Re: Just got home/ OH Seminar

June 26, 2006

Dr. Cirangle and Dr. Katzen were my favorite speakers at the OH

Seminar. I agree, Laurie, that Dr. Cirangle gave the best nutritional

information that I've heard, and because the malabsorption features of

the RNY were illustrated more vividly to me than before, I am now

giving consideration to the LapBand. I know that the RNY is the " gold

standard " and that there are strong opinions about it on this board,

but I am having serious anemia problems already before any surgery

(taking 6 iron supplements/day + weekly Procrit injections) due to the

kidney disease, that further malabsorption may be too much of a risk

for me personally. This wasn't the case when I had my consult with

the surgeon nearly 3 mos ago, so I need see him again to review my

options now.

Although I am far from the plastic surgery stage, I found Dr. Katzen

to be interesting and much better than I had anticipated. His

attention to detail and the needs of the post-bariatric patient really

came through.

Dr. Elliott's presentation on maximizing the " window of opportunity "

was a good overview, but basic information that most should already

know. The concept of " water-loading " before a meal was new to me.

Now for the women speakers: I found lyn Bellamy's talk on

self-sabotage to have merit (but wouldn't be able to afford her as a

'life coach'); I tuned out Lori Cochran as I found her annoying and

difficult to listen to, and she did not impress me as a professional

in her field; Ganz was enthusiastic, motivational, entertaining

and full of practical information (btw, her PhD is in Sociology, per

her daughter).

As my first conference on the subject of WLS, I liked the format of

hearing all the speakers, rather than choosing a couple sessions.

, it may have seemed slightly disorganized because it was

supposed to last until 5pm, and then on the day of the conference, the

hotel told that the room had to be empty by 4pm, so speeches

were cut and hers was re-arranged to have half in the morning and half

at closing. Regardless, I really enjoyed the event and am happy that

I attended it. I took copious notes, but commented on the evaluation

that handouts of the power point presentations would have been useful.

Kristie, the conference cost $40-$50, depending on when you

registered. For those who missed it, you can read a great review and

detailed summary of the speeches (by someone else)at this blog:

Rosemarie

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