Thanks from Dr L.

Thank you all for coming to Galveston, and thanks to the local support group members who made it out.  You island folk rock, and I know Ike took a lot away but you are still here and rocking on !

I can't express how happy I was with the event .  Everybody put so much time and work into this, and it showed.  Dr. Wilkenfeld already wants to "go again" and I think many really appreciated his candid talk.  I can say he and Tina truly care about their patients and run their practice like a family business.  Everybody learned a lot from Dr Wilson too, and I knw our Miranda is in good hands at his practice for her upcoming TOGA procedure. 

Austin Davis and I are going to expand our outreach to individuals he sees who need the support and resources offered at the meetings, but may not be aware of RYD or OH.  I would love your suggestions on how to also acheive this.

We want to keep the program varied and I tried to select a variety of speakers (in addition to our seasoned faves) that also can contribute to the success of future get togethers.  Again, tell me who you want and what you need to learn about and we will get it done.

I will have a second plastic surgeon too in the near future because I know I'm old hat like Ramon

Our special guest Mr. Robert Moore was very touched by the special way the group came together, and he stayed for a lot of the Saturday talks, and met many of you.  He and I had a deep and spiritual discussion about the things that bind us together as people, and maybe that hints at what made the event so nice.

As you all may know, we have perfected the art of cloning, and there were actually 3 "Yvonnes" at the meeting.   There is no way one person could have been so many places and done so much at once !   As usual, her videos captured the heart and soul of what its all about.

For once, I felt I had enough time to meet and chat with a few of you !  I really wanted to go out after the Friday dinner thing but the group I saw heading out would have run me down.  I'm sure they were just getting warmed up anyway !

Please respond to this post if you have suggestions for future events and email me personally at [email protected] if you want to.  Anything to improve the events is fair game...but please don't ask me to wear a tie.

LOL - you don't even look right with a tie!

Thank YOU for sponsoring this great event. I know how much hard work went into it.

From one who LOI [for non-islanders Lives On the Island] I appreciate having the event so close to home.  I love, love, love the San Luis [you will find me at the H2O bar/cafe poolside in the near future!!]  And what can I say about your sponsorship of the event but THANK YOU!!!!

I learned alot - I got to meet new folks and reconnect with the ones I've met in the past - I went down the slide about a million times and just felt like my batteries are re-charged!

Thank you to Ramon, Yvonne and Debra, Sean and Mazie and all of your staff that helped organize the event for us.

And I love your avatar!!!  Beautiful!!

EDITED TO ADD:
Couple of suggestions:
1.  How about a cooking demo with samples?  The chef at UGH did that for one of the first support group meetings they had and it was a really good meeting.
2.  Instead of a table for Austin, how about a room where we can get a 15-20 min "quick/mimi session" on how to use the different weights, clubs, bands, etc.
3.  Have it in Galveston again [ yeah, I'm a little prejudiced that way!!]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.....for all you and your staff have done for the WLS community !!  I was most impressed because even though you are a doctor - you hung around and were a part of this wonderful conference....you were there to talk to.  Thats usual from a doctor or at least the perception of some doctors.......

My suggestion:  Possible talks about "how to prepare" some foods, lunches, snacks....etc...AFTER WLS - once you are back in the workforce - like 6 months out...that kind of thing.......
How about something about learning to deal with "feelings" of the changes that we go through with body image; and there was something else and I can't remember it...maybe if I remember it I'll mention it............

.but I think that you all did a fantastic job...  I love this WLS community and so glad that everyone here is a part of my family !!  (((((((Huggsss)))))))))) 

Wow, where to begin?  I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for you sponsorship, it means so much to have someone like you in our corner.  For me, the venue was perfect.  I think we should hold it there every year.  If people have enough advance notice, they can save enough to cover the cost.  To me it was a little vacation in paradise along with a conference.

Now what do we "Need" in terms of conference topics?  Here's a few off the top of my head.

1.  Emotional eating

2.  Changes in body image

3.  Dress for success after WLS

4.  Stages of food progression and suggestions for eating properly

5.  Protein samples to try

6.  Cross addictions

7.  Regain-how to prevent it and how to gain control if you do.

8.  Specific break out "chat sessions" for the different types of surgeries.   (for example, all the lapbanders can get together and the sleeves, etc).\

9.  fighting the "carb monster"

Ok, give me some time and I'll come up with more.  One more suggestion-Don't EVER wear a tie...we're not that kind of a group!!

Good ideas...I want a psychologist to address the body image issues because it affects everbody esp those considering PS. 

Spousal and supporter/saboteur issues are also needed and we will work on getting  that addressed.

We asked for some presence from the protein supplement companies but didnt get a great response...anybody who has ideas here I'm open. Miranda called the companies who make stuff I recommend, but they didnt donate any samples or even literature !

I have a former patient who cooks great Italian and loves food...he still cooks and "does it up" real nice after his RNY, and can teach us about  enjoying food in moderation but with flavor.  He, or another professional, will be at our next event and cook some stuff up for us ! 

Breakout sessions that allow the various groups to exchange info with an experienced moderator (i.e. doc, nutritionist, excercise expert) are a great and we will do them...we had 3 sessions this time planned but some scheduling conflicts hindered those.  Yes, I want to see everybody in there with Austin swinging those kettles and clubs !

Keep the ideas coming while they're fresh on your mind !

 

 

 

I'm thinking that this may be more than  1 1/2 days event int he future ?  

Well it depends.  To cover bariatric and plastic surgery, nutrition, excercise, psychology, and get some support leaders up there it takes a full day easy.  To add breakout sessions plan on 2 days.

Some people dont want to stay overnight and want just a one day pop-in pop-out deal, others want the social programs, dinner, meet-N-greet, etc.

This was my virgin voyage for any type WLS conference I must say it rocked!  From the location, to the speakers, to the goodies bags and door prizes.

Thank you so much Dr L, Yvonne, Ramon, Debra, Sean, Monica, etc ...... it was an experience I'll never forget.

Now if MariJo could just get a sub-office in Dallas!  LOL

I have been to numerous WLS Conferences in the past. But, by far this was in the top 3.  The location was to do die for. The speakers, the air was so energetic and lively. I don't know if it was because the weather was perfect or the hotel.. but, it was as informative as it was inspiring for me.
Being 5 1/2 yrs out I would really like to see more discussions on weight regain and thoughts and ideas on how to get back on track. Yes, right now the going craze is WLS. Any kind of wls from lap band, RNY, to the sleeve.  The majority % of  people having their procedure done now have all this information available to them because they are still in the honeymoon phase. Well, that phase will be over before they realize it. They will be sitting the cross road of regain or maintain. It seems like a bigger emphasis is put on the honeymoon phase. I think the industry is going to have to start focusing on what happens on down the road when it's not as easy as it use to be. I think their is a big business out there for this topic and someone somewhere needs to jump on the band wagon to help those people out also.  We want everyone to be succesful at this journey. If it becomes statisticly where patients gain the majority of the weight back and more,... Guess what.?? The insurance companies are going to stop paying for it. That is bad for everyone. Doctors as well as the patients themselves will feel that. Just my two cents.

Special thanks to doctor L, Yvonne, Ramon, Sean, Debra, Miranda and numerous others who were behind the scene.. Thank You