Thank you all for watching the show!

We are prepping season two as we speak and we would love to know what your opinions are about season one so far.

We want to make season two even better.

We look forward to your thoughts.

Regards,

Darryl Silver & Stephen David
Executive Producers
BIG Medicine

I love the show and have learned allot about the Docs side of it. But I want to know more like what happens if you don't take the supplements-what is a revision for a gastic patient or a blockage.

And allot more of the mental side of the gastric surgery. I had this false dream that my life owuld be so much better if... What a load of whatever. Mentally the change I went thru was challenging. I think you do a diservice if people think this will solve their issues with the body image or the scars. I was just so glad to get rid of the weight and feel like I had some control- I never dreamed that there would be a negative side to losing the weight or I would have more eating issues then before. I just never thought my family role would change- now I am the skinny one and that has affect my relationship with my family.

What are the different issues a person faces that is single as opposed to being married.

I actually would love to be on the show to share what I have been thru- while it may seem negative the outcome becomes more postive daily.

I hope there will be follow-ups with the dramatic cases on the show like Allen and Marc. I want to see how their lives have changed now that they are able to get up out of bed. I know they post on the boards and are doing well but I'd like to actually see them and how they look several hundred pounds lighter. I too would like to see some of the downside of this and the struggle. Getting skinny does change a lot of things in your life both good and bad as jamiecar says. It would also be nice to see some of what people go through to get to the point of having surgery since it seems we pick up right as they are ready to go. I want to end by saying YAHOOOOOOO to the second season. I can't wait.

In season two we will be going back to the patients in season one and checking in.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Love the show! I have to second what Jamie says. The physical part of the surgery was the "easy" part for me.

(And, by the way, thanks in advance for a second season! I can't wait!)

I think the insurance companies that deny these patients coverage ought to be named, and someone from their benefits office should be asked to speak on camera and explain the reasoning behind their decision.

Right now, it seems like the insurance companies are being pretty capricious and callous. There's two sides to every story and it would be helpful to see who's saying no and why they're saying it.

It would nice to show the aftercare. the diet the nutritional aspects the NEED for therapy or at least support groups. The effect on relationships dating etc.....

It would be nice to see some of the other procedures as well. the DS, one of the better option, IMO or the VSG, not hugely popular no it will be the most popular in 5 years. I know this hard since these Drs don't do them but you can shows other Drs occassionally. not every show has to be Big and lil D. Sorry guys

I absolutely enjoy the show. Im going to have WLS really soon and the show really helps me and helps my wife even ,understand what the process intales. I find it really accurate with the interview process. I would like to see more of the father , son team and the operation it self being on TV. I have to admit...I think you show alittle to much of the plastic surgery. I would prefer to watch more of the WLS stuff..lol

All the "stuff" that you have to go through to get insurance to approve. Talk to some of the girls in the front office about all the paperwork and some of the ridiculous requirements that some insurances have.

I agree with the person that said - talk to employers that have exclusions and why they choose not to have coverage for WLS on their policy - how much does it really cost to add WLS coverage????

I work for a huge company - you hear about our profits every quarter all over the news and they have narrowed coverage down to one of the 3 insurances that you can choose from and they have a cap on it. I have a feeling in the next couple of years the coverage will be non-exisistent and I can promise you that my premiums won't be going down. They spend huge amounts of money on programs to try to get employees to be healthier - when in fact, I know very few people that participate in those programs.

Sorry - didn't meant to get on my soapbox.

Are you going to release this to dvd when the series is over? I'll take a copy!

Can hardly wait for the second season of BIG MEDICINE. I have absolutely enjoyed it and some of the patients are so dear to me....it's as if I know them.

I wish them all the best, especially Kim, Allen and of course Rosa. I look forward to seeing them and the progress that they've made over the months.

We love the show in Canada, can't wait for season 2, I hope to hear updates on previous patients.

I enjoy this show very much and look forward to seeing it every Monday. I really like both doctors, they seem so caring and genuine and make the whole show fun to watch. I thoroughly agree that the insurance companies that deny coverage in the extreme cases should be named, that might make them change their tune!

