NEWBIES-Who's going to the OH Conference?

Others have given you the link, but I have to say--it is worthwhile to attend, even if you haven't had surgery yet.  There are people there in all stages, pre-op, just on the loser's bench, and people who are years post-op.  I was one month post-op when I attended the Dallas conference last September.  I roomed with three strangers who are all wonderful ladies, and no longer strangers! :)

Dr. Garth and Mary Jo are excellent speakers. I loved their books.  The cookbook is great.  I loved the break-out speakers, too.  I'm looking forward to seeing a few different things this year.  I was so new to the game last time, I skipped some things I never thought I'd be interested in (like plastics), but I'm looking forward to sitting in on those presentations this year.  The vendors are a great way to sample foods.  I suggest picking some samples up, trying them, and maybe hold some back for post-surgery, if you do decide to have surgery.  My tastes changed. Things I could eat that first month don't sit well now (i.e. eggs), so I'm hoping some of the things that gave me trouble when I sampled them at last year's conference will work better this year. I desperately need to change up my protein routine!

Lastly, you can travel back and forth, and some people do, but I would be worried about missing something.  Both nights, I was able to stay out in the hotel and up as long as I wanted to meeting people and talking about different WLS experiences.  The friends you make here will be one of the best resources you ever have.  My boyfriend is a huge support, and I'm not the first WLSer he's known, but he'll never fully understand what I go through.  The men and women whom you meet from OH will always be able to offer help that no one else, even your surgeon, can.  As learned and intelligent as your surgeon is, if he/she hasn't had surgery, they're not going to fully understand like your fellow WLSers.

My co-worker and I are planning on attending, and are very excited as this will be our 1st conference as well! We recently began attending monthly support meeting with Sean, and find the support is wonderful. We learn something new each time, that is so helpful. I know I am looking forward to meeting some great people, and hope to meet some of you Texas beauties come November!

I am not a newbie to my wls since I am two years out and at goal, but I am a newbie to OH events. I've never had a support group and have come to really love this site and am looking forward to Houston. I am going to be on my plastic surgeon's patient panel when he speaks there, but I will also be looking forward to meeting a lot of you, even though I am more on the introverted side.

Don and I are planning on being there in Houston....I plan on flying into DFW on Thursday night, and then we will drive down on Friday morning.  And I cant wait to meet me some more TMB peeps.

I can't imagine not knowing so many of you!!!  I am so glad I stepped out of my box and went to an OH conference!!!!  If someone would have told me 2 years ago that I would meet some of my "bestest" friends at OH I would not have believed them!!!

I encourage everyone to go if you can!!!!!

I was only 10 days out from surgery when I went to the conference in Dallas last year. I learned so much and met some amazing people! I'm really looking forward to it this year...I'm not quite so shy and am looking forward to seeing folks from the board.  Although I live within easy driving distance, I got a room 'cause I don't want to miss nuthin'!!! I think I've even got Beast talked into coming to the party Sat. night...if he can find a place to park his big old truck downtown.

Dee, You're looking Fabulous! Hope Beast can join in the Fun!

First time i met ya, in the food line of course with Ms Sarah from friendswood.  See you didnt think i would remember did ya!!

See folks. GO TO THE CONFERENCES!!!!!

The conference is well worth going to.  The OH folks are the best support there is.  I have met some of my best friends on OH and through going to the conferences!

Hopefully I'll be helping Steph at her jewelry booth and if she doesn't let me, she has to sleep in the same room with me anyway!

Karla

You better be helping me I need someone to do my dirty work!!