VANCOUVER, BC -- The following statement was released at the request of Wally Buono, General Manager and Head Coach of the BC Lions, and his family, following successful bypass surgery on November 29. "Thank you to the friends and fans of the BC Lions who have sent their best wishes and prayers. I send you my utmost gratitude. I feel like I had a big team behind me. "To the doctors and care staff at the hospital you have been wonderful. "I thank the media and the public for the interest in my well being, but now request that all media respect the need for me to recover in privacy."