Policies

Editorial Policy

We take your health as seriously as you do.  When you are learning and making decisions about your health, you need to be certain that the information you are using is accurate, up-to-date, and all-inclusive.  Please continue reading below to learn how we research content and how we ensure that it is among the most trustworthy advice available online.

Editorial Process

Much of the information found online about bariatric surgery is researched and reviewed by journalists, nurses, or doctors who are considered medical “generalists” rather than experts in the field of bariatrics.  While general medical expertise is an important facet of robust content, it can often lead to oversight of important considerations or misstatements about the realities of weight loss surgery.

Focused bariatric surgery expertise is critical to ensure that published content is accurate, up-to-date, and all-inclusive, which is why all content on this website is created by staff writers that write exclusively for Bariatric Surgery Source (“BSS”). Each has extensive knowledge in the field of bariatrics developed through years of relevant experience and self-education.

Further, all health-related content is reviewed by practicing board certified bariatric surgeons.  This ensures that all relevant information is included in each piece of content and that all advice accurately reflects the current “gold standard” consensus among practicing surgeons.

Following is the Content Review Process for each piece of content on BSS:

  1. Our bariatric journalists conduct extensive research of their assigned topic using medical textbooks, interviews with industry experts, and the most recent peer-reviewed medical journal publications to compile the consensus methods, findings, and viewpoints about the topic.  Every angle is considered, including all potential options, benefits, risks, implications, and real-life surgeon and patient experiences.
  2. The original draft is submitted to and vetted for quality by our Editors.
  3. The piece goes before the BSS Medical Advisory Council for a medical accuracy assessment. Any recommended changes or clarifications are then made.
  4. Once the piece is resubmitted and subsequently approved by the Medical Advisory Council, it goes before the BSS Editorial Board. The Editorial Board goes through the process of ensuring each article meets the stated criteria of being responsible, accessible, transparent, useful, and up-to-date:
    • Responsible: the information is provided in a thoughtful, balanced manner intended to inform the prospective-patient of the benefits and, importantly, the drawbacks of undergoing a specific bariatric procedure. Where appropriate, peer-reviewed medical journal publications and other research is used and cited.
    • Accessible: bariatric surgery is a complex topic. Our content is intended to be presented with the requisite medical expertise while still providing a layperson with a deep understanding of the covered topic.
    • Transparent: the motive of “unbiased patient education” behind each article should be readily apparent to the reader based on the actual content and tone.
    • Useful: BSS has a strict “no-fluff” policy – every piece of content must be informative.
    • Up-to-date: the field of bariatrics is constantly changing. As such, each article must contain the most-recent data, advice, and/or concepts. When necessary, this shall included a historical and/or future perspective.
  5. Any necessary final changes are made and sent back to the BSS Medical Advisory Council for approval.
  6. The content is published on the BSS website.

Editorial Integrity

BSS is wholly-owned and cared for by the same group of people that founded the site as a passion project over a decade ago. Our content will always be free of any outside financial influence from medical providers, medical device manufacturers, or any other third party.

In addition, our website is certified by the Health on the Net (HON) Foundation and we are committed to following HON’s Code of Conduct. We are also verified members of the Trustworthy and Accountability Group (TAG) Registry, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and to preventing fraud, malware, and online piracy.

Further, our website adheres closely to the principles set by the Society for Professional Journalists’ foundations of ethical journalism and by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines on disclosures, meaning we strive towards the highest possible editorial and ethical behavior standards.

For more information, please see:

In short, every piece of content on the BSS website puts the reader first.  All content is, and will remain, an unbiased attempt to allow the reader to gain the necessary insight to decide whether to further investigate a bariatric procedure with an in-person consultation with a physician.

Important Note About Our Content

Despite our stringent content process and policies, including all health content being written or reviewed by a practicing board certified bariatric surgeon, none of the content on BSS is intended as a replacement for expert, in-person advice from a qualified bariatric surgeon.

It is our stated policy that after conducting their own online research on BSS, the best next step for a patient considering a surgical weight loss procedure is to attend a face-to-face consultation with a doctor.

Privacy Policy

Updated January 17, 2019

At BSS, online privacy is a serious consideration in everything we do and we deeply respect our readers’ concerns about their information. The below policy (the “Privacy Policy”) describes our company’s privacy practices with respect to information collected through BSS.com and affiliated sites, BariatricSurgerySource.com (“BSS”), to aid you in making informed decisions about how you choose to share information when you visit or use the site.

