CoachCher

Hi Juli I have a list from the ASMBS and will be sending postcards to them as well. Thanks for the suggestion, great minds think alike :wink2:)

Hey Kathy, Let me know who your surgeon is, I'm about to send out some post cards announcing the conference. Hopefully more of his patients will want to come and you guys can workout car-pooling and such. I am waiting for the last bid for the hotels to come in today then I'll be giving you guys another update. I am so excited, October can't get here fast enough!!

OMG Crystal you are doing amazing. Stop fretting over the T-shirt we can certainly tell the difference. Umm looks like you are going to have to retire your theme song "Baby Got Back" *LOL*. Rock on Sister!! ((HUGS)) ~Cher~

Few times in history do individuals have the opportunity to join together and express their concerns, desires and needs for a cause. For the first time ever in the obesity community, our day has come. On June 17, 2008, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation will host this National rally and Walk to send a strong message to the public and government that efforts to prevent and treat obesity need to be expanded. It is vitally important that all of YOU get involved in this event and help the millions of Americans affected by this disease. Joe Nadglowski from the OAC is going to join us to share more information about this historical event; so be sure to tune on Wednesday 05/21/2008. Please join Cher and Jeff as they welcome Dan Babbino the President of WLS Lifestyles Magazine. This quarterly publication provides inspiration, education, guidance & support for people struggling with obesity or maintaining a healthy weight. It covers topics such as Weight Loss Surgery, Weight Management, Obesity Prevention in Children, Healthy Living, Obesity and Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss.

Thanks for the heads-up on the two threads. I have actually created a blog, where I will be putting all the updates and hotel information. Once I get the info on the hotel I will be posting it on the blog.

I am meeting with 2 Hotels tomorrow and Friday. The information I have provided to them so far is about 250 people plan to attend and we will need between 100-150 rooms. Depending on which hotel gives us the best deal, that is who I am going with. I need to know how many people plan on staying at the hotel, especially if your local. Once I sign the contract I will be locked into the room count and will be responsible for rooms not used. Please use the poll I have included so I can get an idea of how many people will be staying at the hotel. The room rates that have been discussed with each hotel is $99.00 a night. This includes singles, doubles and quads. Dates Oct 3-5 2008 Friday Meet and Greet- Cash Bar, appetizers and Clothing Exchange Saturday- Conference- Guest Speakers, Chef, PT and Nutritonist- working lunch then break out sessions Saturday- Fall Fling- dancing and cash bar Sunday- Closing with Successful Bandster stories

The cost is $150.00. This includes the cost of the conference plus dinner Friday, and lunch Saturday. If you want to stay in the hotel the cost will be $99.00 a night.

Will have this info no later than friday.

I'm so excited Crystal, can't wait to meet you!!

Let everyone know Becky. This is going to be an amazing Conference.

We would love to have you. I was born in Tyler, so you need to represent our great city:lol:

Hey Shannon check out these results from a bandster on this board Becky Banded by Dr. Jayaseelan in Dallas on April 29, 2005 Now I'll finally admit this....starting weight 469, today (5/7/08) 187 and still losing. If I calculated correctly that is a loss of 282 in three years time. Pretty damn impressive if you ask me. Thats an average of 94 pounds a year. So see you could/can be at goal in a years time. Now that's exciting!!

OMG Becky I just noticed your weight loss stats. Congratulations on such an amazing journey, you have done fantastic!!

WOOHOO the NE will be represented. So glad you are planning to come Bozzj

The tenative dates are Oct 3-5. The meet and greet is Friday night from 6-9 Main Conference is Saturday from 8-5 Saturday dinner and Dancing Sunday 8-10 closing with succesful bandsters sharing their stories

Check out this video of a Gastric Bypass patient. She is very open and honest about her journey. This might give you the answer's your seeking. "Melting Mama" aka Beth

It's very common to second guess your decision, especially being so close to your surgery date. Of course the by-pass patients are excited about their weight loss, however they are potentially setting themselves up for a host of new issues. Malabsorption issues are not fun, a lifetime of B12 shots, low blood sugars, anemia. Trust me the list goes on and on. Remember back to when you made the decision to have the band, what was the defining factor for you. Was it because it was less evasive, could eat your favorite foods with moderation, quick recovery time? This is a personal decision and one only you can decide what is right for you. I celebrated my fourth year of being banded yesterday and I don't regret my decision for a minute. I wish you the best of luck. Please let me know how I can support you.

Yes I'm referring to the conference in Dallas. Wow honey you have a lot on your plate, you go girl:thumbup:

I'm trying to get an approximate head count so I know how many rooms to block off at the hotel. I have requested room rates for singles, doubles and quads. Feel free to find roomies for the event. I am trying to keep this cost effective for everyone. More details as promised.. I have three meetings with three different hotels tomorrow so hopefully I'll have that info to you no later than thursday or friday. Confirmed speakers. Mary Jo Rapini- Body Image and Sexuality Chef Leslie Moore- Band friendly recipes Dr. Frank Veninga- Importance of staying in touch with your surgeon Dr. Robert Sewell- meeting w/him tomorrow to see what his topic will be on. Cher Ewing- Is your band failing you or are you failing your band (my story) Speakers still seeking. Personal Trainer- I have a meeting with two later this week Nutritionist- should have one line up this week Plastic Surgeon- contacting today Once I have a complete list of the vendors I will be posting who they are. Three make-over's will be done on Saturday after the conference and before the big dance- hair, Make-up and new outfit (I can't wait to see the transformation of the recipients) I also want to put together a slide show of all the before and after, so if you want to be included I'll need you to send me your before and after pictures. No rush on this, just planting the seed:cool2: I am working on getting some really cool gifts donated, once I know more you will too. Everyone has shared great ideas, suggestions and support for this conference. Keep'em coming I am on the ball. For those who would like to volunteer, please send me a private message and I'll be in touch. This conference is about you and what you want; it will not be successful without "YOU"!!

Hi Sugrbear, I sent you an email.

I am equally excited; this is going to be an amazing weekend!!

Suzzzie I am bummed the weekend for the conference doesn't work for you. Trust me if I could meet everyone's needs I would be called "Superwoman" *LOL*. Don't worry it will be taped so you can relive the experience in the comfort of your home.

We will have a varity of guest speakers, Pyschotheropist (Mary Jo Rapini) Surgeon's both bariatric and PS., Personal Trainer, Nut, and of course ME

Oh yes we will be taping the event so DVD's will be available for everyone who was not able to make it.

Wombat please make it happen you will have such an amazing time