Client Testimonials
Contact Us
Deron Ludwig, M.D.
Erik Simchuk, M.D.
North Valley Surgical Associates
251 Cohasset Road, Suite 310
Chico, CA 95926
Phone: 530- 891-1651
Fax: 530-891-1644
Testimonials
During the holiday season of 2007-08, I ballooned to over 320 lbs. I had always been big but this was getting ridiculous. Several people that I work with had had the gastric bypass surgery and were doing great. After talking with them about the surgery, and deciding that it was right for me, they recommended I talk to Dr. Ludwig. I met with him and his staff, and I couldn’t wait to have the surgery and start the second half of my life. In June of 2008 I had the surgery. In the 12 months after the surgery, life just got better and better. I started going to the gym and was able to walk for 2 to 3 miles on the treadmill. After a while I was able to run those 2 to 3 miles non-stop. Now I run/walk 4 miles five times a week. Sometimes I will go jogging while my two 8 yr olds ride their scooters. They can’t keep up with me, I have to slow down so I don’t lose them.
The back pain I had when I was big disappeared, along with the random headaches. My cholesterol is low and I’m in no danger of diabetes. I now weigh 170 lbs. and enjoy working out a lot. My friends are getting tired of me showing them my muscles. I never had muscles that were visible, so now that I got big muscles, I’m showing them off. I do about 50-60 pull-ups a day, and between 50 and 100 push-ups a day. I have never felt as good as I do now.
The post surgery pains, the permanent dietary changes, and all of the not-so-fun stuff associated with the gastric bypass surgery, was all worth it. Life is 1,000% better now.
James Wood
Raise your hand if you have ever been beeped at? Okay…. Well then let me tell you about my beeping experience. I took a grocery-shopping trip, ever so common in my 329-pound days. While I was waiting in line to pay for all my goodies a man and his son were standing behind me, as I backed up to unload my cart, I heard this loud sound. He made a sound like a school bus backing up. I turned around and noticed this man moving his kid and whispering in what really wasn’t a whisper to “watch out I was backing up”. Immediately I felt my face turn red, then feelings of mortification, humiliation, sadness, then disgusted. It was funny because I wasn’t disgusted with the man but rather with myself. I left the grocery store and decided that I was going to comfort myself with all my good friends. Willy Wonka, Hagen Daz, and Dryers were all there to help me loathe in my own pity party. Several weeks after this incident and a few more pounds later I decided “what the beep” was going to be over. I enlisted the help of the successful solutions team and researched a lot. I prayed because I never had surgery before and I was scared. I talked to all my real friends, my mom, Eula, my little sister, grandma, and Kristi about my decision. I asked them to support me in my journey (which they did 100%). I sacrificed during the 10-day liquid diet. Oh my can you smell the food from the fast food chains on that liquid diet. I sat down and had a serious talk with myself about doing this and decided that I could do it for the rest of my life. Then it was time for my new Birthday April 2nd. What a day, I was surrounded by good people on the great 3rd floor, given yucky stuff to drink (barium?), and in a whole lot of pain but I was ever so thankful. Thankful to everyone around me and thankful that I decided that I was important. I healed and believe that I am still healing. What an amazing journey it has been this thing we call life after gastric bypass surgery. And what do you know, ironically the other day when I went to the grocery store that same man was there, you know the beep guy, he held the door open for me and I knew he was checking out my butt as I walked thru those double doors. I was smiling on the inside and then sincerely told him thank you as I walked thru with pride and confidence.
My name is Stacey, I am 12 months out from surgery, and I have lost 130 lbs.
All my life I have struggled with my weight. When I was a little girl my mother always had me on a diet. I have tried just about every diet known to man…And I would lose weight, but I would always gain the weight back, and then some! When I was younger, I remember losing weight fairly fast, and I was able to get down to 100 lbs., but as I got older my weight became more of a problem, and harder to lose. Then I hit menopause, and Wow, I really gained weight! For the next 5 years my weight went up and up until I was 210 lbs, (and I am only 5’ 1”). For me to do any type of exercise was out of the question, so I sat around and got depressed. The more I sat, the more depressed I got, and the more weight I gained. So I thought, “The heck with it all”, and I just gained more weight!
