Join us in Texas as we Celebrate 6 Years of Obesity Help and Support with our First National Convention! What: 2-Day Event for pre and Post-ops. (Families and supporters are welcome too!) Please visit the event website at: http://www.obesityhelp.com/texas2004/ Where: Wyndham Hotel, Arlington Texas. When: May 15 -16th, 2004 Why: For the past 6 years Obesityhelp.com has served the nation with its online support of obesity surgery and obesity resource center. Now, the trusted name in the industry is bringing the resources and help to you through national conventions. Come and be a part of t first national convention May 15 - 16th 2004. How Much: Cost for early registration is $20 each. ($25 at the door) Special "Buddy Ticket" $30 [Bring a friend and save $5.00 per person!] To take our event survey click here: http://www.obesityhelpevents.com/surveyform.php To register now click here: https://www.obesityhelp.com/SecurePayment/PatientRegistration.php Special Needs: ObesityHelp understands that some individuals may require special assistance. Please contact our Convention Manger at 866-WLS-INFO Fun things to do: Meet the founders of ObesityHelp.com. Socialize with peers. Convention is just 1 mile from Six Flags over Texas. WLS Fashion Show. Clinical information talks. Free door prizes. Show off your before and after photos. Help with printing your WLS Success cards. Help with getting your photos on the web. Discounts on ObesityHelp store items (books, t-shirts, magazines, etc..). Group photos. Free samples of nutritional products. WLS Luau party pool-side. Pictures and information on the gathering will be featured in the OH Magazine and the website. What to bring: + You're before photos + You're after photos + Your camera + Extra money for food. ObesityHelp has special fare rates available with the American Airlines. Anyone attending the May 15 - 16, 2004 conference should book airline tickets with American Airlines Group Reservation Department at: 800-433-1790 Please use meeting code: S8454AV Booking directly with American Airlines guarantees you the following: 5% discount on lowest possible fair. (Less than 30 days booking notice) 10% discount on lowest possible fair. (31 days advance.) 10% discount on lowest possible fair. (Upgraded seating -Business class, First etc) Hotel accommodations available at the Wyndham Hotel, Arlington. To make a reservation call: 1-817-261-8200 Please reserve your room under "Obesityhelp.com May Event" Room cost $99.00 includes free shuttle to and from the airport. The hotel is located immediately adjacent to the Arlington Convention Center. No need to travel far. Free local travel with 3-mile radius of the hotel. No need to rent a car! And now for the best part Six Flags over Texas is a mere 1-mile away meaning you can never get bored! (Free shuttle service included to Six Flags!) For more information about this or other events in your area please call 1-866-WLS-INFO. Please choose the 'events' when prompted for a voice-mail box. Sincerely, Bo McCoy Obesityhelp.com Outreach Department. [email protected] Can't make this event? But, you would like to know more about events in your area and or volunteer to help start an event in your? Please visit our survey form at this URL. http://www.obesityhelpevents.com/surveyform.php --------------------------------------- NOTE : We are ALSO hosting an educational seminar for bariatric professionals right across the way from our patient event. If you are in touch with your surgeon's office or any other bariatric professionals, we urge you to educate them about this resource. Please check out http://'www.obesityhelpevents.com and bring the information there to your surgeons attention. Thanks! ---------------------------------------

Righ-On Don't worry we are praying for you and wish you the best Keep positive thoughts and you can make it through this. Suzie-Q

My Mom's surgery is over and she is doing fine. It is 1-week after and she has lost 6lbs, but her legs have swollen up and the Dr. thinks that it is from the surgery and its water retention. They told her to double up on her pills for the water retention. I hope that it works because she is really excited to get up and go for a walk. We wanted to go to the support group meeting in Boise, but she couldn't walk so we hope that we can make another one soon. Suzie-Q

Does anyone know about the law that says if you have two insurance companies and one doesn't cover WLS but the other one does then both still pay? I heard this somewhere and now I can't remember where to see if it really is true. I have been denied by my current insurance company and am starting a new job on Monday the 22nd with a company that does cover the WLS. I am hoping my original insurance co. will have to pay part of the bill. Should I consider my new insurance as my primary or secondary? Any help would be appreciated !!! Thanks, Kari

I am Valerie and I am writing a book about WLS as it relates to the Black perspective. I am seeking persons interested in having their before and after pictures (or just before or just after) featured in my book. The book will be a wonderful tool for educating others about this surgery. Some of the topics discussed include: Barriers to Surgery, Co morbidities Prevalent in the Black Community and also has a cookbook section which converts recipes for some soul food favorites into something post-ops and those seeking to eat healthier can eat. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my project. VAL