Long RP Newbies PostOps PreOps Graduates thoseSEEKING info WHY u should attend OH...

This is for ANYONE who is thinking, wondering and/or if they are "scared" or "nervous" about attending the OH Conference in Dallas Sept. 25-26.
     I have been a member of OH since 2001.  I was a BIG time lurker for several years.  While I was happy to read about EVERYONE's success, I still couldn't help but feel sad because I had NO idea when I was going to be given this "FREEDOM" from obesity.  While on the boards, I felt like the child that gets chosen last for a team or, on the "outside looking in".  I would cry myself to sleep, PRAYING that a miracle would happen and somehow I would get surgery. I had just about given up on this board when at the end of 2006, Debra F. pm'd me and introduced herself and we became friends.              

     I had been in contact with Debra for several months and she asked me if I was going to the Austin conference.  I told her I was not sure and she lectured me and gave me reasons why I should attend.  Well, I said YES I was going to come to the conference in Austin, June 2007. And then wks before it, my insecurities took hold of me and 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 encouragement and patience...I said YES again.  I remember being in the parking lot in Austin and thinking to myself, “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 waaay in the back where NO ONE will notice me."  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.  I recognized people!  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. 

     I ended up having such a great time, met so many awesome people and was so glad I had attended, that when I heard about the next OH conference, sponsored by NIX MEDICAL CENTER in SA (cha ch$ng! lol j/k), I just knew I would have to go again.  The Austin conference had left such an impression on me I didn't want to miss out what was in store for the SA conference.  And well, those on here and that were at the conference, they know "the rest of the story…"

     I made lifelong friends, learned valuable information, got an awesome goodie bag, met fabulous vendors, got to hear GREAT speakers AND look at handsome Doctors. lol

PLEASE! PLEASE! Anyone who has ANY doubt or nerves or feels they wouldn't “fit in" PLEASE join us in Dallas.  I PROMISE you will not regret going.  You can pm me if you have any questions.  

I look forward to seeing YOU and my OH friends in Dallas!

Besos y Abrazos
Monica