Your Understanding of What Information Is Collected and How It’s Collected on BSS

Information You Expressly Choose to Share with BSS

BSS collects information, including personal data, directly from you if you expressly provide that information. As an example, when you submit your name, email address, DOB, or other details signing up for a newsletters or submit your information through BSS to a surgical practice.

You might also provide personal data if you post questions or responses in our forums. Please be mindful that what you post in BSS forums may be read by anyone who visits BSS. As such, it is our recommendation that you should avoid posting specific personal data that you wouldn’t normally make available to the general public.

There Is Information Collected Automatically When You Visit BSS

While on BSS, we might automatically collect information about your visit using web tools such as cookies, web beacons, and other similar technologies. This may include characteristics of your operating system, your IP address, data about the computer or mobile device used to access BSS, information about your browser and system settings, unique device identifiers, clickstream data (which shows us how you browse on BSS). We may combine information that each of us collects automatically with other information about you, including information you choose to provide.

Cookies are small files that websites and other online services use to store information about users on the users’ respective computers. BSS may use cookies and possibly other types of local storage. If you wish to understand more about how what cookies are and how they work, please visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org. There is a section below about Personal Preferences which shows you how you can limit or disable cookies while browsing the web. Should you disable cookies, it might affect certain features on BSS that use cookies to enhance utility.

In order to manage BSS’ automatic data collection, BSS might place tags (often referred to as “web beacons”) on pages on our site or in emails that come from BSS. These tags are files that link web pages to particular servers and their respective cookies, and they may be used for a variety of things, like recording the number of visitors to BSS, analyzing how users click around BSS, verifying how many emails that we send are actually opened or deleted and which articles or links are viewed by our readers.

We also use third-party web analytics services, such as Google Analytics, on BSS to provide our team with data about visitors to BSS.

“Do Not Track” Signals. Your browser settings might provide a way to automatically transmit a “do not track” signal to websites and online services. Currently, there is no general meaning among industry participants as to the definition of “do not track” in this typical context. Like many other sites, BariatricSurgerySource.com is not set up to respond to “do not track” signals from browsers. Click here if you would like to know more about “do not track” signals.

Lastly, companies that provide certain third-party applications, tools, widgets, and plug-ins that may appear on BSS (for example, Facebook “Like” buttons) also might collect information regarding your interactions with these features. This information collection is subject to the policies of each of those specific providers.

Additional information regarding our use of cookies and other tracking technologies can be found in our Cookies Disclosure below.

Ways We Might Use the Information We Collect

There are a number of reasons we collect user data on BSS, including the purposes listed below. As an example, if a user were to contact us with a question and provide her email address, we would use the specific email address provided in order to respond. Additionally, we use information we collect from users and automatically through BSS to:

  • Respond with expressly requested materials (such as when you sign up to receive our email newsletters);
  • Reply to requests, comments, and questions;
  • Share products and services via marketing communications with you;
  • To serve pertinent advertising to you – basing what is shown on your interests and online activities;
  • To enhance our business (including new feature development; enhancement of the user experience; marketing and advertising assessment; and communications management);
  • Analyze data regarding BSS usage;
  • Help guard against, identify, and prevent fraud and other criminal activity; and
  • Act in accordance with any applicable legal requirements, requests from law enforcement, and BSS company policies.
Ways We Might Share Information

Our agents, consultants, vendors, and other providers might have access to information we collect through BSS to carry out work specifically requested by us. These parties are bound by confidentiality obligations and are restricted from using personal data collected through BSS for any other purpose other than the work requested by BSS. Additionally, we may share information:

  • If we are required to do so by law (as examples, a court order or subpoena);
  • In response to requests from law enforcement authorities;
  • If BSS sells or transfers its business or assets; and
  • If you have consented to the sharing of the information

Personal Preferences

How to Unsubscribe from BSS emails. To unsubscribe from a particular newsletter, please simply click the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of that newsletter.

Blocking cookies. There are web browsers that you can configure to alert you when you receive cookies, or allow you to restrict or disable cookies. Should you disable cookies, it might affect certain features on BSS that use cookies to enhance utility.

Disabling local shared objects (“Flash cookies”). BSS uses other kinds of local storage that function similarly to cookies. Certain browsers allow you to disable its HTML5 local storage or delete information contained in its HTML5 local storage. Click here to learn how to delete information contained in “local shared objects”.

Options concerning third-party ad networks. Additional information about third-party ad networks and services that use these technologies can be found at www.aboutads.info and click here to opt out or to learn more. You also may visit the NAI’s site for additional options on how to opt out of certain types of advertising.