Then my health started to decline because of my weight. I developed high cholesterol and had to take medication for that. The medication for the elevated cholesterol caused me to develop a fatty liver, so I couldn’t take the medication. In one month my cholesterol went from 180 to 330! The final straw was a diagnosis of sleep apnea, with the prescribed face mask!
After I met with and talked with Dr. Ludwig and his staff, I was ready to have weight loss surgery! I knew this surgery would change my life in so many ways…not only weight loss, but I would be able to take better care of my health. I knew I would have to do the necessary steps every single day for the rest of my life like; getting enough protein, vitamins, water, and exercise. November 14, 2007, marked my 1 year post op anniversary. I have lost 95 lbs., and I am off all my medications. My liver is back to normal, and my sleep apnea is no more. I am so happy with my new life!
My name is Julie Johnson, my surgery was 17 months ago, and I have lost 95 lbs.
Good Evening, Everyone, my name is Lisa Bartley. I’m 16 months out from surgery. The road leading to that day in December had been about one failed diet after another. Each time I ended up heavier than when I started.
I began having problems with my feet and ankles. I was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciaitis. Having a job that I spent several hours every day on my feet was becoming a problem. I was in constant pain. I tried foot support and sports tape, but always pain. When I was in pain the people around me suffered.
My Mom had had gastric bypass 5 yrs. earlier and had done well. She was worried about my health. My blood pressure was up and my energy was down. I was worried about having surgery and she told me that the surgery had made her feel better and that she would do it every 6 months if needed. I knew I had to do something. I made my appointment with Dr. Ludwig and began the new journey I’m on today.
I have lost 140 lbs. And not only do my feet not hurt, I run several miles a week. I have also started fishing again which is something I enjoy. I’m healthier and happier. Thank you Dr. Ludwig and his awesome staff.
My name is Lisa; I’m 16 months out from surgery, and 140 lbs. Lighter.
Five words- would you do it again? Had you asked me this in the first 3 months after my surgery I would have probably said "no way!" However, now at 14 months post surgery and 135 pounds lighter, I tell everyone that it was the best decision in my life that I have ever made .
My path to a healthier life was a little rockier than most. Instead of my body cooperating it rebelled. Which meant that due to some internal swelling I had a 2 week hospital stay rather than the normal 3 day stay. Luckily I was blessed to have some wonderful nurses care for me during this very scary time for me. Among my favorites were Heather and Denise who really did their best to make sure that I was comfortable and reassure me when I would wonder if I would ever go home. Then there was Dana, who actually fought to stay on third floor to take care of me when they wanted to float her off to another unit, just because I asked her to. I always knew that everything would be ok when I was in her hands. Then there was Cathy who brought me flowers when I was feeling overwhelmed by the fact that I was not going home yet. My hospital stay would not have been the same with out them. Finally, thanks to the awesome bariatric team I finally made it home well informed and ready to tackle to hurdles that were still ahead.
Today I am a much different person. I have lost and gained so much in the past year. I have lost my sleep apnea, asthma, and chronic fatigue syndrome along with 135 pounds! I went from a size 24 to now a size 8! I have gained so much energy now that I some times don't know what to do with myself! I am an avid hiker and am going to the gym at least 3 times a week. It feels so great to be so active again! Before my idea of a good time would have been some munchies, a big soda, and a large couch to plop down on to watch a movie. Now my idea of a good time is hiking to various spots, last of which was Feather Falls (a long 9 mile hike!). My goal for the summer is to hike to at least 6 of the waterfalls in Northern California, some of which are considered to be pretty challenging, whatever the challenge, if it's something active and outdoors I am ready for it.
Bariatric surgery has really given me a new lease on life. I am healthier, more active, and have a better self-esteem. I have made a complete life-style change in my eating habits and activity level. I feel reborn and I know that it is only going to get better from here. My name is Becky George, I had surgery 14 months ago and I have lost 135 pounds.
My name is Rebecca George
My name is Christine. For the last 30 years I’ve struggled with food and obesity. It went like this:
Birth control, 10 lbs.
Marriage 10
First child 20
Second child 20
Divorce 10
Hysterectomy 20
Etc., Etc.,
I lived for food. Food was always there for me, it became my best friend AND my worst enemy. I ate with friends of alone. I ate when I was happy, sad, anxious, or kick’n back. I rewarded myself with food for a job well done, or when I felt like a looser, “Oh, it’s okay, you’re a good person, have some food”.
