Bariatric Convention in Lancaster, PA
I just got this email today and I just reserved my room....finally, a local convention for bariatric patients. I hope NJ can be well represented - there's lots to do out in Lancaster, especially outlet shopping! Remember we can share rooms and food. Here are the details:
OK Gang,
It's the email/post you've all been waiting for.
The plans have been made and the dates have been set. Your PA Pilgrimage Planning Committee has exhausted all possibilities and want to present you with a weekend to be enjoyed by all. There's alot of info and requests here so please peruse it with care. Thanks Everyone and I hope to see ya there!
What is it? It's The 2008 Spring PA Pilgrimage.
What's the PA Pilgrimage? The PA Pilgrimage is a 3 day weekend event. It's a retreat for weight loss surgery patients of all types and stages. It's for pre-ops, it's for post-ops, it's for patients and their spouses, friends and supporters. As well as anyone who is weight-challenged whether they opt for a surgical solution or not.. Most of all it's a chance for us to get together and share what we know, learn what's new, listen to the experienced, spend time with health professionals in the field, learn to expand our lives and grow like we never dreamed of before, and have a great time doing all of this together. The event has blossomed from it's infant beginnings in June of 2006. Shauna Dhoble (shaunainharleysville on OH) is the founder of the event. It was her original idea to get members from the Obesity Help Pennsylvania message forum together in one place to meet and share their journeys together. Offer support, education, knowledge and learn to navigate the challenges we all face as bariatric patients. It's a huge opportunity for sharing so much and we all benefit greatly. Everytime.
When is it? May 30, 31 and June 1, 2008. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Where is it? In Lancaster, Pennsylvania at the Quality Inn located at 2250 Lincoln Hwy., Lancaster, PA 17602. 717-393-5499, Fax 717-283-0361. www.choicehotels.com/hotel/pa370 .
Who's invited? Everyone - All pre-op and post-op WLS (weight loss surgery) patients, their spouses, their support crew, all those that have helped you get through. All are welcome to share in this weekend regardless of where you had your procedure or the kind of procedure. Lap-Banders, DS'ers, RNY'ers, fobi pouchers, etc. whatever procedure you had or are planning to have, you are welcome. If you are not sure about surgery or have chosen not to have surgery but still want to hang with us for friendship, fun and some good info, well you're welcome to join us for the weekend.
Why do you have it? It was started to give all members of the Obesity Help Pennsylvania Forum (and surrounding state's forums) a chance to meet and share in support, knowledge, growth and have fun as a group. The event has grown in two years and everyone benefits greatly.
What's the cost ?: Everyone is responsible for their own expenses.
Your travel (once you're there, everything is very close and there will be little or no driving).
Your lodging (Quality Inn, $79/night). Call starting today. 717-393-5499, mention you're a PA Pilgrimage attendee to get that rate.
Your meals and incidentals. Many local restaurants are all in the area, plenty to choose from.
PA Pilgrimage Fee? Yes for the very first time we will ask for a fee this time to not only cover costs for many of the materials we distribute but also to cover our largest shared cost. The use of a conference room for the entire weekend. We believe the cost is worth it to us for having a space large enough and private enough for our use throughout the entire weekend. That fee is listed at the bottom of this message.
What you get: A welcome packet stuffed with some of the most useful materials and surprises an attendee could have. A Friday night with a nationally known bariatric surgeon and his newly assembled Healthy Weight Management Team. A Saturday filled with healthy activities for the mind and body. Awards, gifts, contests, and feel good activities throughout the 3 day event. An unforgettable weekend with some of the best and most supportive people you'll ever meet, and you'll want to return again and again.
What to bring: Bring clothing you no longer use to our Clothing Exchange. Bring your exercise/workout clothing for the Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday if you choose. Bring your bathing suit for the indoor pool at the Quality Inn. You can bring your dressy clothing for Lancaster night life every evening. Bring a case of water, we can never have enough of that. Most importantly bring yourself and be yourself. We want to see you and be with you to share in what will be a tremendous weekend of growth for us all.