BSS Protects Your Personal Information

BSS maintains appropriate safeguards to protect the personal data you provide against unlawful, accidental, or unauthorized destruction, loss, alteration, access, disclosure, or use. Even with the latest-and-greatest of all safeguarding techniques, it is not possible to guarantee the security of information transmitted online, and there is some assumption of risk on your behalf with respect to the the security of information you provide through any website, including BSS. If you have any questions or comments regarding our data security practices, please contact us by emailing admin@bariatric-surgery-source.com.

Links From Our Site to Other Websites

On BSS there are links to other websites that are controlled by parties other than us. All linked websites might have privacy policies that vary significantly from BSS, we suggest you review those policies. BSS is not responsible for the content, terms of use, or privacy policies of websites that we do not own.

Interactive Tools, Surveys, and Quizzes

While you are visiting BSS, you will be able to fill-out surveys, take quizzes, and use other interactive features that request information about you. Please note that your usage of these tools is voluntary.

Minors Privacy

BSS is not intended for the use of minors under the age of 18. If we become aware that we possess any personal information of a minor, that information is deleted immediately.

Information for International Users

The data you’ve shared may be processed and stored in the United States and in other countries by any BSS affiliates and/or service providers. Data protections in countries other than the United States may provide fewer protections for your personal data than the country in which you live. BSS is very careful in protecting your personal data and have adequate protections in place when transferring any data internationally. BSS will transfer your personal data in compliance with data protection laws and will confirm that reasonable safeguards are in place to ensure that your personal data is adequately secured by any third party that will access the information.

By using BSS and providing personal data, you consent to the terms of the Privacy Policy and the collection, use, maintenance, transfer to and processing of your personal data in the United States or other countries.

If you have questions or comments about how your personal data is collected, transferred, or stored please contact us at admin@bariatric-surgery-source.com.

Changes to Our Privacy Policy

BSS will update the Privacy Policy as we make changes to how we collect, use, and store user data. Any time this occurs, the BariatricSurgerySource.com home page will have a conspicuous notice linking to a page that will include details of any significant changes to this policy. This will include the date that any significant changes took place.

How to Contact BSS

If you have questions or comments about BSS privacy practices please email us at privacy@bariatric-surgery-source.com.

If you are a resident of California inquiring specifically about your California privacy rights, please include “California privacy rights request” as the subject of your email.

Similarly, if you are residing in the European Economic Area and  inquiring specifically about your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), please include “GDPR privacy rights request” as the subject of your email.

You may also write to:

50 N. Laura Street, Suite 2500, Jacksonville, FL 32202

JURISDICTION SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

BSS’ Notice to Residents of California

Subject to certain limitations, California residents may request BSS provide them with a list of the categories of personal data that BSS has disclosed to third parties for those third parties’ direct marketing purposes during the preceding calendar year, as well as the identity of those third parties. California residents may contact us as specified in the How to Contact Us section above.

If you are residing in the European Economic Area (EEA):

Controller of your Personal Data

The controller of your personal data under this Privacy Policy is Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC, with an address of 50 N. Laura Street, Suite 2500, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Our local representative with respect to the GDPR can be contacted at privacy@bariatric-surgery-source.com.

Legal Basis for Using Personal Data

BSS processes your personal data only we have a legal basis to do so, including:

  • To comply with BSS’ legal and regulatory obligations;
  • For the performance of our contract with you or to take steps at your request before entering into a contract;
  • For our legitimate interests or those of a third party;
  • Where you have given consent to our specific use.

The purpose for which we use and process your information and the legal basis on which we carry out each type of processing is further explained below.  Each point includes the purposes for which we will process the information and the legal basis for the processing.