One day I fell in the pasture and had to crawl to the water trough to get up. That was the day I started my weight loss journey and I’ve never looked back. I was on a mission. I asked for every cancelled appointment I could get. I was fortunate my insurance approved the surgery in two days.
I first visited Dr. Ludwig in February 2007, and on April 2, 2007 I had my surgery. His staff, my best friend, sons, and my new bariatric buddies have given me the support, encouragement and praise I needed to succeed. To date I’ve lost 110 lbs., and went from size 22/24 to an 8/10.
Gastric Bypass and the Lap Band are not a quick fix. It takes a personal lifetime commitment, perseverance and even some pain to be successful. Embrace this phrase and you will be okay, “Don’t live to eat, eat to live”.
For those of you here tonight considering either procedure don’t wait another day. Life is so precious and too short to waste any of it “a thin person in a fat body”. Don’t call Jenny; call Dr. Ludwig or Dr. Simchuk.
The program fee seems like a lot plus your co-pay, but it’s your life and “aren’t you worth it??” I wish both pre and post surgery friends success in your new lives. Thank you for being here tonight.
I’m Christine, I’m 1 year 28 days out, and I’ve lost 110 lbs., 10 lbs. past my goal.
How many of you have that special outfit you have always wanted to fit back into? A uniform or a prom dress? For me it was a long dark green velvet opera dress I designed and sewed back in 1968, to wear to Birgit Neilsen performing in Turnadot at the new Seattle Opera house. I was on the stage with Birgit Neilsen, of course I wasn’t singing; I was corralling the 30 boys in the children’s chorus...
But what an incredible experience! On the Stage. With Birgit Neilsen.
I wore that green velvet dress just for those performances, and it has hung in its bag at the back of every closet through every move ever since, dreaming I might be able to wear it someday.
I kept it, if only in remembrance of that night. I never expected to be able to wear it again. I dreamed I could wear it through the first 50 lbs I gained in the first ten years after the performances. Then I gained another 50 lbs in the next decade, until gradually I was up over 400 lbs. By then, the dream was totally out of reach. The rainbow too high to even think about going over it. I did manage to lose 109 lbs on my own, but the distance to go was too great, the journey too lonely.
Then two years ago, following a lengthy deep, dangerous depression after my father’s death and the death of my elderly cat companion, I sought help from my doctor and a psychiatrist. The first words the psychiatrist Dr Abousch said to me that September less than 2 years ago, “You realize you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.” I laughed and said I had told my friends that if I was going to do that I would certainly see a psychiatrist first! He shrugged and smiled, and said “well? Now you have!”
I remembered meeting Kathy Hickam at the library reference desk, that spring, and she had mentioned they had a new surgeon at Enloe with some great ideas about bariatric surgery. I looked online and found the program. In October I saw Dr. Ludwig, and was very impressed with the totality of his program. His was NOT cut and run surgery. It was a carefully thought out and crafted program of exercise, nutrition, and counseling. After two months of exercise and nutritional counseling, I had a Roux-en-Y bypass on Dec 29th.
Dr Ludwig, bless you. You organized this program and made sure that Enloe did not have cut and run surgery. You insisted that your program have all the bells and whistles in place. Physical Therapy, psychological help, nutritional seminars. And 15 months after the surgery, I am still attending the seminars, the psychological sessions, and the physical therapy.
Dr. Ludwig, your thoroughness and caring gave me the confidence to stick with the program. I have done so and not struck any plateaus to this day.
We form our own support groups at each of these small nutrition seminars, at Mike’s Genesis Rehabilitation. Thank you to all of those who give me hugs and supportive calls when I am not there.
I have been so lucky in knowing all of you. Without the exercise I would be struggling along on a series of plateaus. But the exercise has also made it possible for me to fit into that long green velvet opera dress. I weighed 40 pounds less than I do now when I first made it. And even with 40 pounds to go, I fit in that dress.
Without Mary Lou and Lise, my psychologist, I would never have had the courage to step back out onto the stage and start singing again. Singing to hundreds of people... during the six weekends at the Cow Palace for the Dickens Christmas Faire. Singing Celtic ballads and dancing the Congress of Vienna Waltz.
