ObesityHelp

This is for ANYONE who is thinking, wondering and/or if they are "scared" or "nervous" about coming to the OH Conference in Houston this weekend.

     I have been a member of OH since 2001.  I was a BIG time lurker for several years.  While I was happy to read about EVERYONE's success, I still couldn't help but feel sad because I had NO idea when I was going to be given this "FREEDOM" from obesity.  While on the boards, I felt like the child that gets chosen last for a team or, on the "outside looking in".  I would cry myself to sleep, PRAYING that a miracle would happen and somehow I would get surgery. I had just about given up on this board when at the end of 2006, Debra F. pm'd me and introduced herself and we became friends.              

     I had been in contact with Debra for several months and she asked me if I was going to the Austin conference.  I told her I was not sure and she lectured me and gave me reasons why I should attend.  Well, I said YES I was going to come to the conference in Austin, June 2007. And then wks before it, my insecurities took hold of me and I got "scared" and said NO!  How can I go ALONE?  OMG...I was mortified...who would I "hang" out with, who would I talk to? Who would talk to me? 

     With Debra's encouragement and patience...I said YES again.  I remember being in the parking lot in Austin and thinking to myself, “I hope I look ok, I hope my breath doesn't smell and if no one talks to me, I will just smile and sit waaay in the back where NO ONE will notice me.”  I went into the hotel and as I take a few steps, I hear someone call my name; it was Tracy, Gina, Debra and Ramon having breakfast.  I gave a big sigh of relief.  I recognized people!  Right away Debra made me feel at ease, took me into the room, introduced me to Ms. Ann Harlan and sat me down.  Ann immediately started speaking to me and made me feel very welcome and comfortable. 

     I ended up having such a great time, met so many awesome people and was so glad I had attended, that when I heard about the next OH conference, sponsored by NIX MEDICAL CENTER in SAN ANTONIO, I just knew I would have to go again.  The Austin conference had left such an impression on me I didn't want to miss out what was in store for the SA conference.  And well, those on here and that were at the conference, they know "the rest of the story…”

     I made lifelong friends, learned valuable information, got an awesome goodie bag, met fabulous vendors, got to hear GREAT speakers AND look at handsome Doctors. lol

PLEASE! PLEASE! Anyone who has ANY doubt or nerves or feels they wouldn't “fit in” PLEASE join us in Houston.  I PROMISE you will not regret going.  You can pm me if you have any questions.  

 
Besos y Abrazos
Monica

You have NOT let ANYONE down.  Get that thought out of your head.  I cannot really add anything else from what everyone here said.  But I wanted you to HEAR/READ it from me that you are NOT a failure. 

Its perfectly natural to feel what you are feeling.  I once was there too.  I too had to have a complete unfil back in Oct. because I had gotten so sick w/ bronchitis that with all the vomiting and coughing it "closed" my band up.  I couldnt eat or drink for 9 days straight.  My body started shutting down.  Anyhoo, I was unable to get to the Dr. until the end of Jan. and I too have had some weight gain. 

But you know what?  Thats whats so wonderful w/ the band. It will eventually come off.  But you really have to go back to the basics and remember how bad you wanted it and how you promised yourself you would do anything and everything to make it work.  My Dr. too has been very, very strict and only giving me very small ..5 fills.  I just went again this past Wed. and I hadnt lost BUT i didnt gain.  I have had to go back to learing how to eat right again and although its hard it CAN be done.

Just remember Corina, its 10% tool 90% us  and Please dont be so hard on yourself. You WILL succeed. I  believe you will.

Call me for whatever. I am here for YOU!
Love ya.