Dear Marsha:

     Thank you for sending me your completed forms. I am pleased to see that you seem to have no medical conditions that show you would not be a good candidate for OJW. I encourage you to go back to the OJW FAQ's and read the list relating to who is NOT a good candidate for OJW.
     I will need to know from your dentist that your teeth, gums and jaw joints are in good health. Please let me know your dentist's telephone number so that I can let him/her know that you have opted for OJW for weight loss and provide him with details and other information that might ensure his cooperation in helping you achieve a successful result. I will want you to send me a "panoramic" X-ray of your teeth which you can obtain at any orthodontist's office, and molds of your upper and lower teeth with a "wax index" which shows how your teeth come together when you are in a bite position. I would be happy to call in advance to let the orthodontist/dentist you choose know exactly what is needed.
     I would like to speak to your physician as well to make sure there are no other medical issues which you may not be aware of that might impinge on the success of OJW in your case. You are coming from San Diego and I am certain that you will not be able to return to me for evaluation or even rewiring. Who do you propose will rewire you every 4-6 weeks? And who will you have rebond a bracket should one of them become detached?
     Are you now under the care of a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. If so, I will want to communicate with them also since depression is sometimes one of the accompanying features of being overweight and the patient will often want/need to be exploring the underlying cause of the spiraling weight gain. I look forward to hearing form you. You may call me at the office 718 852 1551 or at home 718 596 4633 in the evening.
     With care, Dr. Ted Rothstein