  • To provide products and services you request.
    • It is necessary for us to process your personal data in order to deliver the services and process transactions according to the applicable contract between us.
  • To respond to requests, questions, and comments, and provide other types of user support.
    • It is necessary for us to respond to requests, questions, and comments, and provide other types of user support in order to take steps at your request or according to the applicable contract between us.
  • To offer you products and services in marketing communications, or direct you to portions of BSS or other websites, that we believe may interest you.
    • We may send electronic marketing communications to you if you have consented to these communications. It is in our legitimate interest to market our products and services to you by other means and to direct you to portions of BSS or other websites that we believe may interest you. We consider this use to be proportionate and will not be prejudicial or detrimental to you.
  • To communicate about, and administer your participation in, events, programs, contests, and other offers or promotions
    • We will send electronic communications to you if you have consented to these communications. With respect to other communications, it is in our legitimate interest to communicate to you and administer your participation in, our events, programs, contests, and other offers or promotions. We consider this use to be proportionate and will not be prejudicial or detrimental to you.
  • To carry out, evaluate, and improve our business (which may include developing new features for BSS; analyzing and enhancing the user experience on BSS; assessing the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising; and managing our communications.
    • It is in our legitimate interests to process your personal data to carry out these activities. We consider this use to be proportionate and will not be prejudicial or detrimental to you.
  • To perform data analytics regarding usage of BSS (including market and customer research, trend analysis, financial analysis, and anonymization of personal data).
    • It is in our legitimate interests to process your personal data to carry out these activities. We consider this use to be proportionate and will not be prejudicial or detrimental to you.
  • To serve advertising, content and offers to you based on your interests and online activities, from us or third parties.
    • We will serve you advertising, content and offers to you based on your interests and online activities if you have consented to this processing.
  • To enable our affiliates or service providers to perform certain activities on our behalf;
    • It is necessary for us to process your personal data in this manner in order to deliver the services and process transactions according to the applicable contract between us. It is also in our legitimate interest to enable our service providers and affiliates to perform certain activities on our behalf. We consider this use to be proportionate and will not be prejudicial or detrimental to you.
  • To notify you of any changes to the Website that may affect you.
    • It is necessary for us to process your personal data in order to deliver the services and process transactions according to the applicable contract between us.
  • We conduct the following processing to comply with our legal obligations and to protect the public interest.
    • If we are required to do so by law, regulation, or legal process (such as a court order or subpoena);
    • In response to requests from government agencies, such as law enforcement authorities;
    • If we believe disclosure is necessary or appropriate to prevent physical harm or financial loss, or in connection with an investigation of suspected or actual illegal activity; and
    • In the event we sell or transfer all or a portion of our business or assets (including a reorganization, dissolution, or liquidation)
    • Guard against, identify, and prevent fraud and other criminal activity, claims, and other liabilities; and
    • Comply with applicable legal requirements, law enforcement requests, and our company policies.

International Transfers

Some of our processing of your data will involve transferring your data outside the European Economic Area (“EEA”). Some of our external third-party service providers are also based outside of the EEA, and their processing of your personal data will involve a transfer of data outside the EEA. This includes the United States. Where personal data is transferred to and stored in a country not determined by the European Commission as providing adequate levels of protection for personal data, we take steps to provide appropriate safeguards to protect your personal data, including when appropriate entering into standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission, obliging recipients to protect your personal data.

Retention of Personal Data

BSS retains your personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes it was retained. It’s possible in some cases that we may retain data for longer periods in order to comply with any applicable laws (as an example, those regarding document retention), resolve disputes, and as might be necessary otherwise to allow us to conduct our business. All personal data we retain is subject to the Privacy Policy.

Data Subject Access Rights

You have the following rights:

  • Right of access to your personal data: You have the right to ask us for confirmation on whether we are processing your personal data, and access to the personal data and related information.
  • Right to correction: You have the right to have your personal data corrected, as permitted by law.
  • Right to erasure: You have the right to ask us to delete your personal data, as permitted by law.
  • Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw consent that you have provided.
  • Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority: You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority in the member state of your habitual residence.
  • Right to restriction of processing: You have the right to request the limiting of our processing under limited circumstances.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the personal data that you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format, and you have the right to transmit that information to another controller, including to have it transmitted directly, where technically feasible.
  • Right to object: You have the right to object to our processing of your personal data, as permitted by law, under limited circumstances.

In order to exercise any of these rights, please contact us according to the “How to Contact Us” section herein. Please note that the above rights are not absolute and we may be entitled to refuse requests, wholly or partly, where exceptions under the applicable law apply.