I'm a thin person but I'm particularly interested in the show because my sister-in-law has battled with her weight for years and had the lap-band surgery recently. I think it's important for people on the "other side" to see how people who are obese feel. Perhaps more sessions on the show with Mary Jo or a psychologist/psychiatrist specializing in obesity or eating disorders so the public can learn more about the inner lives of these people not just the physical risks and complications. I like the way Garth Davis expresses his empathy for patients who are obese. I don't see that so much from Robert Davis. He seems more removed not just when talking with Mary Jo and Garth but a little insensitive in dealing with the patients directly. It would be great if the show could draw or excavate the good bedside manner that I am sure exists inside of Robert Davis.

I have really enjoyed the show. Although I have had only minor weight issues (gain 25 lbs after tennis injury, then lost 30 lbs) I could not imagine what these wonderful people had to go through in their everyday lives until I started watching the show. Thank you to the Dr. and to the patients for sharing their stories and lives, and look forward to seeing the patients of season one revisited.

Also, I think it is important to keep with the side of the show where they address issues with insurance. Go Big D!!!

Why are you changing the time from 9 to 10 Eastern? It is so hard to stay up so late...

Please reconsider putting it back to 9.

Thanks, love the show!

I would really like to see you do a story on someone who has had complications to the extent they had to have their surgery reversed, i.e., the Lap Band. I am someone who experienced that and I think people who are considering the surgery need to know ALL possible side effects or consequences/results.

I would also very much like to see more concentration on the emotional aspect of the people who have the surgery and how they deal with the feelings they probably used to stuff down with food -- are they going to therapy? Do they have a support group they attend? Do they just not talk about it? Does their insurance cover the therapy?

I would like to see exactly what the patients eat immediately after surgery and then in each stage as they are able to incorporate solid foods into their diet and how they tolerate the different stages.

Lastly, I would especially be interested in seeing stories of people whose insurance would not cover the surgery and who then elected to go outside the United States for the surgery and their experiences with the process and the aftermath.

Thank you for asking for opinions!

Love the show. I'd really like to see the guy with all the bariatric fitness support on the program, Jeremy Gentles. He wrote a great article on how to approach training: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/fitness/cmsID,1611/mode,content/
on obesity help and seems to know how to put fitness with bariatric patients and seems to have the credentials. Mary Jo is great. I'd like to see someone with a fitness education that has developed for bariatrics. Commentary with the docs would help, or educated commentary on fitness levels for these patients from someone with all the credentials would be great!

I agree that it's important to show aftercare, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I also think that although everyone loves success stories (myself included) the show should not be an advertisement for the surgery. I for one would like to see a story on someone who had success and then regained weight by going back to old habits, as we all know can happen. I think that would help to keep me and other post-ops on the straight and narrow.
I never miss the show and can't wait for season 2.

yeah. I think that trainer that Allen uses is O.K., but someone with a history of working in bariatrics, with credentials, etc. would be great for a news forum like Mary Jo's. This guy that works with Obesity Help, Jeremy, seems to really know his stuff and has a great forum on their website.

The trainer that Allen uses, Austin Davis, is certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and has worked with a number of morbidly obese people and gastric bypass patients. He does amazing work, which has not been shown well on the show at all. In fact, the importance of exercise after gastric bypass surgery has not been explored much at all, which I think is a tremendous gap in covering what is involved in being a successful weight loss surgery patient.

Austin is my trainer as well, and I cannot begin to explain the quality of work that he has done with me. I've carefully watched other trainers and have even been a client (or should I say victim?) of other trainers previously, and I can assure you that Austin is a top-notch, high quality trainer. He has helped me make my body stronger than I ever imagined it could be, and he has an understanding of the bariatric patient and their issues that never ceases to amaze me.

I consider his guidance through the fitness journey to be a blessing. I frequently tell Austin that my first "best decision" I ever made was going to Garth for surgery and my second best decision ever was getting him to be my trainer.

Long story short...Austin is an amazing, competent, caring trainer who does excellent work with bariatric patients.

The show is awesome. I am so glad there is going to be a season two. But I agree with one poster that the 10:00 time is a little late. 9:00 is much easier - but I will still watch. I am having surgery in 26 days and this so is so helpful. Keep it going. I am glad to hear there will be updates on some of the patients (Mark and Allen)
Thank you for such a great program.

