If you're like me, you've spent a great deal of time sending positive thoughts and perhaps prayer to those who live in the path of the recent hurricanes and tornadoes that have been hammering the South over the past several weeks. Like me, you may also be thinking, "What can I do to help? How can I provide support to those in need?" Well, AMOS folks are great at giving online support; we send words of greeting and encouragement to those who still have internet access or the means to communicate with us in some other way. But surely, for every person in those states *****aches out to us, there are many more behind them who are suffering in silence (at least to our ears and eyes). What can we do? I am not sure, but I am willing to bet that my AMOS friends are asking themselves this very question. So, perhaps we can put our heads together and come up with a plan.... I'll contribute a few of my early-morning brainstorms. Please add to the list. But don't stop there; providing your ideas doesn't make them happen. Please get in touch with your local support groups, network with support leaders in states affected by the storm, and communicate with ObesityHelp your good ideas and plans. Let's put our heads and hands together, to provide support to our AMOS friends in need! Ideas that we can put into action, individually or with others in our support groups and/or with AMOS friends from our own state: -Gather together and provide scholarship money to send selected chapter or local support group leaders to the OH convention in CA next month; -Bring needed supplies (toiletries, clothing, FRIENDSHIP) to distribute at the OH convention (or send directly) to those in the path of the storms; -Send postings of support to the home pages of states whose members are affected by the recent devastations Please don't let your support end at the compassion or idea stage. Lend a hand as well. Our strength is in our association and is evidenced by our individual actions. May only warm and gentle winds blow your direction, Melody Obesity Help 1-866-WLS-INFO (957-4636) Other OH contact information can be found at http://www.obesityhelp.com/ContactUs.php

Hello to all my friends. I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who senT me messages during my recent plastic surgery. I am still in recovery and dealing with post-surgical issues but, I wanted everyone to know that I truly appreciate the love and support during this time. I had so many emails that I wanted to say thank you to everyone but, my work time on the computer being limited I choice to thank everyone 'en masse'. I am truly thankful for your words of support. I am sending a special thanks to Lance, Rocke, and Caroline for coming to the house and helping me. Rocke has been by several times and has done a tremendous job of helping me. ROCKE,LANCE, CAROLINE --THANKS A MILLION. Also want to thank John Archbold who is Sales Rep for OH who came by and brought me juice! --YOU RULE JOHN. Also want to thank Larry Irvine for bringing my chair to sit in. --OWE YOU A SAM? Also want to thank Dr. Katzen's office who have been FANTASTIC! --I CAN'T GET OVER HOW MUCH LOVE I FELT FROM THE STAFF...AMAZING. Last but, certainly not least I want to thank Cheryl for flying out to California to be with me during surgery. I am OVERWHELMED BY YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT. :-) Thank you all for your care and support!

Greeting from Hollywood - We are so excited - it is official - We are having this year National Convention at the Universal Hollywood Hilton Hotel, October 29-31, 2004. This famous hotel sits on top of the hills overlooking Hollywood, a perfect site for us shrinking " Movie Stars". We start on Friday night, October 29 with a Masquerade Ball. So dig out and dust off that Mae West and Superman Costume, we are going to be having a ball with our entire WLS friends old and new. Come and meet the entire ObesityHelp staff. Saturday, September 30 - is going to be full of choices. During the break out sessions you will have all variety of different classes choice from that fit your needs. Here are just some of the class titles: § Cooking on the Run § How to Think Like a Thin Person § Men's WLS only class § WLS Female only class § A Spouse or Support Person(s) class § Exercise and Fitness Class § Relaxation and Massage Techniques § Body Image Class § Ask the Nutritionist § A visit with the Bariatric Surgeon § Need Plastics? § Depression - There is a way out~ § Oldie and Moldies class -Plus 1+ year post op § Post-operative care for muscles and bones § Introduction to gastric bypass surgery § Boundary Issues § A life without SCALES - § Post-operative care for gastric bypass patients § The Positive Power of Affirmations Make sure to bring a friend so you can split up and attend more classes then share what you have learned with one another. The more the merrier! I will be telling a little about each of the classes, as we get closer. I have a big surprise for everyone (if you are a volunteer - Please do not tell).... But you will love it... Saturday night is reserved just for you! You will have time on your own to visit with friends, check out "City Walk" they have so much to see, do, visit, and of course to eat and drink. Preview it at: http://www.citywalkhollywood.com/ Sunday we have a special Fashion Show, staring your friend from the boards. More about Sunday latter...We will be done by 2:00 PM so you will have time to Trick or Treat with your families. Treat yourself to a wonderful weekend with your friends here at Obesity Help! Just wanted you to know a little bit. More information to come soon! So check the boards' everyday to see what is going on. Mark your calendar now and start making plans. We have and we are so excited to be able to meet all of you. To register go to: http://ohmemberevents.com/oct.htm It's a Lifestyle! Monica Ganz, Ph.D. Support Group Specialist [email protected] 866 957-4635 x 385

National ObesityHelp Conference Los Angeles ObesityHelp is pleased to announce its 2nd National Conference of 2004. This special event will be held October 29 - 31, Universal City, Hollywood, California; At the Hilton Universal Hotel. Theme for the event: "Come to Hollywood and be a Star!" To get more information about the 2nd national event please visit the events website. http://ohmemberevents.com/oct.htm Do you have a new life?Or want one?Come to our Los Angeles Convention and enjoy classes designed for the New You! The first step to the new YOU: is weight lose surgery and now that you are losing the weight, what's next? If you are still considering surgery or if you are in the approval process, our break out sessions are designed to give you the information and hope to help you as you prepare for the new you! Your second step to the new YOU: Learning "HOW TO THINK LIKE A THIN PERSON" Have you ever wondered how the other side thinks? Well come and learn their secrets as we unravel their hidden truths together - You will walk out of this class in amazement on how simple it really is and you can now say "I understand now..." The third step to the new YOU: is to visit our "THE NEW YOU ROOM" Here you will get the chance to try all kinds of new things, to add to the new you look. So make sure you come to the National Convention, October 29 -31, 2004. You don't want to miss this special national event To see pictures of our first national event click here: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/TexasSupportGroup/ Read reviews of the Texas event:· "The most wonderful thing of it all was that perhaps for the first time, I truly felt accepted... and what a wonderful feeling that was: to be allowed to play among the stars." · "I had a great time with you... I feel like I have met so many new friends... you guys are great." · "Thank you all for letting me be ME!" For more information about this or any other event Please contact me at 866-957-4626 ext. 385 It's a Lifstyle! Monica Ganz, Ph.D.

Come Join this informative chat and ask the doc all your pre op and post op questions. Thanks, Larry Irvin Member Services Manager