BSS Cookie Disclosure

Provider Name of cookie Purpose Type Duration
Google Analytics _ga Used to distinguish users. Persistent 2 Years
Google Analytics _gid Used to distinguish users. Persistent 24 Hours
Google Analytics _gat_UA-19605712-1 Used to throttle request rate. Persistent 1 Minute
Google DFP __gads Ad targeting Persistent 2 Years
Youtube APISID,HSID,SAPISID,SSID These cookies help track the data related to Google ads. The pref cookie will track user preferences and serve up related content or adverts. Persistent 2 Years
Youtube PREF,VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE,YSC These cookies help track the number of views for a particular video. The pref cookie will track user preferences and serve up related content or adverts within an embedded YouTube video. Persistent 8 Months
Google GPS Registers a unique ID on mobile devices to enable tracking based on geographical GPS location. Session
Bariatric Surgery Source Current_Cost_Location This is used to store current location procedure price. Persistent 3 Months
Bariatric Surgery Source Current_Region This is used to store user current region record . Persistent 3 Months
Bariatric Surgery Source PHPSESSID This is used to store a users cookie session across the website Session
Bariatric Surgery Source __cfduid The __cfduid cookie is used to identify individual clients behind a shared IP address and apply security settings on a per-client basis. Persistent 1 Hour
Bariatric Surgery Source ci_session Cookie normally associated with the CodeIgniter framework for building PHP based applications Persistent 4 Hours
Bariatric Surgery Source remember_aus This is used to store australia directory data. Persistent 1 Month
Bariatric Surgery Source remember_loc This is used to store local directory data. Persistent 1 Month
Bariatric Surgery Source remember_can This is used to store canada directory data. Persistent 1 Month
Bariatric Surgery Source remember_mex This is used to store mexico directory data. Persistent 1 Month
Bariatric Surgery Source _adBMiBar Store patient BMI at temparory base for user experience Session
Google 1P_JAR This cookie carries out information about how the end user uses the website and any advertising that the end user may have seen before visiting the said website. Persistent 1 Month

Advertising Policy

Updated January 17, 2019

In order to have the resources necessary to create the high-quality content on BSS, we accept remuneration from third parties that advertise on BSS. Per our policies, we are transparent about this fact and, importantly, BSS has always maintained separation between advertising and the content on our site.

All advertising on BSS is clearly marked by using borders and other distinguishing elements and/or identified as an “Ad,” “Advertisement,” “Sponsored” or a similar designation indicating that the content is being provided by or on behalf of the sponsor.

Prohibited Content

Ads may not contain or promote the following:

  • Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco. Ads may not promote illegal drugs, illegal substances abuse of prescription drugs, use of Alcohol (except for beer and wine), or tobacco products, or any related paraphernalia thereto. Lawful products and services which promote quitting tobacco related products are permitted.
  • Weapons/Violence. Ads may not promote the use, distribution, or making of firearms, ammunition, explosives, pyrotechnics or other weapons. Ads may not promote violence, cruelty, or physical or emotional harm to any person or animal.
  • Illegal Activities/Gambling. Ads may not promote any illegal or other questionable activities which may be illegal in one or more jurisdictions, including without limitation hacking, counterfeiting, or other activities that may violate the intellectual property, privacy, publicity, or contractual rights of others. Ads may not contain or promote content related to scams, financial schemes, pyramid schemes or other fraudulent or illegal financial or investment opportunities. Ads may not promote casinos, gambling, betting, numbers games, sports or financial betting. Ads promoting state lotteries are permitted.
  • Hate/Intolerance/Discrimination. Ads may not contain or promote hate speech, personal attacks, or discrimination toward any individual, group, country or organization.
  • Obscenity/Indecency/Profanity. Ads may not contain or promote any obscene, indecent, profane or offensive words, images, sounds, videos or other content.
  • Political/Religious. Ads may not contain hostile, offensive, inflammatory or hateful speech related to political or religious topics or groups. Ads may not exploit controversial political, social, or religious issues for commercial purposes.
  • Sexual or Adult Content. Ads may not include full or partial nudity, depictions of people in explicit positions, or activities that are overly suggestive or sexually provocative. Ads will not contain text or images exposing anyone or anything involved in explicit sexual acts or lewd and lascivious behavior. Ads may not promote escort, dating, erotic massage, pornography, or other sexual products or services.
  • Disparagement/Defamation. Ads may not contain disparaging or defamatory information or content which tends to harm the reputation of BSS or any other individual, group, or organization.
  • Gross Depictions. Ads may not contain or promote content that is crude, vulgar, degrading or likely to shock or disgust.
  • Militant/Extremism. Ads may not contain or promote extremely aggressive and combative behaviors or unlawful political measures, including individuals or groups advocating violence as a means to achieve their goals.
  • Sensitive Content. Ads may not target sensitive categories such as financial status, medical conditions, mental health, criminal record, political affiliation, age, racial or ethnic origin, religious or philosophical affiliation or beliefs, sexual behavior or orientation, or trade union membership.
  • Free Goods/Services. Ads may not distribute or promise to distribute any free goods and services.
  • Targeted at Children. Ads may not specifically target children, including through cartoons or other similar content.
  • Unverifiable Claims. Ad’s may not make confusing claims that reasonable consumers cannot readily understand and evaluate
  • Before/After Images. If ad includes any “before and after” images, it must explicitly state that results may vary (or similar statement), and ad may not contain images that contain unexpected or unlikely results.
  • Health and Safety Claims. Ads may not promote actions likely to harm one’s health, such as bulimia, anorexia, binge drinking, or drug use. Ads may not make health claims that are not clearly substantiated. Advertisers may be required to submit supporting documentation to substantiate their products’ claims.
  • Misleading/False/Deceptive: Ads may not contain any information or content that is potentially misleading, false, or deceptive, including content which is meant to deceptively generate clicks such as fake “close” buttons.
  • Competitive to BSS/Affiliates. Ads may not promote direct competitors of BSS or any of its parent, affiliate, subsidiary or other related entity.
Additional Standards