I am having so much fun. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Even if it meant losing my hair again, just to know that I don’t have to go through the embarrassment of asking for that seat belt extender on the plane, or the innocent child in the supermarket staring and pointing at the fat lady.
I am really over the rainbow. To get over that rainbow, it takes a bit more than clicking your heels together and making a wish. It takes following a program and support system such as Dr. Ludwig has set up, and the dreams will follow. Please don't let go of your dream, because they really do come true.
And now my long green forty year old opera dress.
My name is Colleen, My surgery was 16 months ago, and I have lost a total of 135 lbs
Good Evening. My journey to weight loss started back in 2001. I had Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. I had sleep apnea which required oxygen at night and I also suffered with chronic lower back and left hip pain. Due to my current health issues; my doctor recommended gastric bypass surgery, only to discover that our health insurance had no coverage for the gastric bypass. They considered this type of surgery to be cosmetic! This prompted a very, very long campaign of writing letters to our health insurance company informing them about morbid obesity being a disease, and how there is a real need for medical coverage. I did extensive research on the subject. I read everything I could get my hands on, so I could prepare myself to speak before a panel, to show them the need for treatment of obesity. Finally, a long two years later, our health insurance company approved the surgical treatment of obesity. However, with all the knowledge I gained, I backed away. Still my health issues kept progressing.
In September of 2006, my doctor again recommended gastric bypass surgery. This time I was ready. My first appointment was made for November 2006. I weighed 374 lbs. and that’s when I met Dr. Ludwig and his team of professionals. Kathy and Mary told me what would be required of me, and how protein, water, vitamins and exercise would become a vital part of my new life. Dr. Ludwig spoke with me and asked me to lose 50 lbs., I had only one problem, and that was how to exercise without hurting myself. That’s when I was told about a Physical Therapist, named, Mike Oswalt. I pictured some drill sergeant, and I told my daughter “If this dude’s like that, we’re gone!”
But Mike cared and he made me feel like I could do anything! He always told me it’s one step at a time. We started slow at first, and then before I knew it, I was walking a mile on his treadmill! Thanks Mike!
After I lost the required weight, my surgery was scheduled for April 9, 2007. Kathy prepared me for surgery. She explained everything that would take place during my time at Enloe. Kathy met me at the hospital and reassured me everything would be alright and she would see me when I was done. My surgery went longer than expected and I had a few extra days in the hospital. The staff at Enloe was great! Dana and Denise, Thank you! You are awesome nurses! My recovery was slow and I was sore for a while, but my family took care of me. Amazingly, after surgery, I am now Type II Diabetes free, my high cholesterol and high blood pressure and sleep apnea are all gone! Even my back and hip pain are manageable!
I would like to thank my husband, Rod for your support and love. Teri, Toni, you girls have been a great help to me throughout my journey. My son Roddy, who would say, “You sore today Mom?”, and I’d say, “Yes”, and he’d tell me, “Good, it’s working then!”
And, Dr. Ludwig, thank you for everything! In giving me a tool that I can work with!
My name is Kelly, I am 1 year and 21 days out from surgery, and I have lost 197 lbs.
I remember the day like it was yesterday, it was a warm March afternoon at Marine World. I was in line for a roller coaster and I was worried that I would not fit but I thought hey I am not that big, but boy did I get slapped in the face when I was not able to get buckled by one person but by two. I got off the ride trying to not show emotion but my husband saw that look in my eyes and knew that I was crushed.
That situation started the beginning of my journey. I started the search for a Dr., someone whom I felt could help ME save MY life and I found Dr. Ludwig on the Obesityhelp website. On June 13th, 2006, Dr. Ludwig gave me a tool that has helped make ME the success that I am. Through out my journey I’ve had my ups and some way downs but through all of that I am discovering what a wonderful and strong woman I am. That discovery has been with help of a lot of people my husband, my therapist, my friends and co-workers, Kathy Hickam (Dr.Ludwig’s left hand WOMAN cause Dr. Simchuck is the right) and Mike Oswalt my physical therapist. THANKS!!
SO you heard it right, yes, I am seeing a therapist and her name is Nancy too. I decided to see someone because with the weight loss I had new issues and old ones arose. It was hard to realize that I was addicted to food; I was eating just to eat but now I am determined to work though all of that and keep discovering who I truly am and use my tool to the fullest because being morbidly obese is a dark place that I will not go back to.
