Pre-Ops, Post-Ops, Grads, Newbies, wanting INFO OH CONFERENCE

This is for ANYONE who is thinking, wondering and/or if they are "scared" or "nervous" about coming to the OH Conference in Houston this weekend.

     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 SAN ANTONIO, 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 Houston.  I PROMISE you will not regret going.  You can pm me if you have any questions.  

 
Besos y Abrazos
Monica

Thanks Monica; I needed that. I cannot tell you how many times I have talked myself out of attending.  In fact, I made myself purchase tickets this week thus "forcing" myself to commit.  My husband will be driving me but will have to do that after working all night.  I told him, if the weather is good, he can catch a nap in our truck; it has plenty of room.  So.....I am going.  I do not do big crowd things, and it is absolutely out of my comfort zone.  Due to my vision problems, I know I will recognize few, if any, and hope that is not too much of an issue.  I am looking forward to attending the sessions and increasing my knowledge base.  Thanks for the encouragement.

Dasie,
Im soo glad u responded and I am soo happy that you are going. The first step out of our comfort zone IS the hardest.  I commend u for stepping UP!!

I WON"T be attending so its too bad I won't get to meet ya. Maybe some other time though.  Take care and have LOTS of fun.

Hugs,
Monica

Monica I just wanted to hijack your post and tell you that i am sad I wont get a chance to know you better this year! Next year you better be at Tx OH cause I want to get to know my south Texas buddy.
Meggie

Thank you Monica.  I hope we can meet at a future event.

Daise dear I will look for you and you look for me!! I am the chick dripping in jewelry and will have purple glasses with black and white checked sides and some goofy hairpiece...you cant miss me!! I'd love to help you get settled in!!

Meggie

Thank you so much Meggie.  I really appreciate it. I do fine when in familiar settings.  It is unfamiliar that are a little stressful.  I will look for you.  I love the description you gave.

Believe me Honey we all get "stage fright" and have a lil shyness in us!! Yes, even me!! I just hide it under clothes, jewelry and accessories!!! Once you make that first hello it slides into another and another etc...just like hogs in S$#@!! (poo poo)LOL!!!

Meggie!

Dasie...I will be looking for you! You're one of my inspirations and I've been looking forward to meeting you. I'm SO glad you changed your mind! I sorta felt the same way last year. I had just had surgery and if it hadn't been for Sarah offering the ride and a promise to look after me I wouldn't have gone. I had a blast and met so many cool people. So you won't be alone for long! I'll PM you my phone number so you just call me when you get there and I'll find you. I plan to get there around noon so I'll be hanging around somewhere.

Thanks Dee...I really appreciate it.  I always tell my husband about your posts, and if we go through Highlands, I always wonder where you live.  I look forward to meeting you too.