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News Release

April 28, 2008

Media Contact:
Christina Chavira
Communications Specialist
530.332.5589
christina.chavira@enloe.org

Gastric bypass patients star in “Stepping Out in Style” show

CHICO, Calif., April 28, 2008 – Enloe Medical Center’s second-annual “Stepping Out In Style” show will star 20 patients of the Successful Solutions Weight Management Program who have collectively lost more than 2,500 pounds and improved their health. The free event, a celebration of patients, takes place Wednesday, April 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Enloe Conference Center, 1528 Esplanade, in Chico. For more information, the public may call 891-1651.

The theme of this year’s event is fun exercise. The evening will feature a style show, starring local residents who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and who will share their personal stories and weight-loss journeys; a salsa dancing performance by several of the patients; and refreshments. A silent auction, to raise money for the program’s patient library, will include a tent, bicycle, fishing expedition, golf adventures, and memberships to a martial arts studio and dance studios, and healthy food baskets. There will be a drawing to win golf clubs donated by the Enloe Foundation.

"I am constantly inspired by our patients’ success and determination. To succeed in their new lives, they have made a life-long commitment to maintain a healthy weight," said Kathy Hickam, RN, BSN, ONC, CBN, Coordinator for Successful Solutions. "We also want to help the public understand the disease of morbid obesity and how to overcome it."

Successful Solutions surgeons Deron Ludwig, MD, and Erik Simchuk, MD, will each give brief presentations on the disease of morbid obesity and the role of surgery as a tool in overcoming the disease as well as patients’ essential role.

About Successful Solutions: Successful Solutions, Enloe Medical Center’s Weight Management Program, is committed to leading the way for obesity treatment and patient advocacy. It focuses on the medical, psychological, social and nutritional problems associated with excess weight.The program offers bariatric surgery, classes on education on nutrition and fitness, and an active support group called The Bariatric Bypass Buddies. For more information on Successful Solutions, call 891-1651 or visit www.enloe.org/weight.

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Enloe Medical Center is a local, nonprofit health care organization. For more information, please call 530/332-7300 or visit us online at http://www.enloe.org.   Enloe Medical Center is located at 1531 Esplanade Chico, Calif.  95926.