Weight Loss Surgery Forums

On the weekend of May 13-15, 2011, a Meet and Greet for weight loss surgery patients was held in Las Vegas and was sponsored by the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America. In 2010, the first meeting brought about 60 people. According to the WLSFA website, the organization is a community of weight loss surgery patients and those affected by obesity that met and connected on the Internet. This year, it increased to over 300 participants. Many of the attendees knew each other from ObesityHelp.com, YouTube and their posted videos, and some had not met prior to this conference. I had the pleasure of meeting one attendee, Linda from Massachusetts, who really inspired me. She was successful with the surgery she had in 2008 and looked great. "I like to encourage those who had the surgery to post on YouTube and Facebook. I wanted to see them face to face in Vegas." stated Linda.

The WLSFA, based out of Davis, California, was founded by Antonia Namnath, a weight loss surgery patient. Antonia attended the first Meet and Greet and saw the need to create a non-profit organization to benefit the WLS community. As many realize, weight loss surgeries are expensive procedures and often insurance companies still do not cover the procedures. This organization raises funds to grant weight loss surgery and plastic surgery. Both of the 2011 recipients were in attendance and honored at this year’s event. Connie Bailey, who received the surgery grant, is an identical twin. Her sister, Rosemary, already had surgery and was very successful. Connie was rejected multiple times from her insurance plan. Her story appeared on the last cover of OH Magazine (ObesityHelp). After reading about the twins online and co-authoring their story, I was moved. It is nice to see Connie on the loser’s bench and hear how her life has already changed. Soon the twins will be identical once again. Sarah Holbrook, the plastic surgery recipient, lost an incredible amount of weight with her surgery, and planned the first Meet and Greet. Her future plastic surgeon, Dr. Tim Katzen, was also there. Both of these women have a story to tell, which can be found on their YouTube channels.

This year’s MC was Yvonne McCarthy, known as Bariatric Girl in the weight-loss community. She lost 130 pounds ten years ago and has kept the weight off. Yvonne was awarded the Philanthropic Volunteer of the Year at the Meet and Greet. She also gave Connie a one year gym membership, which will greatly help with her weight loss. She is an advocate, activist, and public speaker. “When I found myself looking for answers for the lack of aftercare when I had surgery, there were none. The whole aftercare field is so poorly understood that I felt like I had to pay it forward by volunteering myself full-time so that I could help others know what to expect on their journeys. Through my blog at www.bariatricgirl.com, I can do that. I became acquainted with the WLSFA by meeting Antonia Namnath and was excited to become part of her vision. I am on the advisory board and the Alice Neff Grant that is given to the first weight loss surgery recipient is named for my friend who was unable to have WLS and ended her life because she could no longer bear the pain of obesity."

The kickoff on Friday night was hosted by Vic and Nick Giaconcia of Celebrate Vitamins, along with award presentations and then the surprise wedding of Diva Taunia and Robert Fronk. Saturday included exhibitor booths and speakers such as Connie Stapleton PhD, Joseph Nadglowski, Jr., President and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition, Dr. Paul Cirangle, Director of Bariatric Surgery for Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco and California Pacific Medical Center. Bariatric patients who spoke include Yvonne McCarthy, Bo McCoy from ObesityHelp.com, and Cari De La Cruz.

As someone who had not previously attended an event, I really enjoyed gathering information from the exhibitors and listening to the speakers.

Saturday night included a performance by Diva Taunia and Allie Raye; actress, writer, producer, and comedienne. Sunday concluded with a Flash Mob Dance. The entire weekend was filmed by BariatricTV.com. There are also photos found on the website: www.dropevent.com.

The mission statement of the WLSFA includes, "Ending obesity by empowering people to move from surviving to thriving through weight loss surgery, education, and support. Performing charitable services and supporting research to find solutions to enhance the quality of life in the morbidly obese community and helping to raise awareness and funds for surgery." To become a member of the WLSFA, please visit their website: www.wlsfa.org. You may also make a donation or volunteer your time.

The 2012 Meet and Greet should be even better. Once again, it will be held in Las Vegas on May 18-May 20, this time at Bally’s hotel on the strip. Be sure to check the website and become a fan on Facebook to get more information and details.