Do you need a room?: You can call the Quality Inn in Lancaster starting today. The number is 717-393-5499. The special PA Pilgrimage rate is $79./night. Very Important! When you call you must reserve as a PA Pilgrimage attendee to receive the discounted rate. The cut-off date is May 23rd. Call now to book your room, with 7 weeks to go the rooms will go fast.
Our Spring 2008 PA Pilgrimage Schedule of Events: as of 4/7/08 (This schedule is still developing)
Friday May 30:
3P- 5P Quality Inn Lobby
Check in/Welcome Packet dist by Welcoming Committee members
Meet & Greet Everyone. Get familiar with the area.
5P- 6P Dinner at local restaurant of your choice.
6P- 9P Conference Room
Dr. Alan Brader and his Bariatrics Team from Lancaster General will discuss the
long-term keys to healthy weight management and other topics.
Lancaster General Bariatric Team bios link,
http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/Bariatrics_Team.htm
Photo Opportunities
9PM Personal Time/ local bar or night spot, individual gatherings of your choice.
Saturday May 31:
9A-10A Breakfast at local restaurant of your choice.
10A-12P Group Gathering #1, Conference Room
Health & Wellness Fair - Intro to exercise with Kara Kemmerer. Kara will
guide you through low impact zero equipment fitness routines.
She'll give you tips and tricks on how to maximize the benefits of your
workout.
Zumba - Latin aerobics class. Pending
The Counselor Is In - Nicole Lewis will provide coaching & short term
problem resolution with Heather Graham aiding & offering support services.
Angel Class - Accountability Angels available, includes a display table with
Angels bios/business cards. These angels become your connection with the patient community as you approach & have surgery but they continue to support you after providing help and experience during your journey.
Nutrition Table Display - Various WLS products for patients. Protein, vitamins, supplements donated by manufacturers and
bariatric programs.
Vendor Table Display - Various vendors offering their wares. From massage therpapy, holistic healing, health food, synergy & rejuvenation treatments, medical alert bracelets, and jewelry.
We will be collecting topics of interest through the morning (GG#1) & afternoon (GG#2) to present during the evening session (GG#3).
12P-1:30PLunch at local restaurant of your choice.
2P - 5P Group Gathering #2, Conference Room
Break into Stage / Type Stations - Everyone can join the group you
belong to in stage or type terms and discuss issues that pertain to that group.
Nutritional, emotional, physical, whatever they may be.
Leaders in parentheses, others can join to help.
A. Pre-op - 6 months (Pam P)
B. 6 months - 12 months (Sr. Jan, Lisa G/Boston)
C. Vets - 1 Year or more (Dennis, Shauna, Cheryl)
D. General Lap-Band group (Marla B)
Gather topics of interest for presentation during GG#3. There will be a Group Photo taken sometime on Sat.
5:30- 7P Dinner at local restaurant of your choice.
7P- 9P Group Gathering #3, Conference Room
Hot Topics gathered from previous sessions.
6 - 8 hot topics for discussion during this session.
Photo Opportunities
9P Personal Time/local bar, night spot, or individual gatherings.
Sunday June 1
9A- 10A Breakfast at local restaurant of your choice.
10-11:30ASpeaker after Breakfast or other activity. Pending
Check out 11A or 12 Noon? Check out early or request late check out.
Photo Opportunities
Good-Byes 12 Noon or 1P.
The remaining group may do a hike and end the day with lunch.
There are also plenty of local attractions and a group can get together and end the weekend that way.
Special Request:
Past Pilgrimage Photos - We're looking for past attendees to send in past Pilgrimage photos to be part of a video/powerpoint presentation on display in the conference room. Photos should be emailed to [email protected] for submission by May 16.
Special Request:
Before and After WLS Photos - snail mail your before and after photos for submission on our board display. Label them with any info you choose (dates, lbs. lost, etc.) and send them to Shauna Dhoble, 716 Bob Bea Lane, Harleysville, PA 19438, please submit by May 16. Participants will attempt to match the before photo with the after photo at the Pilgrimage.