Kim,
Nothing against Austin. I'm sure your time with him has worked very well (as evident!), but there are many levels of certification and when I see the level of education and training of Mary Jo and the doctors, I'd like to see a forum on this site similar to Obesity Help with a fitness specialist with the level of certifications and experience with bariatric patients that I see with someone like Jeremy Gentles. When we see patients having problems like Marc and patients that are still on oxygen like Allen, it isn't evident that the same level of experience and education exist there when you read about the differences in the two. Each trainer would bring different things to the table. Where I could see that Austin would be a motivator, I really enjoy the forums, etc. that are lead by someone like Jeremy. An ACE is a basic. When I see someone bedridden like Allen, I'd feel better if his trainer was also an RN or paramedic. It would be great to have someone discuss on this forum the medical with the physical. Many of the guests on this site have lots of the medical to go with the physical.

Sorry to continue my own post, but as with my first post, the forum doesn't have an "exercise" forum. I think the physical is important, also, and would like to see a "physical forum mailbag" and would like to see someone answering the questions that has the credentials and medical experience to go with the physical knowledge. Austin may be great to have physically train you, but I'd like to see a forum (as the producers asked here) with a knowledgeable medical/physical trainer specialist to answer questions.

I love the show and it has helped me a lot during my wait for my first appointment. I would like to see more pre op information. I think people should know this doesn't happen over night. I have to wait 6 - 8 months just for the first appointment. Also, show some group counceling sessions. There are some very valid concerns we don't see on the show like being very thin after surgery but people still see themselves as fat. I know some people with complications but the I am yet to see patients with complications other than Kim the daughter and that was minimal. What about the one's that get hospitalized with hernia's and such? What happens when you lose too much weight? Talk about why people are not hungry after the surgery? Maybe more scientific information about the process. Why the surgery was develped, the process of development, side effects such as itching, fantom hunger, hair loss, dry skin, etc.? What vitamin are needed for life? Lifting limits? How long til they drive? What is the expected weight loss for their height? Exercise? What do you suggest? Weights, walking, etc? I think this is important information to anyone just starting their journey. I have been informed but I know there are many that are not informed.

congratulations! i think it was about time we had this kind of shows locally as i'm from houston, tx and have always love watching all of this bariatric surgery because i myself had gone thru it a few months ago, i had the lap-band done back in march 2007 and i'm doing pretty well so far with my weight loss. can't wait to see if season 2 is going to be as good as season 1. way to go!!!

I too, want more of an explanation of the struggle. I know, most of the success stories on the show talk about "it's not a magic bullet" and "it's only a tool",etc. But when all you see on the show are the wonderful success stories of people losing their weight, then he natural progression to plastic surgery it just seems horribly unrealistic and a terrible disservice to people who are desperate to get the weight off and feel better about themselves. I KNOW there are people out there that after the surgery are NOT the raving success story they expected to be. THAT'S reality. The show right now currently portrays a 100% success rate. Is that true of the entire center? I doubt it.

Like it or not, the editing leads us to think that the surgery IS a magic bullet, and more or less a glorified bariatric surgery/plastic surgery sales pitch. Maybe it is, I don't know. If it's not, then SHOW us, don't just tell us about it.

I never miss the show! I'm excited to hear about season two!

My thought is to show more of the people before and after with their families and/or friends. I've heard so much of how relationships change after the surgery and throughout the weight loss. I would really like to see how different people are handling those changes as well.

Dear Mr. Silver and David,

Thank you for giving us 2 surgeon's that feel so passionate about our pain and suffering as obese people. And a show that stages this struggle. We need more shows like this to help others understand what we go through and that our pain is real and we are not "taking the easy way out" with this surgery!

I would love it if you go one step further next season and help us with another big hurdle to over come to the public? Putting the weight back on!

We would love it if the show would take it to the next level. Not only does this surgery save our lives but gives us a chance to live life as it was meant to be lived. We think we are living but really are just the walking dead. And that is if we can walk. Please show people such as myself that are several years out.

Having lost over 200 pounds, went through 3 major reconstructive surgeries, living life in a size 4, addicted to loving life. I exercise 5 days a week, eat right and maintain my weight. I also do a post on a website called "Did You Move To Lose Today"? Advocating that this is a "tool" and if we eat right and exercise we WILL keep the weight off. My goal is to pay it forward to all that are beginning this struggle.

Thank you again for all you do! I look forward to seeing some long term success stories.

