Why I go to ObesityHelp National Conferences
October 1, 2015On ObesityHelp, I'm known as Berduboy but if you go to an ObesityHelp National Conference, I'm Kevin Stephens. On February 8, 2011, I had RNY weight loss surgery and have lost 220 pounds. I've changed my life in many ways so I can maintain my weight loss and continue living a healthy weight loss surgery lifestyle.
One of the ways that I stay on track is by attending the ObesityHelp National Conferences. By going to an OH National Conference, I walk away with things I've learned that help me continue my healthy habits. I have found support, made new friends and re-connected with friends I've made in past Conferences and on ObesityHelp.com. I've had more fun in those two days of the Conferences than I've had in a long time.
I went to my first conference in 2011, the year that I had my RNY weight loss surgery. That was an important conference for me to attend since I'd had surgery earlier that year. When that conference ended, I was already excited to attend the conference the next year! I've attended the ObesityHelp National Conferences in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and I'm going again to the 2015 conference.
Why I continue to attend the ObesityHelp National Conferences
Below are very brief descriptions of each of the Conferences I've attended. The links are for the 2015 Conference that's only a few weeks away!
• Seattle 2011: My first conference. I was excited because I did not have to purchase two airline seats or wear an extender seat belt. The city was beautiful and the people very friendly. I met some wonderful people, especially two people. I was introduced to motivational speaker Cari De La Cruz and Dr. Connie Stapleton. I brought Connie’s book and she signed it for me, but I left it in my rental car. I reached out to Cari via Facebook and she told Dr. Stapleton. To my surprise, Dr. Stapleton mailed me another signed copy within a few days. Wonderful ladies!!
• Atlanta 2012: My high school friend came with me to this conference. We had a terrific time. I had my first plastic surgery consultation right there at the Conference for free! I did embarrass my friend though because I asked the doctor if I would lose sensation in my nipples if I have my chest reconstructed (TMI). At this conference, I was introduced to New Whey Protein. A few months later, they asked me to be in an infomercial for their product!
• Orange County 2013: This was the year I first participated in the fashion show. It was a great experience and I made several new friends. I came dressed as a Caltrans worker for the Halloween party.
• Manhattan Beach 2014: I was asked to be on the Grad Panel to discuss and answer questions about my journey. This opportunity was meaningful because I enjoyed sharing my story and supporting others. I was in the fashion show again in 2014 where I became friends with a gentleman from Aurora, Ontario. The conference had a Hawaiian theme this year, so people dressed the part. The dance after the fashion show was fun.
My take-aways from each OH National Conference
LIVING THE POST-OP LIFE: Throughout the years, I've learned a great deal about nutrition and proper exercise. I also obtained valuable guidance on how to maintain my weight loss and the proper methods to deal with those food “triggers” we often experience. I realized that you have to reach out for the proper support to maintain a healthy and balanced life.
SUPPORT: The community is very supportive and willing to share their challenges. My biggest challenge is maintaining my weight loss and to not get discouraged when I gain a few pounds. I met several individuals facing the same challenges, and they offered advice on how I could cope with that struggle. The speakers are always professional and experts in their field of work. They inspire and provide a wealth of knowledge and support to our community.
SOCIAL GET-TOGETHERS: I enjoyed participating in the fashion show. I thought I was not going to able to do it, but I managed to get out there without falling. Everyone in the show looked fantastic, and we all supported one another. I also was excited about dressing up as Caltrans worker for the Halloween party.
FASHION SHOW: I have participated in two fashion shows (2013 and 2014) and might consider this year's Conference as well. It was an awesome experience. I never imaged that everyone would be cheering for me as I walked the catwalk during a fashion show! It was amazing. Everyone was inspiring.
VENDOR GOODIES: At each Conference, they always have lots of vendors that give you samples of their products to try. You're able to try before you buy. I was introduced to New Whey Protein at the Atlanta Conference in 2012. 42 grams of protein in a 4 oz. liquid serving is optimal, and perfect for bariatric patients. After the conference, a New Whey marketing executive contacted me and offered to feature me in their YouTube commercial. So in July 2013, New Whey flew me out to Orlando, Florida to tape their online commercial, which is also shown at doctor’s offices. It was an opportunity of a lifetime that I will never forget.
LOTS OF NEW FRIENDS: I've become friends with several people over the years. We communicate and share our achievements along, with our struggles. One friend in particular, who is a motivational speaker, offered me suggestions on how I could become a speaker in my local community. It is often difficult to keep in touch due to demanding schedules, but you just have to make time if the friendship is important enough.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE OH CONFERENCES: It is the community. The community is comprised of unique, not different individuals. It is being with a group of people who share a common experience and know exactly what I am going through, without judging or criticizing. You won’t hear comments like, “he took the easy way out” or “just stop eating and exercise a little more”. Everyone is very positive and willing to share his or her challenges and provide support to those who need it. For weight loss support and information, I've only attended the OH Conferences.
To anyone that has had weight loss surgery, waiting to have their surgery or researching bariatric surgery, my advice is to GO!!! Go to an OH Conference to empower yourself or to support a friend or family member. It is the perfect venue to obtain the information you need about the various weight loss surgery options that are available. Family members and friends become educated on how to support those going through the ‘journey’. You will have a delightful time and make great friends. Oh, and the food they serve for lunch is not that bad! LOL. When you attend an OH Conference, I'd love to meet you!
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kevin Stephens had RNY surgery in 2011 and lost 220 pounds. He shares the story of his journey during bariatric support groups at his local hospital. He is now into fitness training and aspires to complete a 5k walk and/or run in the near future. Kevin is a member of the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC).Read more articles by Kevin! |