Advertisers and Ads must adhere to the following standards:

  • Audio/Animation. Ads may not include overly disruptive audio or animation that plays automatically.
  • Popups/Downloads. Ads may not include lead ads, floating layers, pop-ups, surveys, or any digital downloads.
  • Malicious Software. Ads may not contain malicious code, including malware, spyware, trojan horses, bugs or viruses.
  • Phishing. Ads may not trap or trick a user into providing money or any account, personal or other sensitive information.
  • Separation. Ads must contain clear borders and be displayed so they are unmistakably not part of BSS’s site content.
  • Compatibility. Ads must function uniformly on both Apple and PC formats, as well as all major Internet browsers.
  • Independence. Ads may not appear to compromise or influence BSS’s editorial independence from Advertisers.
  • Endorsements. Ads may not create or imply the existence of any endorsement by BSS of any product, service or organization.
  • Landing Pages. Landing pages associated with Ads must correspond to the Ads call to action and not engage in “bait and switch”.
  • Intellectual Property. Ads may not use any copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade- secrets, patents or other proprietary rights of BSS, or any third party, without prior written authorization. Advertisers may not alter or interfere with the readability or display of any BSS trademarks, logos or designs.
  • Data Collection. Ads may not include open-box forms to register users or collect personally identifiable information. Ads may not collect and sell mailing lists without the users’ express permission. Advertisers may not collect any personally identifiable information from BSS users or place any cookies, applets or other similar files — if those files transmit any personally identifiable information to Advertisers — on desktop computers or mobile devices of BSS users. Advertisers must handle data with appropriate care, not misuse any data which they are permitted to collect, nor collect any data for unclear purposes or without appropriate security measures.

How to Contact Us

BSS is owned and operated by Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC, located at 50 N. Laura Street, Suite 2500, Jacksonville, FL 32202.

All feedback, comments, requests for technical support and other communications relating to BSS should be emailed to admin@bariatric-surgery-source.com. You can also call us at (904) 516-5459.

Thank you for visiting Bariatric Surgery Source.

TERMS OF USE

Standard Terms & Conditions
Last updated: January 22, 2018

END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY. THIS AGREEMENT GOVERNS YOUR USE OF THE Bariatric Surgery Source SERVICE, INCLUDING THE Bariatric Surgery Source NETWORK OF SITES (THE “SERVICE”) PROVIDED TO YOU BY Bariatric Surgery Source (REFERRED TO HEREIN AS “BSS“). BY USING THE SERVICE, YOU AGREE TO THIS END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT, WHICH INCLUDES THE BSS PRIVACY POLICY AND OTHER POLICIES AND GUIDELINES OF THE SERVICE, INCLUDING RULES AND THE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES OF OUR THIRD PARTY PARTNERS (“SPONSORS”) (COLLECTIVELY, THE “AGREEMENT”). ALL SUCH RULES, POLICIES AND GUIDELINES ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS AGREEMENT.
The Company provides editorial information which are strictly the opinions of The Company’s writers or other Author’s with content on the web site. The information contained on this web site. should never be considered medical advice, factual, or be used to make any kind of medical decision. The Company makes no guarantee that the information provided is factual or accurate. The web site. is only offered to United States residents who are 18 years of age and over. If you do not agree to these terms of this Agreement please do not use the Service. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to change or modify the terms and conditions of this Agreement at any time. Please check these terms periodically for changes and or updates. Your continued use of any part of the Service following the posting of changes to these terms and conditions indicates your acceptance of those changes.

