We’re excited to let you know about all we’ve got planned for our member-voted Minneapolis event:

Member Meet-N-Greet (5pm)
Centered at Minneapolis’ famed Mall of America, our evening event will kick off at 5pm with an informal meet-n-greet at Caribou Coffee. OH members, support group leaders and friends will connect with other WLS pre- and post-ops in the relaxed, charming atmosphere at Caribou. Swap a recipe, share your journey and your before and after pictures!! Beverages provided compliments of ObesityHelp.

Ride/Walk to your Goal (5:30pm)
We’ve got two fun options for our event attendees:

Ride to your Goal: For all attendee members who shared the goal of “Riding a Roller Coaster” in our Goal System – you’ll have an opportunity to do just that! Attendees will be able to ride the Mall of America roller coaster as a group compliment of ObesityHelp before our dinner event begins. (RSVP to [email protected])

Walk to your Goal: For all other attendees who’d rather go a gentler route, take a stroll through the Mall of America with relationship expert Kathleen Nickerson, PhD. You’ll be armed with a Mall of America coupon book for any souvenir goodies that interest you.  (RSVP to [email protected])

California Café (6:00pm)
Let the glittering terrace of the California Café welcome you as the support group session of our event begins. Joanna Fee will host the event, and introduce our presenters and encourage members to mix and mingle as dinner is served.

Learning Your Love Language (6:15pm)
Relationship expert Kathleen Nickerson, PhD will introduce the five “languages” of love. Learn how to use your personal style to strengthen bonds with family, friends, co-workers and spouses. We’ll have a Q& A session where you can present your unique life experiences to Dr. Nickerson and receive insightful hints and tips. As a special thank you to all OH event attendees, Dr. Nickerson will generously donate one free 30-minute private phone consultation/problem solving session to be scheduled at your mutual convenience.

Laura Preston, WLS Post-op (6:45pm)
Laura Preston shares her hilarious and inspiring transformation with us – an adventure that winds from the super-charged corporate world of New York City to her familiar hometown of Detroit, MI. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry – you’ll feel the passion she has for her journey and learn how you can get it, too!

Support Group Summit (7:30pm)
Support Group Leaders Liz Sorlie and Sandy Pulis will engage the group, asking us what we consider our “Magic Formula” for long-term success and motivation. Share your success, big or small, and let us know what you do that keeps you on track! Motivate others by sharing what you do to stay inspired.

OH Angel Honors (8:15pm)
After hearing everyone’s story of success, we’ll have a drawing in which one attendee will be the lucky recipient of a “Makeover Kit” including; luxury spa goodies, gift certificates and more. We’ll also honor the attendees that have travelled the most distance to join us, and who have lost the most weight post-operatively. As a bonus, in appreciation of our OH Members, each attendee will receive a one year FREE subscription to OH Magazine! And don’t forget our other door prizes, OH goodie bags and VISA gift card!

Hi Jesi,

Nice to meet you!!  How funny to run into someone that lived in Vanc also!!  We moved out here because of my husband's promotion with Union Pacific Railroad.  What brought you out here?

I would love to meet others who have had the surgery and maybe start a small localized group.  One that we could get together once a month or so and maybe go dancing or play pool or just go for a coffee to chat!!  I had a group in Vanc and every month we had "Girls Nite Out!!"  It was so much fun and it was also a god way to get tidbits on how you are all doing, esp if you don't keep in touch daily! 

I'm feeling a little lost right now and am having some difficulty as I find myself eating too much and not always the right things either!!  Sorry, don't mean to cry...LOL

Anyway, yes please...if you could get me in touch with others around the area, that would be great...I would also like to maybe keep in touch with you as well, if that's ok with you!!

LOL, I have been to Davenport twice since moving here and haven't really been able to venture out for the shopping.  Took my daughter to the Mall once and had to run an errand with the hubby once so I didn't get to do what I wanted.  I love to just get lost in a new place and learn my way back...not literally but you know what I mean.

Anyway, don't mean to keep babbling!!! Guess I'm lonely for some adult conversation...LOL!  Hope to talk with you again soon!!  If you want, my home email is: [email protected]

Thanks for the info!!
--darcy (one who DOESN"T miss Vancouver!!! LOL)

(sorry for such a late reply, I don't get on here much)

Hi Darcy!  Welcome!  Why would you leave beautiful Vancouver for Clinton???  I also left Vancouver but it was 8 years ago, and we are in Dubuque.   I know a support group at Genesis medical center in Davenport that is open to public (if you are still looking).  They have groups for newer post-ops and the groups for grads or farther out post-ops.  It would be an hour drive for you.  (I am sure your aware of that by now) I used to attend them, but haven't in ages, I really should go.  I am also an hour from you, but since your further east, I am also only an hour from Davenport, so I used to go a lot.  Plus Davenport has better shopping than Dubuque :)  There are a group of gals in Clinton that have had GBS but I don't think they get together for support group meetings.  You could look them up on here, or I could give you there contact info if your interested still.......let me know!  I hope your adjusting well.  Take Care.  jesi  (one who misses vancouver a lot)