Take care,
Kathy

I haven't read everyone else's responses yet, so these might be repeats. But I'd like to see the following covered in Season 2.

1. Insurance - talk about the crazy hoops that WLS patients have to jump through to gain approval. Discuss denials, appeals and the legal aspect. Unfortunately the way Season 1 is going, it looks like patients just walk into the office and the next day they are in surgery. It's not unusual for wait a year or two before all the requirements are met for insurance approval. Even after someone is denied on the show (i.e. Rose) it would be interesting to see the rest of their story and how they battled the insurance company to finally get coverage through internal or external panel appeals.

2. The mental aspect. Being successful at WLS is less about the physical aspects of the surgery than it is about the mental adjustments. If you are still battling an eating disorder or food addiction, the surgery isn't going to work in the long run.

3. Complications. Of course nobody wants to think that anything will go wrong. But realistically there are complications that many will face. Strictures, malnutrition, vitamin deficiences, intolerance of certain foods .... although these are minor and treatable, I'd like to see them discussed.

4. Although I love watching Allen's and Marc's story - what is the percentage of WLS patients who are in their same situation (bedridden due to extreme weight)? What is the average BMI of a WLS patient before surgery? Use that average to pick the stories you choose to cover. Or maybe I'm wrong in my thinking that bedridden people aren't the WLS norm... but in my experience, most people who seek surgery are still functioning in their daily lives (work, school, SAHM, etc.).

5. Long term stories. I would like to see some stories about patients who are 3, 4 , 5 or more years post-op. What struggled did they face in their journey? How is their life now? What advice do they have for newbies?

6. Diet and Exercise. I see a distinct absence of diet and exercise discussions. The proper diet is important of course... but what kind of diet can a WLS patient expect? Should pre-op patients try to eat a simarly balanced diet leading up to their surgery (during that extensive insurance approval process, not just the 2 week liquid diet before surgery). Also, exercise seems to be discussed in general, but not in the depth that I think it deserves.

Ok... that's enough from me. LOL! Can't wait for the next season.

Pam

I love the show, in this day and age I think it is very appropriate. I myself am overweight and in the process of completing the steps for WLS. I would like to see more follow up's on the past patients as well as some of the negatives. |Keep the show as real as possible, in the real world not every experience is positive. Use the negative to also educate people.
Just keep the show going, I enjoy it and have referred it to many friends.

I would be interested in seeing some other sides of life post-operation.

In my case, i lost 130 lbs with the Optifast shakes and exercise, and I have no heart/cholesterol problems, no diabetes, etc..

However, my left knee is shot from the abuse it's taken over the last 15 years. I'm told this is a common issue for the formerly-obese.

I think it's really sad that so much focus is on happiness=appearance. Thin does not always equal happy or healthy. Fat does not always equal unhappy or unhealthy.

I love the show! I had bypass surgery in October. I was 283, now I'm 168. I love when Big D gets riled up over the insurance companies. I paid for every penny of my surgery, & STILL paying! Worth every one, too.
The only complaint I have with the program is not focusing more on the families of these "Tiffany's", "Allen's", etc. Dr. Mary Jo has talked alot to the patients about their changes to face, but maybe something to have them help address the families of these patients would help? It would personally help me KNOW that these very morbid obese patients WILL succeed with the surgery.
Keep up the great work of the show. I love it!
BTW, what's up with Tiffany saying that her family is healthy?! LOL

I love the show!

What I would like to see in the next season, is someone educating the families. Some of these patients can't get of the bed, but they still seem to keep gaining weight. We see them at home confined to their beds, and a family member is cooking them fried eggs, bacon, sausges, fried chicken,...etc. In my opinion, I think they should be locked up for neglect. Last night's episode with Tiffany, her mother cried saying that she didn't want her daughter to die, and then you show her cooking her a breakfast for 4, eating McDonalds, that her mother probably bought, and what was up with the last supper???? Anyway, I would like to see more of the family being held accountable and educated on how to eat right and living a healthier lifestyle. Teach them how to deal with them demanding food and unhealthy habits which lead them to obesity.

You mention that you will be doing follow up with some patients next season. Please show your viewers how, in some cases, a patient can gain their weight back. I've personally witnessed a few among friends and family.

Again, love the show! Looking forward to next season.

