Interview with: Wendy Hall, RNC MS
Certified Nurse Midwife

Snowflake Women’s Clinic 261 S. Main Street Snowflake, AZ 85937

Heber Women’s Clinic 2947 Hwy 260 Heber, AZ 85928-0723

Wendy has been performing adjustments and aftercare for LAGB patients since 2004.

QUESTION: Why did you become an aftercare provider for Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banded (LAGB) patients?

1. I am a banded patient, and fully realize the lack of aftercare in the United States.
2. I sympathized with the thousands of patients that had LAGB surgery and were struggling because of poor follow up.
3. I was willing to increase my patient load.
4. I desired to increase my income.
5. 5. I had patients that as a result of being overweight could not become pregnant.
6. 6. More and more people are turning to this surgery for an answer to weight related
7. problems and I was excited to be part of their success.

QUESTION: How has LAGB aftercare helped your practice?

Once I see them for their post surgery needs, they usually become my patient. I then continue to see them additionally for their wellness.

QUESTION: How many LAGB patients do you have?

In 18 months, I have gained over178-banded patients that are now full time patients. The LAGB patient cannot go to just any medical professional to receive proper care. They must locate practitioners properly trained in this field.

QUESTION: Has it increased your revenue?

In one year, I have administered at least 300 fills so I have increased my annual income by approximately $27,000. (Not including the additional revenue generated from their other health care needs). The hard cost of the fill is minimal and it does not consume a great deal of my time so I make a significant profit. IN ADDITION, they are cash pay. Fill Centers will collect the money and pay you direct.

QUESTION: How has the LAGB helped with obesity related infertility problems?

I have patients that have been able to get pregnant after losing their weight with the band. I remove the fluid so they can eat more during pregnancy. They gain normally. Even to get them down 20 to 30 lbs helps with infertility.

QUESTION: How has the LAGB helped with other obesity related health problems in your practice?

As a result of them losing the weight, I have had patients with hypertension that lose as little as 20-40 lbs and go off their medication. Even people with diabetes can become type 2; quit taking insulin and scale down to oral medication. Patients with sleep apnea can quit using their sleep aids. I see many changes; these are just a few of the problems that can be improved with this amazing tool. IF they have proper follow up!

QUESTION: What advice would you offer medical professionals that are considering this opportunity?

If you are involved with health care, you need to understand how to take care of LAGB recipients. In the near future, I foresee 30% of the 50% of the over weight population in the USA seeking LAGB as an answer. We are a nation that wants quality of life. Consider the billions spent on weight loss annually with no lasting results. The need for aftercare for LAGB patients is a rapidly growing field.

QUESTION: How do you think Fill Centers USA is helping the LAGB patients?

It is difficult for the thousands of banded patients to find practitioners that will work with them. When (and if) they find one they are often not trained properly to meet their specific needs. Many LAGB surgeons are overloaded caring for their own growing numbers of patients and cannot offer care to any additional banded patients. There are currently thousands being banded monthly that will struggle with aftercare. Fill Centers has recognized the need and constructed a way to care for banded patients across the USA. But they need qualified people to help.

QUESTION: What value do you think Fill Centers USA is offering practitioners?

I think that whether you are a nurse or primary care physician there is a need for you to recognize and properly care for the obese of the world. If you want to be on the cutting edge of medicine, it must be part of your practice. Fill Centers USA have three world-renowned surgeons that have established an unsurpassed training in the field of aftercare of the LAGB patient. At least participate in the training, so you will be aware of this new weight loss revolution. I speak loudly for the obese patient; this surgery has been life changing for me.

QUESTION: Is Fill Centers training approved for CE units?

Yes and as medical professionals, we are all aware of the value in CE units. This training is extremely comprehensive in that in addition to learning Bariatric surgery aftercare you will also be trained in proper techniques used in weight control strategies other than surgery. How many overweight patients do you have in your practice?

QUESTION: Is the training costly?

No, Fill Centers is breaking even with their training fees. They simply want to train providers strategically located across the USA to accept patients they can send to them.

The training is currently $400.00 and will offer from 15-20 CE units. Considering the price of the other classes offering CE units I think it is more than reasonable. In addition, they actually send you patients once you are trained.

QUESTION: Are you required to maintain a full time practice to be a Fill Centers Provider?

No, you could easily do this on a part time basis. You control how many patients you care for. You could grow as large as you wanted by marketing yourself as an affiliate of Fill Centers USA.

QUESTION: Will Fill Centers Market me and/or my practice?

Yes, they are a Nationwide Network that does strategic marketing. You will be marketed as the provider in your location.