I’ve learned that I have to work to get the results the Dr. and I want. I have learned that exercise, nutrition and supplements are not something I just choose not to do it is a MUST today, tomorrow and for the rest of my life. This is not a quick fix; it was a choice to change my life forever.
My name is Nancy Rodriguez-Medina; I am 22 mo. out and have lost 114 lbs.
My name is Sandi Moore. I am a 33 year old wife and mother of 3 beautiful children.
My 13 year old daughter, Kimberly, is standing here with me because she has been one of my biggest supporters and I couldn’t have done this without her, my Dad, my husband Jason, or my oldest son Brendan who are all out in the audience tonight along with my Mom Sherri who also supported me through this life change. They loved me no matter how much I weighed and I can’t thank them enough for being there for me every step of the way!
When I went into surgery on December 4, 2006, I weighed 280 pounds and wore a size 24. Today I weigh 140 pounds, have lost 140 pounds to date and I am in a size 4! I never in a million years thought I would ever utter those words!
Gastric bypass surgery saved my life! I was a walking heart attack and my cholesterol was well over 260. Now it’s down to 160 and I feel better than I have ever felt! My family has a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes so having this surgery was not only a choice for me but a necessity. I was young enough that I knew if I did something now I could help prevent the inevitable.
I have been overweight all of my life. I was called names and made fun of all through school. Because of this, I was shy and reserved. I didn’t want attention drawn to me because I was so self conscious about my appearance. I felt like an outcast and was very insecure. I never even went to my own high school prom. I am not like most formerly obese people. I have always felt like a skinny girl trapped in a fat girl’s body and that kept me from being my true self. Now, my daughter and I can share clothes and when I look in the mirror, I don’t see that fat girl anymore and that has made me happier than words can express!
As I became older and started having children, my weight became more of a serious issue. The older I became, the harder it was for me to lose weight. I tried every diet fad that came along but to no avail. As I turned 30, my weight got out of control and I admit, I loved to eat and food was my comfort. I became pregnant with my third child at the age of 31 and when I went into labor, I weighed over 297 pounds. I knew I had to do something! That is when I decided to look into weight loss surgery. I did some research and decided to make an appointment with Dr. Ludwig and begin the process. Through education, I learned that this wasn’t going to be a “quick fix” nor was it going to be easy! All of the hard work, vitamins, and protein shakes were more than worth it! I am so happy with the way I look and feel! I can finally be myself and thanks to the gastric bypass surgery I have broken out of my shell!
Now, I look forward to exercising and taking care of myself. I love the attention I get and love dressing up and going out! I regularly recommend the procedure to anyone who asks. It is one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I can’t thank Dr. Ludwig, Dr. Simcheck, Kathy and the rest of their staff for the support and encouragement they have given me through all of this. This weight loss center is changing lives and I am so proud to be a small part of it!
My name is Sandi, I am 16 months out and I have lost 140 pounds!
All of us have a “Lucky Streak” in some area—mine happens to be open parking spaces RIGHT UP FRONT! & No, not including the Handicap parking either!! LOL—Usually I can just “Glide right in!”
Therefore it’s been a Bummer for years because I couldn’t get the car door open far enough to get my “Bulk” out – so I’d have to park in the back forty & hike in. AND Thank goodness for carts so you can catch your breath & also can give your back, knees, & hips a slight break too! Some stores even provide chairs, bless ‘em!!
Yep, you got the picture – at 370 pounds, with all the diets & regain + some (my total loss was approx. 220 with a regain of about 355) I’d had it & my doctors had given up on trying to encourage me in my weight loss. I was taking meds for high blood pressure, diabetes, fluid retention & depression – I couldn’t walk more than a block, didn’t do stairs, using a cane for stability & was staying home more & more because it was too much effort to go out other than to get to work.
Yes, Gastric by-pass & Lap Band surgery are TOOLs, however with participation in the additional tools of education & exercise, these surgeries can be success ** because they are a life change – NOT just another diet!**
Now down 170 pounds & 20 Dress sizes smaller – I swim 5 days a week &/or work out at the Gym – I’m able to walk without a cane, nor do I sit after half a block. I can Bowl, Gold, Fish, & Hike. My dogs love walking with me!
