2008 National Lap-Band Conference

[Alex Brecher 10,498]

It was a great, enjoyable and very informative conference. Constructive criticism and positive feedback would be appreciated from everyone that attended. This way we can use that info and make sure that future conferences are even better.

Here are a few pics of me, I'll let others who took the pics choose to post theirs (or not)......

[CoachCher 1]

As promised here is the recipe for the afternoon dessert we had from Chef Leslie.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

WITH CINNAMON CREAM<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

1/3 cup Water<o:p></o:p>

1/3 cup Splenda<o:p></o:p>

1 stick unsalted I can’t believe it’s not butter, cut in pieces<o:p></o:p>

CarbSmart sugar free Semi Sweet chocolate chips 8 oz. bag chopped coarsely<o:p></o:p>

6 large eggs ( 3 egg whites and 3 whole eggs)<o:p></o:p>

1/3 cup strong, brewed coffee or Espresso<o:p></o:p>

2 Tablespoons Kahlua (may substitute with 1 tablespoon vanilla)<o:p></o:p>

1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Cream:<o:p></o:p>

1 cup well-chilled fat free heavy Cream<o:p></o:p>

3 Tablespoons powdered Sugar<o:p></o:p>

1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter and 8-inch round cake pan and line with parchment or waxed paper.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

In a medium saucepan, bring Water and sugar to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally. Add butter and simmer, stirring occasionally, until melted. Remove pan from heat and add chocolate, swirling pan to submerge chocolate in hot Syrup. Let chocolate stand in syrup 3 minutes and then whisk until smooth. Cool slightly<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, coffee, Kahlua and cinnamon. Add a small amount of the chocolate mixture, whisking until well combined. The idea is to warm the eggs slowly and avoid cooking them. Slowly add the remainder and strain into prepared cake pan. Place in a water bath which reaches halfway up the side of the cake pan and bake in the middle of the oven for 30-35 minutes. It is done when a knife comes out hot and clean, although you may call it “done” when there is a half-dollar size jiggle in the middle. Cool it completely on a cake rack.<o:p></o:p>

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Cake may be kept in the pan, chilled for one week. Alternately, loosen with knife around the edge and gently invert onto a plate. Top with cream.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

For cream: Place cream, sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. With an electric mixer or whisk, beat ingredients until they hold stiff peaks. Serve along side the mousse cake.<o:p></o:p>

[Paige65 1]

Thanks Cher for putting a great conference together! I think you did a terrific job... especially for your first one. Yes there were some hiccups as you said... the food was what it was, and unfortunately due to hurricane Ike and some other issues some vendors and speakers had to cancel last minute but I'd go again in a heartbeat!!! Mary Jo inspired a group of us to do some unexpected shopping and I have to agree that Dr. Vuong was fabulous and I was so impressed with him!!!! I can't remember when I had so much fun!!! I made some great friends over the weekend that I hope to keep in touch with for a long time!

Aside from some things that others did mention I do have one suggestion... In place of the fling Saturday night I think it would be great to organize an outing instead. We had so many people come from out of state that really enjoyed seeing Dallas and doing the "cowboy thing"! I think that if you go to New York or where ever plan a social event in the evening that allows everyone to socialize but see some of the city and skip the hotel event in the evening. Just a thought....

Thanks for posting the recipe... OMG this was the best thing ever!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again Cher for putting together a great weekend!

[CoachCher 1]

Paige,

I am so thankful you had a wonderful time.

The constructive criticism and positive feed back is welcome, this is how we learn to do things bigger and better.

I am in complete agreement ditch the Saturday hotel event and let's all plan to go out with each other and enjoy the host city we are in.

I also think 3 days was too much. Next time we could schedule Breakfast on the last day; this way we can relax and enjoy our last moments with each other until the next time we meet again.

However I did enjoy the support group with Dr. Vuong that was amazing!!

[CoachCher 1]

Dr. Vuong is going to be on "The Band Banter" Talk Show 10/20/08 at 6:00pm CT so mark your calenders you don't want to miss it.

www.blogtalkradio.com/bandbanter

[minpinmom 2]

Coach Cher - Not sure if you are attending the WLS Conference in Houston in November - it seems pretty similar. I will be "the spy" and see what cool stuff they do. If they have any neat products or vendors - I will forward their contact information to you.

This weekend inspired me to go to this one too. It give me something to look forward to. I can't wait.

I don't think I will be able to make it to New York, maybe I can go to the one following that one. I think I will NEED my FIX from you gals!

[CoachCher 1]

Ahh Wendy you are amazing.

I will not be able to make the one in Houston, I have a previous engagement. I love it you are going to be "The Spy" for us. We want to do it up bigger and better.

Wendy make sure you stop by Melting Mama's booth, she is a hoot. She does product review for our community. Be sure to tell her I sent you, she will love it.

April is six months away, plenty of time to start saving and planning.

[CoachCher 1]

Here are some of the pictures we took from the weekend.

I will post more tomorrow.

[Willowglen 5]

Could you post the information regarding the dates and location for Houston pleae. I did a search but couldnt find it. I did find a bariactric cruise for next spring, anyone from the forum going on the cruise?

http://bsciresourcecenter.com/SGLUpdates/BariCruise_Flyer.pdf

[Paige65 1]

The event in Houston is the Obesity Help conference. Here is a link and if you use the code FLORES08 you get 50% off!!! 2008 - Houston - ObesityHelp National Event

Mary Jo will be there along with some other great speakers... unfortunately it doesn't look like Melting Mama and Eggface will be at this one.

[CoachCher 1]

The last time I spoke to Melting Mama she said she will be there, I'll find out for sure.

[CoachCher 1]

More pics from the conference...

[CoachCher 1]

And more pictures from the conference....

[myturn0421 0]

I just want to thank Cher for putting this all together. DH and I had a good time. I think for us, the most valuble information we got - was to utilize our support system more. I think we're some of the lucky ones. I was floored at how many people didn't have a support system/team. My husband feel senergized to start working harder and I'm pumped about my surgery on the 13th.

We won't make it to New York, but I wish we could. I'll definately be there next year (DH said he'll come if there is more men :redface:)

Thank you again!!!

[minpinmom 2]

Here are a couple of shots that I had on my camera too.