Hello, Members! We want to apologize for the recent problems that several of you have experienced while trying to access the chat room. Thanks to our IT staff, the room is now back up and available. Have a great day!

If you're like me, you've spent a great deal of time sending positive thoughts and perhaps prayer to those who live in the path of the recent hurricanes and tornadoes that have been hammering the South over the past several weeks. Like me, you may also be thinking, "What can I do to help? How can I provide support to those in need?" Well, AMOS folks are great at giving online support; we send words of greeting and encouragement to those who still have internet access or the means to communicate with us in some other way. But surely, for every person in those states *****aches out to us, there are many more behind them who are suffering in silence (at least to our ears and eyes). What can we do? I am not sure, but I am willing to bet that my AMOS friends are asking themselves this very question. So, perhaps we can put our heads together and come up with a plan.... I'll contribute a few of my early-morning brainstorms. Please add to the list. But don't stop there; providing your ideas doesn't make them happen. Please get in touch with your local support groups, network with support leaders in states affected by the storm, and communicate with ObesityHelp your good ideas and plans. Let's put our heads and hands together, to provide support to our AMOS friends in need! Ideas that we can put into action, individually or with others in our support groups and/or with AMOS friends from our own state: -Gather together and provide scholarship money to send selected chapter or local support group leaders to the OH convention in CA next month; -Bring needed supplies (toiletries, clothing, FRIENDSHIP) to distribute at the OH convention (or send directly) to those in the path of the storms; -Send postings of support to the home pages of states whose members are affected by the recent devastations Please don't let your support end at the compassion or idea stage. Lend a hand as well. Our strength is in our association and is evidenced by our individual actions. May only warm and gentle winds blow your direction, Melody Obesity Help 1-866-WLS-INFO (957-4636) Other OH contact information can be found at http://www.obesityhelp.com/ContactUs.php

ATTETION ALL WLS STARS [this means you] COME TO HOLLYWOOD AND SHARE YOUR STAR STATUS WITH PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU! Friday Night Live Band Costume Party! Event: "You're the Star!" Costume Ball. Dress like your favorite star or Halloween character. Time: 6:00 PM - Until. Live entertainment, 80's style band. Reception-style foods will be provided. October 29 - 31, 2004 ObesityHelp is sponsoring its second national event of this year. The event will be held at Universal Studios at the beautiful Hilton Hotel. Universal Studios, Hollywood, California Universal Studios Hilton 555 Universal Hollywood Drive Universal City, Ca. 91608 818-506-2500 To get more information about the event and or to register click the link below. http://ohmemberevents.com/losangelesindex.htm

Hi I am lapRNY June 29th 2004, I need to attend Dr. Valentines meeting can you give me the times....If any one out their has them...I have done great and would just like to let them know plus I have dear friend who needs the surgery and would like to come. Thank you to all the support I have had and would just like to let everyone know how great Iam doing I have been very blessed. Thanks again. to all. :fariy: :Hugs:

Hi: Quick question on a sleep study. If I had a pulse oximtery test that indicates that I have sleep apnea. I have not had a sleep study done as it financially expensive for me. How much emphasis does the insurance place on the actual sleep study? Would my pulse oximeter test be enough? I would be crushed if I could not get approved for this surgery. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Sheri