CoachCher

Hi Stephanie, I am arranging to have 3 makeovers done at the conference. I will have everyone who wants a makeover put their name in a drawing and then we will draw 3 people at random to receive their makeover after the conference and before the big dance Saturday night. So we will get to see the transformation right before our own eyes. Love the BOD POD I will be calling about it tomorrow to see if there is anyway possible to have it at the conference, thanks for the wonderful idea. Thanks for offering to help, I'm sure I will be taking you up on it

Trust me Baggio I am going to take you up on your offer to help I am getting more and more excited each and everyday. I have been on the phone for days now trying to get everything organized. I am hoping to have more information to everyone by Thursday.

Well tomorrow is my four year Bandiversary; the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. This truly has been life changing journey. I’m sure you hear a lot people say this; I have to tell you it’s not just some cliché. As a result of my surgery I found my calling and what my life purpose is. In my book “Transformation Caravan” I discuss my journey openly and honestly. My journey turned into something bigger than the Weight Loss itself. My journey unfolded in a manner of discovery. Discovering who I wanted to be; as a woman, girlfriend, and member of society. I had allowed so many failed relationships hold me prisoner. My self esteem was shot, I felt unworthy of a healthy relationship. After my LAP-BAND surgery this all changed. I had an awakening and realized I was worthy of a healthy relationship. I also realized what I contributed to each of my failed relationships. Trust me this is hard; allowing yourself to be so raw and open with yourself and seeing your short comings (scary scary stuff). I went there; I took myself to the dark place to really examine “ME”. It’s so easy to blame everyone else for the crap that is in our lives. I didn’t want to do that; this journey was for me, about me and damn-it I was going to find “ME”. Now understand this isn’t something I set out to do; not even close. When I signed up for this LAP-BAND journey I only had visions of losing weight not losing the old me (I’m glad I did lose her). The first thirty seven years of my life had not turned out like I wanted them to; I wasn’t going to continue down the same road. It was time to take a hard sharp left turn off “Regret Blvd” and find new roads to travel Excerpt from “Transformation Caravan” My first year post-op was really a growing, learning, accepting of myself journey. I really didn’t expect the changes taking place in body, mind and soul. As my body was changing; so was my opinion of myself. I was on the emotional “Roller Coaster” ride of my life. I still experienced self doubt; my self-destructive mentality still showed up here and there. Unfortunately we don't lose those feelings immediately as we lose the weight. Try to be kind to yourself during this phase; because that's exactly what it is- it's a phase. Your emotions are going to be all over the place; take advantage of this time to really feel your emotions and to get to know the authentic you. It was during this emotional roller coaster ride; I learned the most about myself. I relished all of these changes. I really looked at my life from a different view point. I allowed myself to see and feel things differently. I had been given a gift; a new lease on life and I wanted to make the most of it Trust me it was the best left turn I’ve ever made. As with any major decision in our lives there will always be the would-of could-of and should-of’s, believe me my journey is no different. I was not as committed as I thought I would be. I remember visiting my surgeon for the first time and he explained the procedure to me; I only heard half of what he said. My focus was on how much weight I was going to lose not what the aftercare was going to be like. I had visions of a size 4 and 6 dancing in my head *LOL*. Seriously listening to my surgeon was like listening to Charlie Browns teacher "Blah Blah Blah". It's not that I didn't take what he was saying to me seriously; I just wanted the procedure to be done and let the weight loss begin. Umm that happened for the first year with little effort on my part then it all came to screeching halt when I got comfortable with the new me. This was a sub-conscience decision; I didn't even know I was doing it. I can honestly say, “I was failing my band”. I became comfortable with the new me, I lost focus on my goal, and I just became downright lazy in my weight loss efforts Excerpt from “Transformation Caravan” I believe this journey takes each one of us in different directions; yet our destination is the same. Some of you will reach your destination on time; and others will take a detour then end up at your destination. Bottom line it doesn’t matter when or how you reach your destination as long as you reach it. For those of you who take a detour; enjoy the scenic route because there is a lot to be learned on the roads less traveled. Those of you who have reached your destination on time; you obviously mapped out your route and didn’t need to stop and ask for directions along the way. You may have had one mind set starting out and then something inside you flipped and now you have new goals, hopes and dreams. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. The point here is; are you happy, has your quality of life improved, are you living your dreams? If so: then you have reached your “Victory Volcano”. It was a long road trip reaching my final destination. I wouldn’t have skipped any of the stops I made along the way. I took this journey without a road map and I did get lost along the way. When my “Transformation Caravan” rolled out on the road I had no idea I would discover so many “Wonders of the WLS World”. You have been given a new “Lease on Life” make the most of it; embracing every change you go through. If you feel overwhelmed at times (which you will) get the support/help you need and work through it; don’t think you are in this alone because you’re not This is the time to take risk you have never taken before, try new adventures, and really start living your life like you have always wanted to. Don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of your dreams. If you are hitting roadblock after roadblock; re-access what you are doing and make the adjustments Weight Loss Surgery is so much more than losing weight, crossing your legs or even wearing a belt. This journey is completely life changing from the inside out. Reaching your destination shouldn’t be overwhelming, intimidating, or even fearful. Instead it should be embraced, appreciated and welcomed. I found my calling as a Life and Wellness Coach. I am trained to listen, observe and to customize my approach to your needs. My coaching approach helps you deal with obstacles and stay on course, so you effectively reach your goals. I want to "Empower" you during your transformation to health and wellness. It’s an honor and a joy to provide Coaching as you discover your path to living a joyful and rewarding life after your Weight Loss Surgery

I love your enthusiasm Devotion. Great idea about the fill doctors for patients in Mexico, I will see what I can do to make that happen. The plan is to have a 3-5 star hotel so there should be plenty of pampering options available for you :welldoneclap:)

Hi Juli, I'm still in the planning stages and getting bids from hotels. I have this scheduled tentatively for Oct 3-5, 2008. I hope to have the dates and hotel no later than next week. Trust me I'm keeping everyone in the lope as to what is happening.