1. LICENSE GRANT

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, BSS grants to you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable, limited license, to use the Service solely for non-commercial and personal purposes. You understand that we, in our sole discretion, may modify the Service at any time or suspend or terminate any license hereunder.

2. CONTENT AND INFRINGEMENT.

Content provided and written by The Company is the exclusive property of BSS. Images, graphics, text, design and the use of our trademarks and logos is strictly forbidden without explicit written consent from The Company. Use of The Company’s property without explicit written consent will be enforced by legal action. Penalties for use of any of our content carry a minimum of $100.00 USD per day penalty up to $1000.00 USD maximum.

Third Party Content And Links
You understand that all third party content, including, without limitation all Sponsor offers, data, links, articles, search results, graphic or video messages and all information, text, software, graphics or other materials made available or accessible through the Service (“Content”), whether publicly available or privately transmitted, is the sole responsibility of the entity from whom it originated. BSS does not endorse or control such Content. You understand and agree that by using the Service, you may be exposed to Content that may be offensive, indecent or objectionable in your community. You agree to accept all risks associated with the use of any Content, including any reliance on the accuracy or completeness of such Content.

Liability
Under no circumstances will BSS or its licensors be liable in any way for any Content, including, but not limited to, for any errors or omissions in any Content, or for loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any Content posted or transmitted via the Service. By accepting this Agreement, you indicate that you understand, acknowledge and agree that by using the Service, you may be subject to various risks, including the exposure of data you have downloaded or have offered to share, and that you accept all such risk as solely your risk and responsibility. BSS does not guarantee the information that it provides regarding your insurance coverage is correct. Different group plans offer different ranges of coverage. The information that BSS provides regarding insurance is only information collected pertaining to past coverage and in no way guarantees coverage of any sort.

Under no circumstances will BSS or its licensors be liable in any way for any Content, including, but not limited to, for any errors or omissions in any Content, or for loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any Content posted or transmitted via the Service. By accepting this Agreement, you indicate that you understand, acknowledge and agree that by using the Service, you may be subject to various risks, including the exposure of data you have downloaded or have offered to share, and that you accept all such risk as solely your risk and responsibility. BSS does not guarantee the information that it provides regarding your insurance coverage is correct. Different group plans offer different ranges of coverage. The information that BSS provides regarding insurance is only information collected pertaining to past coverage and in no way guarantees coverage of any sort.

3. OWNERSHIP.

You acknowledge that the Service is the property of BSS or its licensors, and is protected by U.S. and international copyright, trademarks, patents and other proprietary rights and laws relating to “Intellectual Property Rights”. “Intellectual Property Rights” means, collectively, rights under patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, and any other intellectual property or proprietary rights recognized in any country or jurisdiction worldwide, including without limitation, moral or similar rights. All rights not expressly granted hereunder are expressly reserved to BSS and BSS’ licensors. Bariatric Surgery Source is a service mark of BSS. In addition, all Content made available or accessed through the use of the Service is the property of the applicable Content owner and may be protected by applicable laws, including without limitation, those relating to Intellectual Property Rights. Finally, any suggestions, ideas or innovations that you voluntarily and optionally disclose to us through any means may be used or not used, at BSS’ sole discretion, and BSS will have no obligation to remunerate you for any such suggestions, ideas and inventions

4. PRIVACY.

You consent to the use and collection of your information in accordance with BSS’ privacy policy. This Privacy Policy is part of this Agreement and you agree that use of data as described in the privacy policy is not an actionable breach of your privacy or publicity rights.

5. INDEMNIFICATION

You are entirely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the information you provided to us. Furthermore, you are entirely responsible for any and all activities which occur under your account. You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless BSS, its parents, affiliates and subsidiary companies, officers, directors, employees, consultants and agents from any and all third party claims, liability, damages and/or costs (including, but not limited to, attorneys fees) arising from your use of the Service, your violation of the terms of this Agreement or your infringement, or infringement by any other user through your account, of any Intellectual Property Right or other right of any person or entity. You agree to immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security known to you.

6. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

YOUR ACCESS AND USE OF THE SERVICE AND ANY CONTENT AT YOUR SOLE RISK.WE PROVIDE THE SERVICE AND THE CONTENT ON AN “AS IS,” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, CUSTOM, TRADE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY OF INFORMATIONAL CONTENT, SYSTEM INTEGRATION OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES CONCERNING THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THIRD PARTIES ACCESSIBLE ON OR THROUGH THE SERVICE OR THE CONTENT. NEITHER WE NOR OUR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AGENTS, CONTRACTORS, THIRD PARTY VENDORS, FACILITIES, INFORMATION PROVIDERS, LICENSORS, OR OTHER SUPPLIERS PROVIDING DATA, INFORMATION, OR SERVICES (EACH A “PROVIDER”) MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY: (A) AS TO THE TIMELINESS, SEQUENCE, ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, RELIABILITY OF THE CONTENT OR THE SERVICE OR ANY INFORMATION, SERVICE OR TRANSACTION PROVIDED THEREBY, OR (B) THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE OR WILL OPERATE IN AN UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE MANNER, OR (C) THAT ERRORS OR DEFECTS RELATED TO THE SERVICE WILL BE CORRECTED. WE ALSO DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICE OR THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE THROUGH THE SERVICE OR THE CONTENT IS APPROPRIATE, ACCURATE OR AVAILABLE FOR USE IN ANY PARTICULAR JURISDICTION. THIS DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY CONSTITUTES AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THIS AGREEMENT. The above exclusions may not apply in jurisdictions that do not allow the exclusion of certain implied warranties.

7. TERMINATION

We may terminate this Agreement or cease offering the Service, at any time and for any reason in our sole discretion.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT IN NO EVENT WILL BSS ITS PARENT, SUBSIDIARIES, OR AFFILIATES OR THEIR EMPLOYEES, DISTRIBUTORS, LICENSORS, SUPPLIERS, PARTNERS, ADVERTISERS, DIRECTORS OR AGENTS (EACH A “PROTECTED PARTY, COLLECTIVELY “PROTECTED PARTIES”) BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OR OTHER RELIEF ARISING OUT OF, OR RELATED TO, THIS AGREEMENT OR TO YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY OR ALL OF THE SERVICE INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, LOST BUSINESS OR LOST OPPORTUNITY, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES (EVEN IF EXACT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES). IN NO EVENT WILL PROTECTED PARTIES’ MAXIMUM CUMULATIVE LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT EXCEED THE LESSER OF FIFTY DOLLARS ($50) OR THE REVENUE EXACT ACTUALLY RECEIVED DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SOFTWARE ON YOUR COMPUTER. BECAUSE SOME STATES OR JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR THE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, IN SUCH STATES OR JURISDICTIONS, OUR LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

9. APPLICABLE LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The United States of America. To the extent you have in any manner violated or threatened to violate BSS’ intellectual property rights, BSS may seek injunctive or other appropriate relief in any court of competent jurisdiction and you irrevocably consent to jurisdiction and venue in such courts. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods does not apply to this Agreement. You agree that regardless of any statute or law to the contrary, any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to use of the Service or the BSS Privacy Policy must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose or be forever barred.

10. SUCCESSOR AGREEMENTS

The terms of this Agreement may change from time to time. You should check back at https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com (the “Home Page”) regularly to determine if any material changes have been made. You agree that your continued use of the Service after the effective date of any change will constitute your affirmative consent to this revised Agreement. If you do not accept such revisions, do not access or use the Service.

11. GENERAL

This Agreement, as modified from time to time as described above, and including the BSS Privacy Policy, guidelines and policies incorporated by reference, sets forth the entire understanding and agreement between the parties. Without limiting any other remedy available to us, we may suspend or terminate this Agreement and your access and use of the Service if we have reason to believe that you have failed to comply with your obligations under this Agreement. Upon termination, cancellation, suspension or expiration of this Agreement for any reason and by either party, you agree to cease all use of the Service. No delay or failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement will constitute a waiver of such provision by BSS or acts as estoppel against later enforcement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and BSS with respect to the specific subject matter addressed herein, and governs your use of the Service, superseding any prior agreements between you and BSS or its affiliates or related entities relating to such subject matter, but this Agreement may be supplemented by any other agreement you enter into with BSS or its affiliates or related entities pursuant to a registration to access additional software or services provided by BSS. You may not assign any of your rights or delegate any of your obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of BSS. Any purported assignment without such consent will be null and void. BSS shall not be deemed to be in breach of this Agreement due to any delay or failure of performance or interruption in the availability of the Service resulting directly or indirectly from any act of nature or other cause beyond the reasonable control of BSS. If any provision of this Agreement is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the parties nevertheless agree that the court should endeavor to give effect to the parties’ intentions as reflected in the provision, and that the other provisions of this Agreement remain in full force and effect. All provisions of this Agreement that are intended to survive expiration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement shall so survive. The section headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect.

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