This is my second conference since WLS. My first I was newly post op and on liquids so I didn't have an issue, which is, FOOD! Snacks during conference broadcasts are a tradition. My family is insisting on the regular fare, and I don't want to give it to them. I don't want that stuff in the house. I tried to give them a veggie plate and I got much weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Not to mention the between session potluck, and the after session root beer float fest. I had never realized until now how food is tied up in all of this. Ever since childhood, something about conference has made me hungry, then sleepy. I have to fight this deamon!

Thank you so much everyone for your support. The surgery was completely uneventful, and I have already returned to work. I have lost a total of 30 pounds so far. And I feel Great!!!

Hey everyone!! Kirk Thompson aka CROW here, I was just wanting to Share with you all the First National WLS Conference in Arlington Texas on May 15th and May 16th. 2004 Its being held at the Wyndham Hotel what a beautil place to hold Obesityhelp's First Conference!! Its going to be a very cool Event jammed pack with tons of things to do.. I am VERY Excited and can't wait to go!! Saturday May 15th, 2004 Welcome and Intro Nutritional Workshops Post Op Speaker Surgical speaker Break Psychiatrist Speaker Buffet Dinner [Please bring $5 - $7 co-pay for buffet] Focus Groups (Break out sessions) Focus Groups (Break out sessions) Break Plastic Surgeon Speaker Post op Speaker/Surgeon Focus Groups (Break out sessions) Focus Groups (Break out sessions) Meet the Surgeons Meet the vendors Closing Session Luau Party Pool-Side. Sunday May 16th 2004 Welcome and Intro Post-op speaker How to start your own support group Insurance issues (appeals etc) Break Surgeon "long term effects WLS" Buffet Dinner [Please bring $5 - $7 co-pay for buffet] Focus Groups (Break out sessions) Focus Groups (Break out sessions) Break Preop Focus Focus Groups (Break out sessions) Focus Groups (Break out sessions) Fashion Show Fashion Show Prizes and give-a-ways Im very excited and can't wait to go and meet tons of Obesityhelp.com Members. It was a Blast in California and I got to Meet Cheryl aka CN Texas on the Texas Boad, shes a sweetheart by the way. They will have several Speakers in the house Terry Simpson, M.D., FACS Arizona Bariatric Center "10 Ways To Not Be a Center of Excellence " Elliott R. Goodman, M.D. Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY "How to Measure the Success of Bariatric Surgery Beyond Simple Weight Loss" Jeannie Colter, RN, C Executive Director, ObesityHelp "Building Support Groups" Eric Klein, MBA Founder, ObesityHelp "Patient Perception of a Center of Excellence: How Do Patients form Opinions About Bariatric Center Quality" Bo McCoy Outreach Manager, ObesityHelp 7-31-02 (626) Preop now 3-4-04 (297) Postop Loss of 329 lbs. "How to acheive your weightloss goals" If you already haven't Registered please do so and meet all the Obesityhelp Family, Have a blast!! I am going to add the link here if anyone would like to take a look and maybe I will just get to meet you in Texas. Come on join the fun, Join the Party!! Link to the Event and where to Register: http://www.obesityhelp.com/texas2004/ Obesityhelp.com Staff Kirk Thompson aka CROW

Hello Members, :cool: we have recently received several inquiries regarding member forums so I wanted to share a link to special forums message boards to those who are unfamiliar. Thanks for your support and participation and have a great day! link to special formums boards: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/list-all-communities.php Sincerely, Larry Irvin Member Services Manager ObesityHelp.com

Hey Tahsa, Thanks for the response. i was begining to think i was the only one from Utah doing this. I will be having RNY- Open towards the end of May. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Thanks for the advice. I'm having a hard time getting in all the water i need. however, i continue to work on it. I've been walking everyday and have blisteres on my feet to prove it I think i need to get me some better shoes. I'm glad to hear your doing so well. I can't wait till i'm on the losing side of life. Have a great day Valerie