I am going to stop here every once in a while and do a SD check in. My name is Becky. I am preop. I have my gall bladder US and H. Pylori tomorrow. I hope to meet with my surgeon and schedule before the end of the year! Blessings~ Becky

ObesityHelp has been working hard for months to build a better web site for you. Since we're starting to make changes that will affect you more and more, it's time we gave you some information about where we're going.

Our next major step is a change in our basic login procedure (will be effective very soon), a procedure that's been in place for a long time and that all of you have been used to. We need to change it to make way for some of the most asked for changes of all, the ability for you to CHOOSE how you are identified publicly on the site. A planned feature of the system is that ability for you to select to identify yourself by your real name or by a username. To get there, our first step is to change the login to create a username for everyone. At first, except for the login, nothing else will change, but as we make more changes to our system, eventually, you will be able to choose how you are identified (real name or user name). For now, we need to take the first step, creating user names.

When you come to a member section of the site, you will be prompted to create a username if you don't already have one. Please take a moment to think it through and pick one you'll be happy with because this user name can only be chosen once. It will be permanently associated with your membership account once you've chosen it. Names must also be unique, so if you ask for 'Amy', you'll likely find it already gone ... but I won't have it ... someone else already has it. First names are probably a bad choice. Some people pick things like first initials and last names, that works, but remember, this is for the long term. We'll also not allow you to choose some names because of their offensive nature. Usernames are assigned on a first come, first served basis, so choose well and choose early. It's important.

When you go to login, click the link for "don't have username" and you'll be prompted for your first and last name. Set your username, and from that point on, you'll be able to use the username to login. Eventually, you'll be able to use it to identify you throughout the site if you wish. This is one of many steps we're going to be taking over the next several months and we'll do our best to cut you in as we change things, but work is going fast and we're getting ready for some major moves, so keep an eye out for new and exciting changes.


Here's some directions to help with the new log in:
Please try this:



Go here: http://www.obesityhelp.com/login
Locate the box that says "Already a member?"
Locate the text that says "I am a member, but don't have a username. Click Here" and click on that link.
You will then be prompted to enter in your First Name, Last Name, and Password. These areas would be the current log in information that you have been using.
You will then also be prompted to enter in a User Name. This is the new part and will be unique to you. So please select the User Name that you would like to have associate with your account. Tip - Your User Name should be what you would want the public to see associated with your account
Then click the button that says "Create Username".


You will then need to sign in with your newly made Username and Password, instead of your First Name, Last Name, Password that you used to log in with.

We are working as quickly as possible to fix any of the issues with being able to log in. If you have emailed in for help we will get to you as soon as possible.

We are sorry for the inconvenience,

Amy Williams
Member Services

The Allison Bottke Book Contest is over!

Thanks to everyone who entered... we were thrilled that so many of you were interested in the books.

Look for more from Allison Bottke in future issues of OH Magazine. We have quite a few surprises in store!

OH Magazine wishes to congratulate our contest winners! Each of them will be receiveing 11 of Allison's Inspirational books.

Mary M. from Tenessee
&
Norma B. from Texas
(We will be contacting you individually to let you know when to expect the books.)


Please watch for more contests and giveaways in the coming weeks and months by visiting http://www.oh-magazine.com/contest.php

Best,

Nikki Johnson

Have you gotten your ticket yet for the West Coast National Event?
We are getting so excited here with all of the speakers and vendors; it is going to be a full house. Do not miss this West Coast National on Dec., 2, 3 and 4 in Costa Mesa - California. We have members flying in from all over the US and the world. We have members coming from England, Canada, and Mexico and as far away as Australia. - So this years convention is turning into an International Experience. Don't be left out ---
For more information -

http://www.obesityhelpevents.com/december2005-california.html

Here are just a few of our speakers:

