ignorance is not always bliss. it is important to understand that the product development technology plays a vital role in defining product features, customization, support and ease of product usage. It is fairly common these days to use a scripting language to build products because that is the easiest way to build a product for the product supplier!! I encourage customers to ask some specific questions, to name a few ·How can I customize the product behavior? Does it use XML or Property files? ·How can I change my query? Can I change without looking into the code? ·How can I change the content? ·Can my Home page flash dynamically pick up product images, price and other details from my database ·What language is used for development for product? Scripting language like PHP and others are a huge no, no. Make sure that your product is built using a software language like Java or .NET (most preferred ones) ·Can I add more modules to my product? How simple is it? Is the development Object Oriented Our product RiteCart (www.ritecart.co.uk) is built using robust MVC/Struts framework, which is modular, extensible and configurable. Technologies used in this product are Java, XML, BSH. Build vs. Buy Over the period of time, this has become one of my favorite customer questions. Build or Buy? I usually answer this by asking a question- how much ROI do you expect out of your ecommerce investment and product? Building is an expensive option (not from cost point of view but from ROI Point of view). You can build your solution using one of these options 1.Build with a good reliable vendor onsite (with or without an open source solution) 2.Build with a good vendor offshore 3.Build with a small vendor onsite/offshore 4.Go for your own development with some open source tools Point 1, 2 &3 are feasible but one should ask himself the following questions, is the cost feasible? Will the vendor understand all the functional needs of the ecommerce solution? How long has the vendor been in the ecommerce solution market? Will the solution be ever built? Will it work as per expectations? Can the software vendor be relied upon? How much time will it take? What impact does it have on my business if it is not delivered to my satisfaction? Finally for option 4, if you decide to pursue an open-source application to manage your store, make sure to thoroughly research and examine your options. Is the project continuously updated, or has it been stagnant for a long time, with very few updates on the project and very little news as to where it is headed? Several open-source solutions are released every year. However, very few have the longevity that you will need to be used as a foundation for your online store. Examine the programmers behind it, and others who use the program. Buying option is a much easier option. One can feel and see the solution. One can make sure that he has got everything in the product he needs. Also, he can be rest assured that the company has the required functional, technical and support expertise to support all of his needs. Finally, look at the company that’s behind your eCommerce solution (www.ritecart.co.uk). What have they done in the past? Are they a growing enterprise, likely to continually make improvements to their firm, and pass on those benefits to you? When considering a package, make sure that the company you are dealing with is credible, with a solid reputation to back up any claims. See where your customer and technical support will come from. Is it in-house or out-sourced? Do they have a solid, supportive community in the form of a forum, blog, or network of satisfied eCommerce businesses (www.ritecart.co.uk)? Examine the philosophy behind the company. Ask for references or email others, who’ve used their services in the past, and see what they have to say about the different aspects of the company you may be working with. These are the people who are going to help you build your business and make it a success; so choose wisely. Ritecart product (www.ritecart.co.uk) is sold in two flavors (Lite & enterprise). If you are looking for ecommerce software, Please request for a quotation from our Sales team. We have got the right product for you tagged with the right price!!! Author is working as a Senior Retail Analyst with Palindrome Software Labs (www.palindromesoftware.com).