Information & Inspiration @ the Cincy OH event

I never want to forget how terrible life was before I began losing weight.

This weekend, I attended the OH Event in Cincinnati. I stayed at hotels down the street from the event. So I had to walk back and forth. That's something I would have avoided like the plague during the height of my obesity. Walking even that far on arthritic knees and sore ankles in the heat of August would turn that experience into misery for me.

Instead, I woke up bright and early and walked six blocks on a beautiful morning to eat breakfast.



 

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S

Actually I ate breakfast at a place called Firs****ch. I had an egg white omelet with feta cheese, spinach and turkey. They also gave me an English muffin that I used as a prop for the picture.

And on my way back home, I stopped at the Little Miami River Bike Trail. I rode twenty miles and stopped at the town of Loveland, Ohio. And they LOVE cyclists.



 

BICYCLE HEAVEN

The place was loaded with cyclists. Cars actually stopped so bikes could cross the road! I ordered some chicken at a local BBQ joint and they threw in some ribs. I didn't eat the BBQ sauce that was in a separate container. And there was no way I could eat all that food. So I had them put the rest in a box and bag and continued my ride.

But the day wasn't completely rosy.

I stopped to get gasoline and some ice to keep my leftovers from going bad. On my way in to the store, a noticed a girl snickering at me. I'm pretty sure it was because my loose, wrinkly skin was hanging below my bike shorts to my knees. I suppose I still need reminders like that to keep me aware of the "bad old days" of obesity.

But even that incident seems so inconsequential compared to some of the challenges faced by those who attended the OH event this past weekend. In particular was the story of a hearing impaired woman who was told by doctors she may never walk again. Well, this weekend, she not only walked.. She danced! Hers is truly an inspirational story.

The OH event not only provided inspiration, but information as well. I learned about bariatric cooking, food choices, plastic surgery, dealing with food issues.. and even sex after WLS.

I recommend that anyone pre-op or post op should try to attend one.
 

I totally agree! I learned sooo much. I had a great time! I plan on going every time theres one by me.

They move them around year to year...so, you might have to travel a few hours to go to one.  I know I travelled 11 hours by car to get to the Cinci Conference.  Last year there was one near NYC...

So, jus****ch the events page.  After Houston (November) they will be meeting and posting where/when the 2011 conferences are.

I enjoyed the read, thanks so much for sharing. You are a success story, with only 8 pounds to go.  I imagine they will be most difficult of all your loss.  I, for one, am very proud of you and excited for you.  Congratulations.   By the way,  I just can't imagine riding a bike 20 miles, not before or since my surgery. 

I plan to make an annual habit out of it as well. Hoping they return to Ohio, they said it was the largest turnout so far so there is hope.

Thanks so much for sharing!
Glad you had such a great time.
I wish I could have been there, I guess I need to make plans to attend one in the future.
Congrats to you on your success! I think you look great in your biking clothes!
Maria

I had a fantastic time. it was great!!

We really appreciate you sharing this, and hope you enjoyed the Cincy event as much as OH did!  Everyone was so nice and so helpful and wherever they were from, made this a very fun event.  There's nothing like "working" and having fun at the same time! 

Regards,
Kim

Thanks to Kim and the OH staff for putting on another great conference.  : )

You know - I saw you multiple times...but didn't realize who you were until I saw these pics!  I THOUGHT you looked familiar - but the last image I had in my mind was pre-surgery....

You are rocking it out brother!  Congrats!