Colista Lich
Expanding Your heart as you shrink your body
Dr. Scott Boliver, Ph.D.
See past video clip
Men's Issue Group
Lifestyle Changes for Lifelong Success
Head Hunger - A cognitive Behavior perspective
Susan Bredhoff, MTF, MS
Stop Eating your Stress
Kimberly Do, R.N.
Getting pass the carb-cycle
Gaining Weight after gastric bypass surgery
Dr. Monica Ganz, Ph.D
More Info
See past video clip
Learning to Think Thin
How to accept the NEW YOU and who you have become!
Support Group Leaders Only More Ideas and fun things too!
Over 50 and feeling better then ever...
Hey Mom - you were not the only one going through these changes! (with daughter Nikki Ganz)
Toni Lloyd, Chapter Leader
Life in the Fat Lane
Richard Lebby
Spouse or support person issues group
Sharon Lindsey
More Info
Anorexia - the danger signs and results
Kevin Lawerence
Not all Proteins are the same
Gary Viscio, Esq.
Getting your insurance company to cover your bypass and your plastic surgery.
Dr. Leslie Seppinni, MFT, Psy.D.
How to handle the emotional roller coaster effects
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD
More Info
See past video clip
Total Body Sculpturing after massive weight loss

Dr. Alan Forrest, DC
Taking care of your muscles and bones during and after weight loss
Kim Delamont, NP
Success is up to you
Margie Martin, M.S., MFT
Help I can't stop eating my emotional eating is coming back...
Virginia Alexander
Going from ordinary to extraordinary
Karen Donaldson, MS
Strength Training for Real People
Barbara Thompson
More Info
Pushing past those post-op perils

Dr. Jacqueline Jacques, ND
Nutritional issues for WLS and for life
The ABC's of your Vitamins
William "Big Willy" Elijah
See him in OH Magazine Order Issue
Attitude Sessions
Lori Ridgeway-Cochrane
More Info
Bariatric Behavior - Rules of the Road for long term success
Goal Setting Workshop
Laurel Mellin, M.A., R.D
The Solution Plan
Lee List, Chapter Leader
Lifestyles of the not fat, not rich, by very famous...Is that You?
Xina
More Info
Resolutions for a Lifetime
Syze Esteem - The 7 Day Mental Diet for Better Body and Self Image
Dr. Glenn Marshak, M.D
More Info
Results of a new study - that may help all obese people

Dr. Dennis Hurwitz, M.D.
More Info Order his book
Can you benefit from Total Body Lift surgery?
Loraine May
To be announced
Lauralyn Bellamy, M.A., Mdiv
Embody Success
Are you being penny wise and pound-foolish?
Jan Williamson
Author of "Bariatric Support: Crossing Over to a New You"
Valerie Campbell
Recipe Adaptation - Learn how to adapt your favorite recipes to your bariatric diet, without compromising tastes and keeping with the low-carb, low-fat craze.In this class, you will review the rules of the pouch and learn how prepare foods you love using healthy ingredients and various spices and herbs.
A Closer Look At Childhood Obesity - Now that WLS patients are well on their way to a healthier, happier life, " What about my children" is a resounding theme in the WLS world. In this session, learn how to apply the principles of your new lifestyle change, to your children's daily diets.You will learn of alarming statistics related to childhood and adolescent obesity and you leave the session knowing what to do to change it.


Calling all Disneyland Fans - all Mickey Mouse fanatics - all want a be Princesses or Peter Pans - We are all going to Disneyland on a Scavenger Hunt as part of the West Coast National Convention. Those who want to participate either on Thursday, December 1 or Friday, December 2, before the event starts. We have the hunt all set up for you with prizes for the winners. The winners to be announced Saturday night at the party and prizes awarded.

If you want to enter into the Disneyland Scavenger Hunt you must either post here or e-mail me so we have a puzzle packet ready for you at the hotel. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. This is going to be a lot of fun and a great way to get to know your other WLS friends from all over the boards.

So let me know if you want to take part in our Disneyland Scavenger Hunt - and let's all whistle while we work and go visit the New Haunted Mansion and the New Space Mountain. Let's Celebrate Disneyland's 50th Anniversary year with Mickey and his friends.

Hope to see you there!
Mickey Mouse and Monica