What to expect! RYD Event with Dr. L

We call Dr. LoManoco Dr. L a lot because some people never learn to spell his name!  Someone asked me about what a breakout session was so I wanted to let everyone know if you haven't attended events like this.  We will have a "meet and greet" get together on Friday where there will be food etc and we are in a room and we do just that! Meet and greet.  There will be a better follow up of this with a schedule as soon as we can do it but I wanted to give some info out now.  Saturday we will all be in the same room and have some speakers like Dr. L and Ramon and myself or whoever and then at some point we will have what we call breakout sessions where we have more than one thing going on at a time.  Since there are so many spouses coming, I will be getting with Ramon and Debra about a breakout session for WLS spouses.  We may have a plastic surgery breakout at the same time as something that would be more to your liking if you don't need  or want to go to a plastic surgery session.  I hope to do one about exercise and relearning how to move after weight loss.  We will have question and answer sessions.  I can't tell you how much difference these type of events make in your journey.  I want to quote Gina on a post she added to the thread about my surgiversary about that very thing.  Gina I assume since you posted it, it's OK to share this. Being somewhat of an "old timer", myself, I have seen so many people come and go on OH thru the past many years. YOU have been a constant, and I am so thankful for that. I'm sure you have no reason to remember, but you encouraged me to come to the OH conv this past Sept, as I was finally getting on track with losing a SIXTY POUND REGAIN, having never gotten to goal, in the first place. That weekend was such a help-just hanging with my peeps, etc....I can proudly proclaim, that, as of today, I am approx 2 lbs shy of losing ALL the regain..my "goal" was to have it gone by my surgiversary of April 22nd.. This has definitely been my experience every time I go to an event.  I come away rejuvenated and motivated.  Of course we will have a big time Saturday night as well.  Please...if you are on the fence...ask questions or just take a chance and come.  Please don't be afraid to come alone because I promise we will not let you be alone.  Like I said before, this is the time to come and be safe and loved.  We will welcome you will open arms and you get to wear what you want without being judged by others.  It is also good for you to pass on your experience and ask questions of others that have gone before you.  If you have any questions about what happens at events, please ask.  If you have an experience you'd like to share from a past event, please share it here so that others will know that they shouldn't miss this!  I promise you will be entertained and educated at the same time.  If this one works, we can do them even better the next time.  Pass the word to other support groups and to your doctor's offices please.  I will have a flyer available in the next day to share.  Thanks so much and this will be more fun that you can imagine.   hugs, Y

YVONNE-nope-don't mind at all-I meant every word of it. SUPPORT goes furhter than ANYTHING we can do post op. That was the thing we just did not have "back in the old days". Newbies are sooooooooooo fortunate in that respect. I thank God every day for Eric Klein and his vision of OH. I had OH pre op, etc, but it was nothing like it is today.

Folks, if you are scared/shy about walking into an event such as this conf-call ME-I'll meet you in the parking lot and walk in with you. I am still 40 ppounds from "goal"-NOT SKINNY-you will be very comfortable standing next to me..lol...and I have some FABULOUS FRIENDS I'd love to introduce you to.

Gina AKA Nurse Diva (and still have my Diva shirt from the 04 conv to prove it!)

oh me too!!!! Can PM anyone my cell, call me from the parking lot of any event Im at.. Be more than happy to come fetch you.. and introduce you to anyone and everyone there.  Well me being so shy and all lol.   Dont ever be too scared/shy to come in.. NO MATTER WHERE IN THE JOURNEY YOU ARE!!!!!!.  there is always SOMEONE at the same place you are.. or has BEEN where you are... and like My girl Gina.. i have the same FABULOUS FRIENDS... that will take you under their wing and you wont be a newbie for more than 5 seconds! lol.   oh.. but be prepared to get the stuffin hugged outta ya :) Liz lemme edit this to be clear that this offer extends to ANY 'event'.. whether it be an impromtu at Starbucks, or EROS hehehe or whereever we are.  Of if im not there and you call me.. gimme a few minutes and i will call SOMEONE who is there to go fetch you from the parking lot. You do NOT have to go in alone.. trust me!!! :) Right yall???

thanks so much liz... i know how scary it is for the newbies to come to these type of events... hell anyone for that matter... but after their first time believe me they will want to know when the next one is....  they are all so much fun and educational and you get to meet those that you email with or post to all the time... its one big family....

its the least i can do.. to walk someone in! yall are doing the hard stuffs!!!

I am so excited about coming. Made my reservations this morning. Thanks for the info on the break away sessions had no idea what they were. Hopefully hubby enjoys himself. I know I will.  Cant wait to meet everyone. SEE Y'ALL SOON!!

Oh me! Me!! I am PROOF about being shy and coming alone to a conference. I had been in contact with Debra for several months and said YES I was going to come to the conference In Austin, June 2007, then wks before it, I got "scared" and said NO!  How can I go ALONE?  OMG...I was mortified...who would I "hang" out with, who would I talk to? Who would talk to me?   With Debra's encourgment and calmness...I said YES again.  I remember being in the parking lot and thinking I hope I look ok, I hope my breath doesn't smell and if no one talks to me, I will just smile and sit waay in the back.  I went into the hotel and as I take a few steps, I hear someone call my name,  it was Tracy, Gina Debra and Ramon having breakfast.  I gave a big sigh of relief and went to them.  Right away Debra made me feel at ease, took me into the room introduced me to Ms. Ann Harlan and sat me down.  Ann immediately started speaking to me and made me feel very welcome and comfortable.  And  those on here, well, they know "the rest of the story".....I am soo glad I went.  I made lifelong friends, learned valuable information, got to hear great speakers and look at handsome Doctors. lol PLEASE PLEASE anyone who has ANY doubt,,,just GO.  I PROMISE you will not regret going. Hugs to all, Monica

MONICA-Nobody could have said it better-and look at you NOW, girl!!!! Btw-made my hotel ressies a few minutes ago-hotel tax way cheaper than in Arlington-no new football stadium to pay for in Dallas..lol !!

theres my girl... i was hoping you would post to this one.... you said it so well....  cant wait to see you girlie....

MY GIRL!!!! now are you soooooooooo glad you went to SA with all us crazy folks!!! Im so glad you did coz i got to meet ya!!!!! and we had soooooooooo much fun!!!!! You are doing so well with your journey.. im so proud of you! cannot WAIT to see you again!!!!! love to all! Liz