In my opinion it, was filled with everything I anticipated, and of course, offered a few surprises. You, my LIPO family, made it a most memorable weekend. I was thankful for each of you attending and participating when and where your comfort level allowed. I have so many “memorable moments", times I never want to forget, that I am grateful for all the photos. I want to be able to recall the faces and expressions of you that “strutted your new you" down the runway. It made me proud to see members of our LIPOian family “pay if forward" by helping the OH team organize and execute the entire event; Ivy working at the registration table, Gina stuffing name tag holders, Giovanna stocking the main room tables and so much more. Thank you for helping make OH glad to visit LIPO Nation!

As Frank and I stood before you to present ourselves Saturday afternoon, I could not help but feel the pressure, the desire to do well. On one hand I was especially nervous knowing that, of the 150 plus attendees, so many of you were in the audience that I care about deeply, I had to do well. I wanted the words to flow so that you could feel our support and depth of caring we feel for each of you. On the other hand, I wanted to allow the others to know that we are a tightly knit group of LIPOians that support each other through holistic mutual motivation.  The subsequent positive feedback leads me to believe that we were heard. Thank You.

The costume party gave us an opportunity to relax and mingle; giving me the opportunity to feel the fun you were having, to meet some wonderful new friends, and visit with past acquaintances. Once again the photos will help me remember those moments. A thought kept going through my mind though, that although many dressed in different costumes, for many, this weekend was a public presentation of our new “physical costume", which our surgery has allowed us to have. All the hard work after surgery continues to give us the benefit of healthier bodies and we must commit daily to maintain our new lifestyle.

Another, very important, component of the conference was education. Even though this was my fifth OH conference I am always open to learn new information and look forward to sharing those knowledge nuggets at our next support group meetings. The other informational seed I harvested, while seated as member of the Q&A panel, was the ABSOLUTE necessity to continue to reinforce oft ignored “facts". Two come to mind as I write this:

1. Regain is expected! Mostly with the by-pass procedure, MOST patients regain 10-15% of the weight lost after reaching our lowest weight. Like most that I speak with, I am going to fight my hardest to be in the small minority and not regain; however, I refuse to feel that I am loser if I don’t. It is fact: Regain is medically expected.

2. Daily vitamin supplementation is a lifelong commitment. Regular blood work analysis is a requirement so that adjustments can be made. We must identify our deficiencies and adjust our supplements accordingly. Typically iron deficiency doesn’t become an issue before 30 months post-op or later. By this time, the honeymoon period is over and we may have become complacent. Have a complete Bariatric blood work-up at least once per year, for the rest of your life.

“Sexy in the City" was a great and memorable experience and I repeat my heartfelt gratitude to Obesity Help for sponsoring this event, inviting me to represent LIPO as a motivational speaker and panel member; but most of all, I thank my LIPO family for joining me to create these “never to be forgotten" memories.

(((HUGS)))

Maryellen