OH Conference in Pittsburgh?

I am considering participation in the OH conference in Pittsburgh 5/12-13. Most of the scheduled speakers are not of particular interest to me, however some peak my interest. Anyone planning to attend? Anyone ever attended an OH regional conference? Is it worth my two hour drive, overnight stay, etc. to attend the Friday evening party and the morning education sessions and lunch and then high tail it out of there (prior engagement at home)? Any insight appreciated. Karen

Karen--I have been to two OH conferences. Let me say that the best thing about any of these events is meeting the people. The first one in DC was horrible- Poorly planned and a waste of time and money. The second one was in DC and that was much improved-not great but improved. Since that time, however, they have changed the format of the events and they may be greatly improved. I recently attended an event in Richmond VA which was put on by a second group (after OH cancelled the planned VA event). The speakers were great as was the food. A great deal of thought went into everything. Especially the food choices--very wls friendly. Again the best part about any of the events is the sharing between people who have travelled the same journey.

Hey Karen -- I have to agree with everything Lynda said. I first went to the one in June 2004 in NYC and it sucked big time - but met some good people. Then I went to the DC event in Nov 2004 (where Lynda and I met) and though I had a great time, it was definately because of meeting the other people there and finding a "perverse" group of peeps to hang with! LOL The actual seminar itself sucked. In May 2005, I went to the NJ event and though it was much much better in content, again the highlights were meeting others on this incredible journey. Then, in January 2006, I went to the Richmond event that Lynda refers to (NOT PUT ON BY OH), and it was an absolute BLAST -- definately put all the OH events to shame. Just my two cents.... Nannette

Hello Karen!! ...well, Lynda and Nannette answered it better then I could, so I'll just keep my reply SHORT (for a change?). SAVE YOUR MONEY and use it in JUNE (instead) and come down to Richmond for the "Boogie n Splash" get together! I almost feel bad for Natalie and David (the two who orchestrated the last Richmond conference) it's going to be damn near impossible to beat it, they did such an AWESOME job! In reference to the MAY conference? I have to wonder why OH would choose "Mothers Day" weekend of all times, to have it? [blonde tilt] Anyway - if you go, have fun, take notes, share the details, yada yada yada!

Were would I find information about this particular event..do they have a website? This one is closer to me and I have family in the next town I can crash with, always a plus on the no hotel fees aspect . Thnx Mic

Hello Michelle ~ Here is some of the information that DAVID and NATALIE have been posting to the Virginia Board. The cost of the event is $95, whi*****ludes the events Friday night, Saturday day/night and Sunday morning - it also includes your MEALS. I believe that's 2 dinners, 1 lunch, 1 breakfast ...um, I think, don't quote me on that one, I know it includes 4 meals, but might be off on which ones. Yoooohoooo...... AMY WILLIAMS?!?!? Are you out there? I don't believe sharing the following information, including the COST of the event is "against da' rules" or a reason for the post to be pulled, lol, BUT, Ive seen stuff pulled for less - so IF the actually disclosing the COST is a problem for OH, please (PLEASE!!!) just delete the COST or MY portion of this post, and leave the rest of KARYN's thread intact! Um, did I say PLEASE yet? Anyway - Michelle - here is the info. It would be great if you could make it. If you have any other questions, the email addresses for Natalie and David are also below. *********************REMINDER ********************** FIRST TWENTY-FIVE people that register for the summer event will receive at the "Sweet Virginia Breeze" opening event a beach music CD featuring Steve Bassett and Fat Ammons doing beach music and, of course, the song "Sweet Virginia Breeze". Details are below: for a registration form, e-mail me at [email protected], or Natalie Carden at [email protected] See everyone June 23 in Richmond! Boogie & Splash! Itinerary FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2006 Sweet Virginia Breeze Event 7-8 PM - Hor D'oerves/Cash Bar - Mezzanine 8-11 PM - Caribbean Themed Evening 11 PM - 2 AM- Hospitality Suite Hours SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2006 9 AM - 12:30 PM - WLS EXPO & Round Tables 1 - 4 PM - "River City Revealed" Guided Richmond Tours (Box Lunches Served on Motor coaches) 6 - 10 PM - Boogie & Splash Pool Party Cookout / Cash Bar 10 PM - 2 AM - WLS Friends PJ Party - (Hospitality Ste.) SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2006 10 AM - 12 PM: "Aloha!" Breakfast Speakers To Be Determined Here's Davids Profile: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1077745868 ..and Natalie's Profile: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=B1077745868 .

Ditto on what the others said. I went to the one in Orlando and what a waste of money. I went to meet people from here and ended up leaving after the first 45 minutes. I must of had PLAGUE written on my forehead or something. I'd walk up to people and say hello and they looked at me like I was a freak. I ended sitting by myself then finaly got up and left. Very disappointed on how supposingly "FRIENDLY" everyone is suppose to be.

Karen, I think you would have a great time. The 2 day events are much different than the one day events. They have late night things. I went to the one in New Jersey and had a blast. We had after hours dancing and everyone dressed up. Plus you get to meet tons of people. Most of the previous post reflected on some of the first events we had and they have improved over time. With anything it's been a learning process for getting them set up. This one just happen to be set up on the mothers day weekend because it was at the request of a pastic surgery who is sponsoring the event there. Not the best choice, but there are still a lot of people signed up to go. Hope you can make it. Amy

Oops Karen--I meant to say that the second event I attended was in Orlando. Kind of funny that event was pretty well attended--would have thought they would do another one in the area this year. Also--been waiting two years for an event in Boston.

Hi Karen, I went to a one day event in Atlanta back in Jan 2005 and had a blast. It also helped that I went with someone that I knew. I'm not one to go to a conference or something by myself. I will be at the Pittsburgh conference with my sister. I live in SC and she lives in FL. You are probably wondering why we are going so far to attend. Well, Dr Hurwitz (the plastic surgeon) is her plastic surgeon. He has done my sisters total body lift. She had it done in 2 stages. First part Sept 2005, second part January 2006. We stayed at the Wyndam---where the conference is being held--both times we were in PA. My sister looks wonderful. I can only imagine that he might use her as an example of his "after" work. She will also be on the DAILY BUZZ on the WB with Dr. Hurwitz on the mornng of April 25th. I also think that this 2 day event may be the kick in the butt that I need to get back on track. I will be 2 yrs out on May 25th and have gotten slack with my eating. I have gained appx 10 pounds and need to get myself back on track. Hope to see you there. Terri Open RNY 5/25/04 247/145 5'6"