ObesityHelp is coming to San Diego on July 28th! Dubbed by many as "the only area in the U.S. with perfect weather," San Diego is the oldest port on the West Coast and the sixth-largest city in the nation. Long known as a naval base, the military—along with tourism—still dominates the economy. In addition to rolling mountains, beautiful deserts, and seventy miles of coastline featuring some of the world's best beaches, San Diego offers a wealth of attractions such as Sea World, Wild Animal Park, and the San Diego Zoo. Art lovers can choose from many fine museums or catch a Shakespearean play at the Old Globe Theater. With more championship golf courses than any other U.S. city—over 85—linksters will have no problem teeing off. The city also hosts the NFL's Chargers and Major League Baseball's Padres.  Speakers / Topics Event Sponsor: J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS - "Plastic Surgery After Weight-Loss"

Dr. J. Timothy Katzen addresses the fundamental concerns that come with massive weight loss. Studies show that in the first two years following successful bariatric surgery, a patient will lose an average of two-thirds to three-quarters of their excess weight. Oftentimes, when a patient loses such a substantial amount of weight in a short period of time, the outer skin doesn't retain the elastic qualities needed to "shrink back down" to the body's new shape. This can leave patients with excessive amounts of hanging skin that create problems, such as daily hygiene and finding the right clothing. Dr. Katzen has made post-bariatric plastic surgery an integral part of his practice. By performing one or more body-sculpting procedures, Dr. Katzen removes these excess folds of skin, revealing a new shape that was once hidden. He will discuss the various procedures that can reshape and tighten the skin in many areas of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, legs, arms, breasts and face.

Dr. Katzen will be giving FREE onsite consultations.

Speaker: Seth Margolies -"Being The Best You Can Be After Surgery"

Seth had gastric bypass surgery in September 2003 after struggling with his weight for many years. When he topped out at 406 pounds, he realized his life would be cut short unless he made some drastic changes to improve his health and well being. After having surgery, Seth lost over one hundred pounds in one hundred days and in ten months dropped over hundred and ninety pounds and went from a size fifty-eight pants to a thirty-three.

Hear his inspirational story from being barely able to walk, to biking across the country! Seth biked 3,219 miles across the country in 54 days to promote a healthy lifestyle during his “Get Fit America” ride.

"I have dedicated the last nine months to fighting my own obesity and I promise that whatever months I have left on this planet I will continue fighting my disease but also help others fight theirs. I make myself available to anyone and everyone who has questions about this topic. I am not an expert, just a schmuck from Long Island who has been through it and has a unique and valid perspective on the topic. I hope in the coming months to continue writing and let you know of my trials and tribulations." Speaker Kathy Nickerson, PhD - "Helping Your Relationships Thrive Before, During, And After WLS"

Almost all of your close relationships will change substantially as dramatic weight loss occurs. While your weight loss will affect all relationships, your marriage or partnership is likely to change the most. You and your partner can prepare for the change and have an even better relationship as a result! One thing seems to be true of how most marriages change with WLS: the surgery intensifies the state of the relationship. If your marriage is a strong one, it is likely to stay strong – as long as you prepare, talk openly and honestly about your wants, needs, and expectations of the relationship. As you change, your relationship needs to adapt – the secrets to a strong and loving relationship are talking and listening. Join us to hear Dr. Kathy Nickerson as she shares the secrets to keeping your relationship healthy and strong before, during, and after WLS.

Dr. Kathy Nickerson is an expert counselor who helps couples and families improve and strengthen their relationships.

Kathy is an accomplished writer with a passion for teaching people how to live their best lives. Most recently, Kathy's work has been featured in the LA Times, OC Register, Parenting Magazine, DAWN Magazine, and Bariatrics Today. Her first book, Speaking Up: How to Help Children who Live in Abusive Homes, is used in classrooms throughout the country to teach professionals how to recognize and report child abuse. Her next book, Be Your Own Shrink: 10 Key Strategies to Keep You Happy and Healthy, will be released later this year.

As a highly qualified and dynamic public speaker who enjoys sharing her knowledge with others, Kathy has spoken at over 150 local and national conferences. These conferences include the Family Violence Conference,the Sexual Assault Institute's International Family Violence Conference, and the Violence in the World of our Youth Conference. Kathy's dynamic and vibrant style makes her a favorite with local television programs and national call-in radio shows, including KFI, KOCE, WNYC, and WBGO.

Many of her Kathy's materials, including audio recordings of the how-to questions she is most frequently asked, are available at no cost on her website: www.DrKathyNickerson.com.

Kathy would love to hear from you and she may be reached at 949.222.6688 or via email to [email protected]. Speaker Joanna R. Fee, CPT - "Tuesday Is Not Cheesecake Day - Tips & Strategies To Lose Weight And Keep It Off"

In this humorous and motivational discussion, Joanna will share practical strategies with you to help you reach and maintain your weight loss goals, including:

-Tuesday is not cheesecake day - save special foods for special occasions -Living in the foreign land of Skinnyville - it's going to feel foreign until it feels comfortable -Vacuuming is exercise - everyday tasks can add up to a lot of healthy exercise -M&Ms are not Xanax - managing your moods without food -No one is born a "Tofu kind of person" - be open to changing your diet and trying new things

Joanna Fee is an expert counselor who teaches people how to lose weight and keep it off - without feeling deprived! After struggling with being heavy her whole life, Joanna lost 75 pounds and gained a new outlook on life. Her experience led her to become a health and wellness coach, as well as a certified personal trainer, where she mastered the skills and tools needed to lead a healthy and balanced life. She now enjoys sharing these practices with others in her private practice and on her website: www.everydayweightloss.com.

Event Information  Date: July 28th Time: 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Location: Doubletree Hotel San Diego/Del Mar 11915 El Camino Real San Diego, CA 1-858-481-5900  Click here for details