I LOVE this show, and I'm so excited for Season 2. My lap-band surgery is next week, and watching the show, seeing each individual go through a struggle and journey so familiar to me has been a tremendous help. I DVR it now, and if I get a craving at 2am, or have a second thought, or become scared at the thought of a fill (injection into the port in the stomach) I'll watch a few minutes and re-affirm why it is I'm doing what I'm doing.

These people are so strong, and courageous for putting themselves out there for both the support and criticism I'm sure they get from the American public, and I admire them wholly for it.

While I agree it may detract somewhat from the story, I think it is important to show all the arduous steps a patient takes from initial appointment to surgical prep, not just a split second shot. People need to see the multiple specialist visits, the uncomfortable pre-op procedures, the insurance headaches. The amount of time needs to be conveyed to deter the "instant gratification" set.

My favorite pieces so far have, of course, been the after-shots. The sucesses, the realities of the skin issues that are a possibility (not for the shock-value, but so that people realize it's possible to feel worse about your appearance afterwards, pre-plastics), and most importantly to have HOPE that this can be a lasting, workable tool to achieve your weight loss goals, and allow you a more full life.

Please, keep it coming!!!

I love the show as well. I am scheduled for bypass on August 13, and the show has been a god send to me. I would like to see more of the aftercare as well, and possibly some of the people having trouble adjusting. I have loved every season one episode though, and would really like to see follow ups on the patients, as you are already planning to do.

I have not read any of the responses to the thread topic, so sorry if my response if redundant.

I have not missed a single episode of Big Medicine. I have it set on a timer to record it if I should be unable to watch it at it's regular time.

What I like most about the show is the doctors. They seem TRULY caring of their patients, and that drew me in to watching it again and again. They have the charisma that is so hard to find in a doctor and I like that about them (and hey, let's face it, their easy on the eyes too!)and the show.

I also like the fact that you learn about each patient as well. I do wish to see more of the aftercare... more of the process. But everything about the show is great.

I don't much care for the woman who works with them though--- I don't know why exactly. Perhaps it's the editing but when I see her talking to the patients and then discussing their cases with the doctors, she never really seems very supportive of the surgeries no matter who it's being done for. Um, my take (and I am in no way a professional) is that when you talk to anyone who is overweight they are ALL going to have issues. Health and mentally. She just seems, I don't know.... like she doesn't really support her patients like they should be supported. I am sure that my opinions will be taken the wrong way, but that is what I see.

Overall, I LOVE the show and support it 100%! Bravo!

I love Big Medecine! The producers have done a fantastic job putting this show together. I am currently a patient of Big D and I am in the process of being approved for WLS. I feel fortunate to have my friends and family learn about WLS and my surgeon through Big Medecine. I am excited for season 2!
I would like to see more of the trials and tribulations of the insurance approval process as well. Also, if it were possible to follow one person throughout a whole year post op.(maybe once a month). It would be interesting to see the changes (both physically and emotionally) that the patient would go through after surgery.

The show is great!!! one of the best realities on right now.

I think it would be great if you could make sure there is an update on previous patients (good and bad)

Love the show. I would like very much if we could access the shows on the website. I try to TIVO my programs as I work evenings, but half the time my cable doesn't work or something screws it up.

Also, I would like to see a followup on the patients. Possibly a before and after. It helps to keep me motivated.

I'm pretty sure I remember reading on one of these threads that next season they will revisit some of the patients from this season.

quote:

Originally posted by drb1999:
I would really like to see you do a story on someone with complications to the extent that they had their surgery reversed...

I would like to see this also... especially a "gastric bypass gone wrong" and also would like to see a longer term patient (like 5 or 7 years old) and discuss some of their issues. The one lady who had another surgeon had had some complications - I would have liked to hear what they were.

I would like to see someone who has a B12 deficiency maybe getting shots or anemia, getting an iron infusion.

Someone who has had regain (afterall 30 percent regain most of the weight they lost) after a gastric bypass. Does Dr Garth or Big "D" have any suggestions for a regain patient about how to get back on track? I liked it that you talked about the lady with stoma stenosis but you might have wanted to explain better what that was because most folks won't understand the terminology. I would like to see more of the complications and how the doctors handle these..

Thanks for an excellent show... this is definitely my favorite show on TV and I will get severe withdrawal pains until the next season starts!!!

