Hi Brad! Has anyone replied to you yet? I was banded by O.Layton Alldredge. He has an office at Alta View Hospital. That is where I was banded last August. Dr. A and his associate, Darrin Hansen are also now performing the lap band surgery at the South Valley Surgical Center. If you are self pay, that might be the better road for you (it's about $5000 less than the hospital). Here is there phone number 801-571-9511. If you want to email me that's great! I love talking about the lapband! I hope this helps! Tasha 274/212/160 banded 8/11/03 [email protected]

In addition to the First National Meeting scheduled for May 15 & 16th , 2004 in Arlington Texas http://www.obesityhelp.com/texas2004/ , Obesityhelp.com is planning nationwide regional and state level meetings. These meetings are designed to bring the resources, support, and fun of Obesityhelp.com to the local communities. To accomplish our goal of reaching each geographic regions of the United States we are seeking volunteer leaders to serve in the administration and planning of the local events. Your help is vital to the success of the regional meetings. Do you have a support group that you currently meet with? Do you know of other support groups that might like to link up with yours to form a special meting? Do you like to throw a party? Can you donate 2 to 10 hours a week working for the Outreach Department? Please visit the following url and complete the survey. http://obesityhelp.com/supportleaders/ This survey will help us determine if your area is suitable for a regional meeting. If you would like to see your area host a meeting please respond to this post and encourage others to take the survey found at the above link. The next meeting could be in your hometown! Sincerely, Bo McCoy Outreach Manger [email protected]

Join us in Texas as we Celebrate 6 Years of Obesity Help and Support with our First National Convention! What: 2-Day Event for pre and Post-ops. (Families and supporters are welcome too!) Please visit the event website at: http://www.obesityhelp.com/texas2004/ Where: Wyndham Hotel, Arlington Texas. When: May 15 -16th, 2004 Why: For the past 6 years Obesityhelp.com has served the nation with its online support of obesity surgery and obesity resource center. Now, the trusted name in the industry is bringing the resources and help to you through national conventions. Come and be a part of t first national convention May 15 - 16th 2004. How Much: Cost for early registration is $20 each. ($25 at the door) Special "Buddy Ticket" $30 [Bring a friend and save $5.00 per person!] To take our event survey click here: http://www.obesityhelpevents.com/surveyform.php To register now click here: https://www.obesityhelp.com/SecurePayment/PatientRegistration.php Special Needs: ObesityHelp understands that some individuals may require special assistance. Please contact our Convention Manger at 866-WLS-INFO Fun things to do: Meet the founders of ObesityHelp.com. Socialize with peers. Convention is just 1 mile from Six Flags over Texas. WLS Fashion Show. Clinical information talks. Free door prizes. Show off your before and after photos. Help with printing your WLS Success cards. Help with getting your photos on the web. Discounts on ObesityHelp store items (books, t-shirts, magazines, etc..). Group photos. Free samples of nutritional products. WLS Luau party pool-side. Pictures and information on the gathering will be featured in the OH Magazine and the website. What to bring: + You're before photos + You're after photos + Your camera + Extra money for food. ObesityHelp has special fare rates available with the American Airlines. Anyone attending the May 15 - 16, 2004 conference should book airline tickets with American Airlines Group Reservation Department at: 800-433-1790 Please use meeting code: S8454AV Booking directly with American Airlines guarantees you the following: 5% discount on lowest possible fair. (Less than 30 days booking notice) 10% discount on lowest possible fair. (31 days advance.) 10% discount on lowest possible fair. (Upgraded seating -Business class, First etc) Hotel accommodations available at the Wyndham Hotel, Arlington. To make a reservation call: 1-817-261-8200 Please reserve your room under "Obesityhelp.com May Event" Room cost $99.00 includes free shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel is located immediately adjacent to the Arlington Convention Center. No need to travel far. Free local travel with 3-mile radius of the hotel. No need to rent a car! And now for the best part Six Flags over Texas is a mere 1-mile away meaning you can never get bored! (Free shuttle service included to Six Flags!) For more information about this or other events in your area please call 1-866-WLS-INFO. Please choose the 'events' when prompted for a voice-mail box. Sincerely, Bo McCoy Obesityhelp.com Outreach Department. [email protected] Can't make this event? But, you would like to know more about events in your area and or volunteer to help start an event in your? Please visit our survey form at this URL. http://www.obesityhelpevents.com/surveyform.php --------------------------------------- NOTE : We are ALSO hosting an educational seminar for bariatric professionals right across the way from our patient event. If you are in touch with your surgeon's office or any other bariatric professionals, we urge you to educate them about this resource. Please check out http://'www.obesityhelpevents.com and bring the information there to your surgeons attention. Thanks! ---------------------------------------

This is my first time to this site. I just went to my first Dr.s appointment on saturday. So i'm just getting into all of this. I would love to meet and get to know more people from utah that have been through this or that are going to go through this. So if there are any of you out. let me know. Valerie

HECK no! I'm not sick of you! That's great! How long ago was your surgery? How much have you lost? Only one a week at the hospital? I bet they have a waiting list? Do they only have one doctor to do it? That seems weird! What part of No. Ca are you in? My dad lived in Guerneville (2 hrs. north of SF in Redwoods next to the Russian River) for 11 years until he moved to freakin' hot and sunny Palm Springs a couple of years ago. Those two places are night and day from each other! I love them both though! I look forward to hearing from you again! Tash 274/211/160