Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery - ObesityHelp and Dr. Andre Aboolian in Los Angeles, CA August 25, 2007

Meet Erik Chopin, Heidi Ecker, and Dr. Andre Aboolian, the plastic and recontructive surgeon that helped to transform their bodies after massive weight loss.

Dr. Andre Aboolian is an accomplished Board certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic/cosmetic plastic surgery, liposuction contouring and skin rejuvenation procedures and programs. A firm believer in taking advantage of the latest technologies and proven surgical advances, Dr. Aboolian skillfully utilizes the latest innovations.

For his office, Dr. Aboolian would accept nothing less than extraordinary excellence. He joined the fabled practice of internationally respected plastic surgeon, Dr. Garth Fisher in Beverly Hills, California. Under the watchful and experienced tutelage of Dr. Fisher, Dr. Aboolian was able to refine his skills, enhance his techniques, and participate in assisting Dr. Fisher in ABC's blockbuster reality television show "Extreme Makeover".

His expertise in body lift, arm lift, buttock lift and thigh lift has led to him being referred to as the "body expert" by colleagues. These procedures are used to tighten loose skin and lift the specific body parts that sag with normal aging or significant weight loss.

Erik Chopin - The Biggest Winner on 'Loser'

Erik Chopin, who went from 400 lbs. to 193 lbs. to become "The Biggest Loser" on the NBC show of the same name, is a surgical patient. Dr. Aboolian was recommended to Erik by his trainer to surgically remove the excess skin left from his dramatic weight loss. After meeting with numerous surgeons in the New York area where he lives, Erik chose to come to Los Angeles for the procedure because he was so impressed with Dr. Aboolian and the results of similar surgeries he has performed.

In April 2006, weighing over 400 lbs, Erik was chosen as one of only 50 finalists to be flown to a specially constructed work-out ranch in California for NBC's "The Biggest Loser" reality TV show. He was chosen by the trainers as one of only 14 contestants to stay in California and participate fully in the filming of the series. He astonished everyone with an incredible 214 lb weight loss.

In December of 2006, after months of grueling work-outs and dramatic televised trials, Erik made it to the grand finale weigh in. He astonished everyone with an incredible 214 lb weight loss. He had lost 53% of his body weight, and, at 193 lbs, he won the competition. Come and meet Erik and hear his inspiring words.

Heidi Ecker - cast member from ABC Extreme Makeover

"Laugh it Off: Tales of a 100 Pound Weight Loss"

Join Heidi as she takes you for a speedwalk on her awesome journey as an always-overweight 270 pound 32 year old woman who one day decides to transform her life by eating healthy and exercising and loses over 100 pounds and six feet of fat in less than a year!

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle and rigid physical activity schedule, Heidi has found her niche in obesity issues. Being overweight her entire life before going from a size 24 to a size 4, Heidi continues to be an advocate, and voice for obesity. Her established Washington presence has allowed her to consult directly with members of Congress on childhood obesity, conducting numerous interviews – and speeches on the subject

While Heidi works for a grassroots firm and voter mobilization firm Winning Connections in Washington, DC she travels across the nation in her Rockstar Speaking Tour to inspire individuals across the nation to change their lifestyle! Having worked for U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and worked in Washington, DC as a lobbyist for over thirteen years, Heidi has interviewed Presidential candidates, launched national campaigns and lobbied member of Congress to create a change for the obesity that riddled her life.

In addition to these special guest speakers, hear from professionals such as:

Kathy Nickerson, PhD

"Helping Your Relationships Thrive Before, During, And After WLS"

Almost all of your close relationships will change substantially as dramatic weight loss occurs. While your weight loss will affect all relationships, your marriage or partnership is likely to change the most. You and your partner can prepare for the change and have an even better relationship as a result! One thing seems to be true of how most marriages change with WLS: the surgery intensifies the state of the relationship. If your marriage is a strong one, it is likely to stay strong – as long as you prepare, talk openly and honestly about your wants, needs, and expectations of the relationship. As you change, your relationship needs to adapt – the secrets to a strong and loving relationship are talking and listening. Join us to hear Dr. Kathy Nickerson as she shares the secrets to keeping your relationship healthy and strong before, during, and after WLS.

Jeremy Gentles, BS, CSCS

ObesityHelp's staff health and fitness expert. Jeremy studied Exercise Science at East Tennessee State University and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

What are your motivations for exercising? What barriers exist that hold you back from exercise? Are you a victim misinformation? Are you armed with the knowledge to safely participate in a self guided exercise program to assist you in achieving long term success after weight loss surgery?

While there a multitude of obstacles that get in our way, preventing us from living full active lives, understanding the why's and how's of exercise is crucial for knocking down those obstacles, dispelling myths and living a healthier life through exercise.

Come explore the benefits of having a healthy focus and learn how to properly and safely implement a weight/resistance training program.

It's your journey....Train for it!

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