CoachCher

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~

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

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'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"!!

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:

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

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.