clarification about conferences

Conferences are what you want them to be! If you go to learn, you will. If you want to party a little you can. If you want to party a lot you can. At one I recently attended there were very informative classes, tasty and healthy food, a mild, fun light drinking crowd and a rowdy get down bunch. They are also the I don't party at all, but I am friendly as can be crowd. Everyone makes friends!!! What I am trying to say is that there is something for everyone. Everyone fits in. You can go by yourself, learn and feel excepted like at no other place. At the larger venues there is so much to chose from, you can't attend it all. Please don't let the discussions scare you away from attending local or national events. Hugs to all, Loris

Hey Loris - love the new picture!! How are you doing? I agree that the conferences are what you make them. I have attended both national events and local events. For some of the evening events there are some people that feel that it is the only time they have felt comfortable dressing up in front of others because there is no-one passing judgement on how you fit your dress or your loose skin etc as we have all been there and are still living it. Everyone is happy at your progress and some of the pictures show how you have changed from one event to another. There are also some very emotional moments too. At an OH event in Lexington there was one girl actually got out of her wheelchair because she wanted to dance - she had not even attempted that for years. And people were crying for her and she made some emotional bonds that night that will never be broken. Loris is right - if you have never attended an event please don't let the negative comments from some people on here who have never attended, scare you away. Almost everyone who goes gets something good out of them - makes new friends and contacts and can party ot not party in the evening if they want to do that. And like eveywhere else there are some people who may not like the conferences or expected them to be different. And that is fine too - we are all individuals. But my recommendation is to at least give one a shot before you decide they are not for you.. Jackie

I am doing Great! Scot and I are heading to NY,NY for a week and I am so excited. Scot will be attending a 40 hour class, so I will be playing tourist by myself during the day. I am going to try to get a tattoo while I am there. Something romantic. Tell Bill hello. Loris

Hi Loris, Hope it gets warmer up there for you - it is pretty chilly in parts right now I was told. But there is lots to see there. Is this your first tattoo? I had one done on my leg of a fairy in Feb - it was my first tattoo and will be my only one it hurt so darned much lol!! I thought I would celebrate my one year surgiversary and my 50th birthday with a tattoo..... I hope Scot enjoys his conference! Jackie

Oh Jackie, You hit the nail on the head when you wrote " For some of the evening events there are some people that feel that it is the only time they have felt comfortable dressing up in front of others because there is no-one passing judgement on how you fit your dress or your loose skin etc as we have all been there and are still living it." Last Saturday I went out with the Hampton Roads ladies. When I was getting ready and looked in the mirror I did the 'OMG I'm fat. What will they say? Do I look OK' An then it hit me. Yes, I am fat. Yes I look OK. I won't be judged because these ladies know exactly where I am coming from. I had a great time. Met new friends and look forward more get togethers. Thank you! Jen

Jen you look wonderful. It was really good meeting you. I am gonna miss the next get together. Take care. Corinn

You're exactly right, Jen. We've all been there and we all know that we can be RIGHT BACK THERE if we don't take care of ourselves. This isn't forever, unless we want it to be. You looked great, btw. Very healthy. I'll always be a big girl at heart! I'm so glad you made and I can't wait for the next one! Amber

Well I know I felt that way and I knew I could not be the only one! And you can get up and dance without feeling that all eyes are on you because you are "the big girl"! Some people feel so isolated until they have been to some of these get togethers and then they realise we are all a family. Yes we have tiffs and disagreements from time to time but don't all families? Jackie

Thanks for the compliments. Y'all are great family

Are the conferences just for people with RNY or can lapbanders also attend? Thanks. Denise