Look for a companion email/post from Liz Radlbeck. She will be taking t-shirt pre-orders again for us. Thanks Liz
Special Request:
Please email me Dennis Belk ([email protected]) or call me at 570-242-0955 if you're coming to the Pilgrimage. Please submit your name, contact info (phone# and/or email), specify how many are in your party, which days you'll be there and whether you booked a room or not. This information will be very helpful to determine the overall number of attendees for the weekend.
Thank you all very much.
So that's it gang in a big nutshell. We have about 6 weeks left and I imagine interest will remain high. If you haven't been to a Pilgrimage yet ask around and see if you know anyone who attended one and see what they say about it.. I predict you'll want to join us. It's always a blast. If you have any questions you can PM on OH or email any of the Co-coordinators:
Dennis Belk/ OH username Dennis Belk/email [email protected]
Cheryl Schulman/ OH username pazswd/ email [email protected]
Shauna Dhoble/OH username shaunainharleysville/email [email protected]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimers:
Participation in all events is voluntary.
Your time is your own to use as you wish.
We are volunteers and not professionals.
We all take personal responsibility for privacy and loyalty to the group in attendance.
All subject matter should be handled with great sensitivity.
Since the beginning the PA Pilgrimage has always been "free", so to speak, many of us have absorbed costs in an effort to make the event special, and it has been, however as we grow so do the costs. Our biggest group cost is the rental of a conference/meeting room and we believe that cost is well worth it. There are other costs as well: sign material, brochures, copies, name tags, packaging welcome packets, materials for group projects, provisions (bottled water, and healthy snacks throughout the weekend). Our intent is not to charge but we find ourselves having to do so to defray those costs. We sincerely
hope you all understand. We are non-profit and any excess will be used for future events.
PA Pilgrimage Co-Coordinators:
Cheryl Schulman
Shauna Dhoble
Dennis Belk
The fee will be $10 for Friday and $10 for Saturday. Sunday is free. The fee will be collected upon your arrival.
OK Gang,
It's the email/post you've all been waiting for.
The plans have been made and the dates have been set. Your PA Pilgrimage Planning Committee has exhausted all possibilities and want to present you with a weekend to be enjoyed by all. There's alot of info and requests here so please peruse it with care. Thanks Everyone and I hope to see ya there!
What is it? It's The 2008 Spring PA Pilgrimage.
What's the PA Pilgrimage? The PA Pilgrimage is a 3 day weekend event. It's a retreat for weight loss surgery patients of all types and stages. It's for pre-ops, it's for post-ops, it's for patients and their spouses, friends and supporters. As well as anyone who is weight-challenged whether they opt for a surgical solution or not.. Most of all it's a chance for us to get together and share what we know, learn what's new, listen to the experienced, spend time with health professionals in the field, learn to expand our lives and grow like we never dreamed of before, and have a great time doing all of this together. The event has blossomed from it's infant beginnings in June of 2006. Shauna Dhoble (shaunainharleysville on OH) is the founder of the event. It was her original idea to get members from the Obesity Help Pennsylvania message forum together in one place to meet and share their journeys together. Offer support, education, knowledge and learn to navigate the challenges we all face as bariatric patients. It's a huge opportunity for sharing so much and we all benefit greatly. Everytime.
When is it? May 30, 31 and June 1, 2008. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Where is it? In Lancaster, Pennsylvania at the Quality Inn located at 2250 Lincoln Hwy., Lancaster, PA 17602. 717-393-5499, Fax 717-283-0361. www.choicehotels.com/hotel/pa370 .
Who's invited? Everyone - All pre-op and post-op WLS (weight loss surgery) patients, their spouses, their support crew, all those that have helped you get through. All are welcome to share in this weekend regardless of where you had your procedure or the kind of procedure. Lap-Banders, DS'ers, RNY'ers, fobi pouchers, etc. whatever procedure you had or are planning to have, you are welcome. If you are not sure about surgery or have chosen not to have surgery but still want to hang with us for friendship, fun and some good info, well you're welcome to join us for the weekend.