My GP is thrilled with my progress; my pharmacist is happy for me but misses my business!
This has been a TEAM effort, Dr. Ludwig at the helm, an enlightening educational program, a warm, wonderful, supportive staff AND my participation in the program they have established.
Thank you Dr. Ludwig & Staff – Because of you—I can park anywhere!!
My name is Janet
Just a little over a year ago I was sitting in the audience listening to the successful stories of many individuals like those who are speaking tonight. There wasn’t one story that I felt was just like mine, every story had a little piece of what I was experiencing as an obese individual.
Medical issues, feelings of self worth, wondering if I was going to miss out on all the wonderful things in life my family would experience without me was a possibility if I continued on the path I was walking. I can’t count how many times I was going to start my diet on Monday. I knew that diet and exercise would help me gain a more healthy lifestyle; buy why wasn’t I able to achieve this goal?
I decided to quit beating myself up over my inability to adhere to a diet. My doctor discussed gastric bypass surgery with me and felt it would be an effective tool to use along with better food choices and exercise. He also told he would only recommend Dr. Ludwig to perform the surgery.
My healthier lifestyle did start on a Monday, which is the day Dr. Ludwig performed gastric-bypass surgery on me. Little things that others may take for granted I can now do. I can bend down to tie a students shoe without the fear of not being able to get up, I can walk at lunchtime with friends and students without the knee pain I had before, and the rewards in life just keep coming. My surgery has had an impact of those around me also. I am more involved with activities with my family, especially my wonderful grandson.
My name is Kieron, it has been thirteen months since my surgery and I have now lost 112 pounds.
Hello my name is Patty Smith. As I stand here tonight it has been 13 month since I had my surgery. When I started this process I took medication for Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension. I have not taken either med since the day before I had my surgery and my Blood Sugars are in the normal range and my Blood Pressure has been described as low on several occasions.
At my 1 Year check up I heard some even more astonishing numbers like 3 the # of inches I have lost around my neck, 14 the # of inches I have lost around my waist and finally 11 which is the # of inches I have lost around my hips. I have also lost more than 90 pounds and have around 35-38 pounds to reach my goal. For those of you who are considering the surgery please know that it is not a quick fix. You must follow the 5 principles if you want to be successful. You must exercise in order to achieve maximum benefits from this surgery. I know in the beginning it will be difficult but trust me it gets easier.
You will have plateaus but do not use these as a reason to get discouraged but rather a tool to reach deep down inside yourself and keep going. I know they can be disheartening but trust me they will pass. Remember this is a life long process and results are not over night.
I would like to thank Dr. Ludwig, his staff, the staff of Enloe Hospital and especially the 3rd floor. I would also like to thank my very supportive family some of who are here tonight. My surgery cohorts Stacey and Christine. I would also like to thank my partner Laurie for all of her support, encouragement and love.
My name is Patty, it has been 13 months since my surgery, and I have lost over 90 lbs.
A little over a year ago my only activities consisted of going to work and sitting in my recliner watching TV. My granddaughter has just been born and I could no longer ride my horses because my weight made me so unbalanced. I looked at pictures and did not even recognize myself. I was living inside a box trapped by my weight. I had reached the end of my rope and was desperately unhappy.
Then, I got help. My PC referred me to Dr Ludwig and Successful Solutions. That was the start of an amazing journey. I got a Dr that could help. I got a program I could follow. I got all the support I could ask for from the staff, other patients and my family. My life started over.
My life now is lived WITHOUT LIMITS! If I feel like taking off on a walk-I do. If I decide to ride my horses for hours or VERY FAST-I do. If I decide to Salsa Dance for an hour straight-I do. I get tired and have aches and pains but it is ALL GOOD. Why do I push myself? Because I CAN!!! I want to know HOW MUCH, HOW FAR-if there are even any limits. I found-there are NONE!
After living inside the box of obesity for so many years, I prefer outside activities. Sunshine, flowers, passing people, interaction with my animals all paint a much different portrait of my life. The portrait now is of a vital, self assured woman who goes after what she wants. I no longer wait for things to happen-I make them happen myself.
I am Sharra Deniz, I am 12 months out and I am down 120lbs and at Goal.
