What : First 2-Day National Convention Who : "Make The Journey Together" with Friends (new and old) from all over the United States! When : Saturday and Sunday, May 15 & 16th 2004 Cost : Sunday May 16th, 1pm until 5pm FREE for any (pre or post) weight-loss or plastic surgery patient. Come meet the Surgeons and discuss your special needs. Want more? $20 Registration for the full conference! (Includes: full 2-day access to all events, registration materials, special activities and much more!) Where : Wyndham Arlington, Arlington,Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth Area) Room cost $99.00 includes free shuttle to and from the airport. No need to travel far. Free local travel with 5-mile radius of the hotel. No need to rent a car! And now for the best part; Six Flags over Texas is a mere 4 miles away meaning you can never get bored! (Free shuttle service included to Six Flags!) Fun things to do: Meet the founders of ObesityHelp.com. Socialize with peers. Convention is just 4 miles 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, tshirts, magazines, etc..). Group photos. Free samples of nutritional products. WLS "Retro Party" Pictures and information on the gathering will be featured in the OH Magazine and the website. Are Spouses Welcome? Yes. Carpools are forming. Partner up with people near you. Members from Houston, Dallas, and other cities will be driving in together. Indicate on the survey below if you'd be interested in starting or joining one. Flight Information: Call 800-433-1790 for the lowest fare plus our group discount! American Airlines Group Discount Program: Discount code# S8454AV 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) What to bring: + Your before photos + Your after photos + Your camera + $25.00 for food Secial Prizes: To recognize your dedication, whoever travels the farthest to attend will receive a special prize! Greatest amount of weight-loss Prize! Newest Pre-op Prize! And more!

i was switched from vioxx to voltaren a few months ago and really think its better for the pain, etc. does anyone know if i'd still be able to take it after r n y ??

I went to a surgeon yesterday for a second opinion on my knee and he gave me a cortisone shot. My question is how long should it take to feel some relief? I have been told everything from immediate to several days. He believes I do have a meniscus tear besides the arthritis and if the cortisone shot doesn't work then he said I will have to have arthroscopic surgery. I go back to see him in 6 weeks or sooner if the knee doesn't improve but so far it doesn't feel any better. I am anxious to get this taken care of so I can get back to work! Too bad the first surgeon couldn't get past my weight and actually do something to help me! I would just like to know how long cortisone shots have taken to work for someone else! Thanks...

Lisa, I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis and take Bextra. It has worked great at stopping my pain. I had a great deal of pain in my elbows and heels. I used to ride a bike and run a good bit which might be the cause of this. If I ride now it hurts but I'm sure it has to do with my weight. Christie

Well that's what I thought, I know two other ladies that have Fibro only (right I know ONLY!!!lol) They both have been on low dose pred for a couple of years. So when this doc said this,when she came highly recommended, I was just stunned. Now I am on the hunt again to find a doctor that not only agrees but will actually prescribe it for me. Thanks for the reply and the support. Sue