Why do you have it? It was started to give all members of the Obesity Help Pennsylvania Forum (and surrounding state's forums) a chance to meet and share in support, knowledge, growth and have fun as a group. The event has grown in two years and everyone benefits greatly.
What's the cost ?: Everyone is responsible for their own expenses.
Your travel (once you're there, everything is very close and there will be little or no driving).
Your lodging (Quality Inn, $79/night). Call starting today. 717-393-5499, mention you're a PA Pilgrimage attendee to get that rate.
Your meals and incidentals. Many local restaurants are all in the area, plenty to choose from.
PA Pilgrimage Fee? Yes for the very first time we will ask for a fee this time to not only cover costs for many of the materials we distribute but also to cover our largest shared cost. The use of a conference room for the entire weekend. We believe the cost is worth it to us for having a space large enough and private enough for our use throughout the entire weekend. That fee is listed at the bottom of this message.
What you get: A welcome packet stuffed with some of the most useful materials and surprises an attendee could have. A Friday night with a nationally known bariatric surgeon and his newly assembled Healthy Weight Management Team. A Saturday filled with healthy activities for the mind and body. Awards, gifts, contests, and feel good activities throughout the 3 day event. An unforgettable weekend with some of the best and most supportive people you'll ever meet, and you'll want to return again and again.
What to bring: Bring clothing you no longer use to our Clothing Exchange. Bring your exercise/workout clothing for the Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday if you choose. Bring your bathing suit for the indoor pool at the Quality Inn. You can bring your dressy clothing for Lancaster night life every evening. Bring a case of water, we can never have enough of that. Most importantly bring yourself and be yourself. We want to see you and be with you to share in what will be a tremendous weekend of growth for us all.
Do you need a room?: You can call the Quality Inn in Lancaster starting today. The number is 717-393-5499. The special PA Pilgrimage rate is $79./night. Very Important! When you call you must reserve as a PA Pilgrimage attendee to receive the discounted rate. The cut-off date is May 23rd. Call now to book your room, with 7 weeks to go the rooms will go fast.
Our Spring 2008 PA Pilgrimage Schedule of Events: as of 4/7/08 (This schedule is still developing)
Friday May 30:
3P- 5P Quality Inn Lobby
Check in/Welcome Packet dist by Welcoming Committee members
Meet & Greet Everyone. Get familiar with the area.
5P- 6P Dinner at local restaurant of your choice.
6P- 9P Conference Room
Dr. Alan Brader and his Bariatrics Team from Lancaster General will discuss the
long-term keys to healthy weight management and other topics.
Lancaster General Bariatric Team bios link,
http://www.lancastergeneral.org/content/Bariatrics_Team.htm
Photo Opportunities
9PM Personal Time/ local bar or night spot, individual gatherings of your choice.
Saturday May 31:
9A-10A Breakfast at local restaurant of your choice.
10A-12P Group Gathering #1, Conference Room
Health & Wellness Fair - Intro to exercise with Kara Kemmerer. Kara will
guide you through low impact zero equipment fitness routines.
She'll give you tips and tricks on how to maximize the benefits of your
workout.
Zumba - Latin aerobics class. Pending
The Counselor Is In - Nicole Lewis will provide coaching & short term
problem resolution with Heather Graham aiding & offering support services.
Angel Class - Accountability Angels available, includes a display table with
Angels bios/business cards. These angels become your connection with the patient community as you approach & have surgery but they continue to support you after providing help and experience during your journey.
Nutrition Table Display - Various WLS products for patients. Protein, vitamins, supplements donated by manufacturers and
bariatric programs.
Vendor Table Display - Various vendors offering their wares. From massage therpapy, holistic healing, health food, synergy & rejuvenation treatments, medical alert bracelets, and jewelry.
