Okay - so last weekend we had a great Lapband Convention in Dallas. Since I am in Houston, I had no excuse not to attend.

I hooked up with another gal here in Houston, we rode together and shared a room. We arrived in Dallas around 4 (I think) on Friday.

Friday night we had a meet and greet - there were about 30 people there - we had dinner (well, we had cheese, I will get to that in a few). I met a few really nice ladies and hit it off right away with them. It was really just a night of socializing. Of course, since we only ate cheese - we ended up going out for dinner with each other - it was really nice.

Dinner on Friday consisted of 3-4 kinds of cheese, crackers, pineapple and strawberries. No drinks, no meat, no nothing. It was horrible. I think it would have been a great appetizer - but it was advertised as dinner (I don't know about y'all, but I could eat my weight in cheese) I am going to explain each meal - only because it was the topic of conversation ALL weekend. Cher apologized for the meal and said she talked with the Hotel. However, the next two meals were almost equally horrible. Saturday for lunch was BETTER, I will say that, it was lunch meat, cheese, bread, chips, a dessert and iced tea. However I was near the end of the line, when I got there to make my plate there was nothing left but ham and roastbeef. No cheese, no chips, no dessert, no tea . . . you get the drift. I asked if I could have the Hotel bring out more - they said that we only paid for 40 and we only get 40. So, I had ham, by itself. Hey, at least I got my protein! That night we had the exact same thing as the first night with the addition of meatballs and chicken fingers! Can you believe that-they gave us fried chicken that was so dry - I don't know of one single person who took more than one bite. Okay, that is all I have on the food - on to the Meat of the Conference (hehe)

We had some wonderful speakers and a couple that we could have done without. We got great goody bags and they had some neat door prizes and such. There wasn't much in the way of vendors - but the Hurricane here in Houston caused some of that.

We learned a lot and socialized even more. I really think some of the ladies I met - I will know for the rest of my life. The Dr.s were very infomative and I learned about JuicePlus a supplement that I immediately bought for myself and my hubby. I really think it will do great things for us both. I am actually thinking about selling it - I feel that strongly about it. anyways, google juiceplus and see what you think.

Saturday night we had a Fall Fling - (the meatball and fried chickenstrip dinner) - We left after about an hour - no one was dancing - Cher wasn't there or I bet she would have gotten someone on the dancefloor. So we left and went clubbing. We went to see this Coverband - I can't remember the name, we had a drink and left for a hip-hop club next door. Had a freakin blast. What fun. Didn't get home till after 100 AM.

The picture was taken at the entrance of one of the clubs - what a great memory.

Our firealarm kept squealling every 30 minutes or so - we had to have the hotel people come fix it at 200AM. So we didn't get much sleep at all.

Sunday morning was nice we had a WONDERFUL LB DR. out of Houston do a support group with us - I would have paid 100 bucks just for that! He totally rocked.

We packed up and headed home. I made some great friendships and hope to do it again soon. I am attending another Seminar in Houston in November - but it isn't Lapband specific - so not sure how informative it will be.

Who was the Dr from Hou? Are you looking for a band? Please dont go to JL! I wish I could openly tell why. Also if you have cash or insurance I can recommend someone, based on personal experiene, that is an expert! He has been doing bands longer than any other doc in TX. He was in the group that did the first ever bands with the company that makes the band.Best wishes.

Looking good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Dr. that I was most impressed with was Dr. Vuong from South Houston area. He changed the way I look at surgery and aftercare (support groups) I think in a few years he will be so famous you won't be able to get in to see him. He rocked.

I have been banded and love my Dr. so I am not looking for one, but Dr. Vuong was rockin.

You are so right !!!!!! Dr. Vuong is awesome!!!!! Could have listened to him forever....so knowledgeable and friendly....his support meeting was awesome...learned so much...

It sounds like you had a blast! You all look divariffic!

Hey, the pic is great. I am chrisy from florida. Sat with you at dinner Sat nite, if you can call it dinner. Although the food sucked, I had a great time, it looks like you did too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cher did finally show Saturday and we all went to Red River Saloon and Dance Hall, we had a great time!! We finally crept in at 3 am. EEK! It was great to meet you! Please keep in touch and let me know how the houston one goes. We will be in Houston for the Texas Ren. Fest in Plantersville. Toga, Toga, Toga! LOL

Ha! We go to the Renaissance Festival every year! I only live about 25 minutes from it. Let me know when you come in for it - maybe we can meet for dinner one night!

Awesome! November 7th is my birthday, the Roman Weekend. So we will there Friday to Sunday.

What is the conference for in Houston? Is it weight loss?

The Conference in Houston is for all weight loss patients, not just lapbanders. It is being put on by Obesity Help (just google Obesity Help) when it comes up, go to the EVENTS section and you will see the information for Houston. I am def going - if you decide to come, let me know we can sit together!

I really hope that we can go. I work for Dr. Vuong and when he read that there was a conference in houston he wanted to know more about it so that we could possibly attend.

Awesome! I would totally love to have him LEAD another support group!!!

I love your new pic!! You are so pretty! Got my reservations, we are staying in Shanendoah, Marriot Towne homes??

That is about 10 minutes from me! Shenandoah is a little dot in between The Woodlands and Conroe. There is so much to do in The Woodlands - it is an entertainment mecca. We will have to go out - let me know which days you have available (if you have any).

Are you guys talking "TheCher?" - Buono??? If so, how cool! You guys are having a blast! Sounds like there's a lot of interaction and support among Lap Banders. That must help. I hope I can find some local to me. (NJ) - I don't see a picture of the group posted? How do I access that?