Sue

what is TLC doing to promote allen's getting out of bed and into a rehab?
what medical care does allen receive from other than dr. garth?

I love the show. I had gastric bypass in Feb. and I have lost 73 lbs. I love watching other people go thru the same thing I did. When is the new season coming on? Are they going to show reruns? My TIVO messed up recording 2 shows and I really want to see all the shows.

I've been told that season 2 will start to broadcast in January, but hopefully the producers will clarify.

I had my RNY surgery 9 months ago and I've lost 104 pounds, 9 away from GOAL! My diabetes type II is gone...my latest A1C was 5.9. I'll be 65 on my next birthday and I've never felt better.

I love the show because it inspires me to stay on track and utilize the tool I was given. I admire every one of the patients for their courage and desire to change their own lives and live healthier. Seeing their struggles reinforces my own goals.

I don't mean to be unkind when I say that seeing their skin hangs make my own seem less than horrible. And seeing the results of their plastic surgeries is nothing short of miraculous. I went to a group that had a plastic surgeon show slides of his work and frankly his patients looked liked they'd had surgery by Rand-McNally!

I like the blend of those before and after the surgeries. I know that each show will show some of those needing plastic surgery as well as what they looked like before their weight loss. I'd like to hear more about the need for vitamins and the blood tests, etc. and recommended frequencies following surgery and for the rest of our lives.

I further admire the obvious love and respect that the doctors have for each other. Makes me miss my Dad, but not in a sad way.

tinlady - Why is it a cable station's responsibility to be in charge of somebody's health? That is between Allen and his doctors. The station is not a medical facility.

quote:

Why is it a cable station's responsibility to be in charge of somebody's health? That is between Allen and his doctors. The station is not a medical facility.

jvonde,
where is the money coming from to make the show? who puts the show on the air for all the world to see?

i think tlc has a responsibility to see to it that allen has the proper care as they are making so much money from the show. if they don't do the right thing by allen they are using him just to make money.

quote:

Originally posted by tinlady97:

quote:

Why is it a cable station's responsibility to be in charge of somebody's health? That is between Allen and his doctors. The station is not a medical facility.

jvonde,
where is the money coming from to make the show? who puts the show on the air for all the world to see?

i think tlc has a responsibility to see to it that allen has the proper care as they are making so much money from the show. if they don't do the right thing by allen they are using him just to make money.

None of us patients get any kind of compensation for our time or any kind of "appearance fee" for allowing our stories to be filmed. Everyone on the show is allowing TLC to film us in order to educate people about the process of bariatric surgery. We all agreed to open up our lives to the world for that purpose and to make ourselves vulnerable to the very real possibility of criticism from people who have no medical background and only a partial picture of where we are physically and mentally. And we did it without expecting TLC to take the responsibility for getting us "proper" care.

Due to the "magic" of the editing process, viewers do NOT see our whole story. I know that for my story for season 1, I was filmed for at least 5 hours or more...they came to my home, the scrapbook store with me and my friends, the gym...even to the drop zone where they filmed me skydiving. Even with the entire five hours filmed, you can't truly know me and my journey, let alone when they take those many hours of film and reduce it to about 15 or 20 minutes of show time. Clearly, there is no way to get a full picture in that short of a time frame. It's a part of the process, and we have to live with it.

The viewers didn't get to see Garth's whole visit with Allen. He was there for nearly an hour, talking to Allen about how his workouts are going, how often he sits up on the side of the bed, what next steps ought to be...evaluating Allen's health and well-being. The viewers also don't get to see the hours that Austin spends with Allen...without compensation, I might add...working on getting Allen ready to stand. Allen's surgery was less than a year ago, and for him to have come as far as he has in so short of a time frame is amazing!

The idea here is to let people know what the process of bariatric surgery is all about. There is so much ignorance in the world of obesity and weight loss surgery that it is frightening. As Garth says, discrimination against the obese is the last bastion of discrimination that is accepted by society. Something must be done. Education is key, and this show is supposed to be helping with that. When we take the time to learn about the things we do not understand, we can make better choices, have greater compassion and work towards solutions.

In short, TLC has no responsibility to any of us patients other than to fairly and honestly portray our stories. Just like the news, their job is to report what they see, not influence what is being filmed.