Hi Amsderb, The suggestions you gave are great. However time will not permit to bring in so many guest. We will only have guest speakers on Saturday and we also want to do break out sessions. If this was a week long event; it would be great to have these types of guest speakers speak to us.

Heather, Ahh good someone who has been in my shoes, I am sure I will be PM'ing you for more ideas and suggestions. It's always good to have someone who has done this before to brainstorm with:)) Great suggestions!! I have Mary Jo Rapini booked to speak to us about Body Image and Sexuality. I am still in the process of locating a Plastic Surgeon to be a guest speaker.

I thought of that as well. I am going to look into it to see if I can get one of the surgeon's to donate a band surgery. Keep your fingers crossed I can pull it off.

Please join us as we welcome Dr. Michael Snyder from Denver Bariatrics. Dr. Snyder is a board-certified, general surgeon in Denver, CO. He first became interested in Bariatric Surgery during his residency in Portland, OR, at Oregon Health Sciences University. Since establishing his practice in Colorado, he has further pursued this interest. He is an active member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). His bariatric training has been comprehensive and methodical. He sought out and attended an ASBS certified preceptorship in Eugene, OR, in August 2000, in order to learn from one of the giants in the field-- Dr. Latham Flanagan, Jr. He returned to Colorado to establish the Denver Center for Bariatric Surgery, PC. Dr. Snyder is going to be discussing with us PB'ing and stratigies for diet control. Date: 05/14/08 Time: 8:00 pm ET, 00 pm CT, 6:00 pm MT and 5:00 pm PT Where: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewlscoaches Call-in Line: 646-716-9413

Hey Sugar bear, I have plans for the final day to have successful bandsters share their stories with us and how they stayed on course. Great suggestion. I will also have 3 LAP-BAND Surgeons speaking w/us so I will definately have one address the issues you mentioned. I am making a list of all the suggestions I'm receiving so I can try to cover everyone's request. You can check the tentative schedule on my website under the "Workshop" tab. Now keep in mind it's not complete but you can get an idea of what to expect thus far.

Thanks for all of the great ideas Aubrie. I am in the process of contacting vendors who have band friendly products.

It's open to pre and post op band patients regardless of what type of band they have. It could be the lap-band, the realize band and so forth.

I wear many hats, why not Planning Coordinator as well. Or better yet I'll need to vamp up my staff.. would you like the position tapshoes? *LOL*

Renee, Welcome aboard we are so excited you joined us here at lapbandtalk. We look forward to getting to know you better and supporting you. Please make plans to come to the convention; it will be life changing!

I posted this on Tuesday to get an idea if this is something Bandsters would be interested in. The response was amazing so I am going full speed ahead and planning an amazing convention for all the bandsters.

I'm still getting bids from the hotels in reference to the conference room rate and meeting rooms rates. I'm thinking this shouldn't be more than $100.00 plus the cost of the hotel room. Since this is going to be a large event I am going to negotiate a discount on our rooms as well. The cost will include admission, dinner Friday evening for the meet and greet and then lunch on Saturday. The Fall Fling will be set up buffet style so I will negotiate a reasonable price for this dinner.

We would love to have you Abby. I know how life changing these conventions are and plus you will get to meet a lot folks traveling the same roads you are traveling.

Wow the response to a National LAP-BAND Convention has been amazing. I am going to go forward and plan this event. I already have Mary Jo Rapini from "Big Medicine" confirmed as a guest speaker. The dates for the convention will be October 3-5 2008 Oct 3rd will be a meet and greet from 6:00pm until 9:00 pm Oct 4th will be the main convention guest speakers and break out groups Oct 5th will be successful bandsters sharing their stories Saturday evening we will have a Fall Fling dinner, dancing and socializing. Special guest will include Surgeons (Bariatric and Plastic) Nutritionist Chef- Chef Leslie (Banded Patient) will be there to discuss healthy band recipes with us. Psychotheropist- Mary Jo Rapini (Big Medicine) will be discussing Body Image and Sexuality Stylist Personal Trainer Motivational Speakers A photographer will be there to take pictures of the event. We will have a clothing exchange and let the stylist help us choose the right clothes for our body. We will have people volunteer to receive a make-over and then we will choose 3 people via random draw to receive a make-over after the Saturday event and before the Fall Fling (should be fun). You will also receive goodie bags with lots of good band friendly goodies. I will post more information as I get everything hammered out. I'm excited to host this event and look forward to you guys making it a success!!

This year, don't want to put off a good thing )

I will be speaking at the event and plan on having other motivational speakers I.E. successful post-op patients speak and share their journey.

Ahh great so glad you enjoy the show. This is the perfect time to come out of your shell and meet people who are taking the same journey you are. Trust me you are not the only one who feels shy and insecure. I'm going to put a "Challenge" together for everyone to meet 5 new people before the weekend is up and then we can post about all about our experience. So see you will have to take me up on the "Challenge" )

Gotcha covered I have a friend who is a stylist and she will be there to help dress us. We can also do a clothing exchange and shop for "FREE"...now that's my kind of shopping )

I am thinking about late September early October, so we should miss the hottest of the hot portion of the summer )

Excellent idea about "Band" friendly products especially vits. I will make a list of things that are of interest and make sure to include at the convention.

Of course pre-banders are welcome. This would be a great convention for them to be involved in