We will be collecting topics of interest through the morning (GG#1) & afternoon (GG#2) to present during the evening session (GG#3).
12P-1:30PLunch at local restaurant of your choice.
2P - 5P Group Gathering #2, Conference Room
Break into Stage / Type Stations - Everyone can join the group you
belong to in stage or type terms and discuss issues that pertain to that group.
Nutritional, emotional, physical, whatever they may be.
Leaders in parentheses, others can join to help.
A. Pre-op - 6 months (Pam P)
B. 6 months - 12 months (Sr. Jan, Lisa G/Boston)
C. Vets - 1 Year or more (Dennis, Shauna, Cheryl)
D. General Lap-Band group (Marla B)
Gather topics of interest for presentation during GG#3. There will be a Group Photo taken sometime on Sat.
5:30- 7P Dinner at local restaurant of your choice.
7P- 9P Group Gathering #3, Conference Room
Hot Topics gathered from previous sessions.
6 - 8 hot topics for discussion during this session.
Photo Opportunities
9P Personal Time/local bar, night spot, or individual gatherings.
Sunday June 1
9A- 10A Breakfast at local restaurant of your choice.
10-11:30ASpeaker after Breakfast or other activity. Pending
Check out 11A or 12 Noon? Check out early or request late check out.
Photo Opportunities
Good-Byes 12 Noon or 1P.
The remaining group may do a hike and end the day with lunch.
There are also plenty of local attractions and a group can get together and end the weekend that way.
Special Request:
Past Pilgrimage Photos - We're looking for past attendees to send in past Pilgrimage photos to be part of a video/powerpoint presentation on display in the conference room. Photos should be emailed to [email protected] for submission by May 16.
Special Request:
Before and After WLS Photos - snail mail your before and after photos for submission on our board display. Label them with any info you choose (dates, lbs. lost, etc.) and send them to Shauna Dhoble, 716 Bob Bea Lane, Harleysville, PA 19438, please submit by May 16. Participants will attempt to match the before photo with the after photo at the Pilgrimage.
Look for a companion email/post from Liz Radlbeck. She will be taking t-shirt pre-orders again for us. Thanks Liz
Special Request:
Please email me Dennis Belk ([email protected]) or call me at 570-242-0955 if you're coming to the Pilgrimage. Please submit your name, contact info (phone# and/or email), specify how many are in your party, which days you'll be there and whether you booked a room or not. This information will be very helpful to determine the overall number of attendees for the weekend.
Thank you all very much.
So that's it gang in a big nutshell. We have about 6 weeks left and I imagine interest will remain high. If you haven't been to a Pilgrimage yet ask around and see if you know anyone who attended one and see what they say about it.. I predict you'll want to join us. It's always a blast. If you have any questions you can PM on OH or email any of the Co-coordinators:
Dennis Belk/ OH username Dennis Belk/email [email protected]
Cheryl Schulman/ OH username pazswd/ email [email protected]
Shauna Dhoble/OH username shaunainharleysville/email [email protected]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimers:
Participation in all events is voluntary.
Your time is your own to use as you wish.
We are volunteers and not professionals.
We all take personal responsibility for privacy and loyalty to the group in attendance.
All subject matter should be handled with great sensitivity.
Since the beginning the PA Pilgrimage has always been "free", so to speak, many of us have absorbed costs in an effort to make the event special, and it has been, however as we grow so do the costs. Our biggest group cost is the rental of a conference/meeting room and we believe that cost is well worth it. There are other costs as well: sign material, brochures, copies, name tags, packaging welcome packets, materials for group projects, provisions (bottled water, and healthy snacks throughout the weekend). Our intent is not to charge but we find ourselves having to do so to defray those costs. We sincerely
hope you all understand. We are non-profit and any excess will be used for future events.
PA Pilgrimage Co-Coordinators:
Cheryl Schulman
Shauna Dhoble
Dennis Belk
The fee will be $10 for Friday and $10 for Saturday. Sunday is free. The fee will be collected upon your arrival.
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