Gathering of WLS patients/potential patients in Chicago

[Guest guest]

For anyone who's interested, there is a gathering of people who've

had or intend to have weight loss surgery in Chicago in November.

It's a great chance to meet and connect with other people who've had

the surgery and, based on my experiences at similar gatherings in

Boston and Philadelphia, it's sure to be a lot of fun as well.

There's nothing quite like the feeling of walking into a room full of

people and not being the odd man out. You know the people there

aren't judging you for your weight and they understand all that

you've been through. Maybe you can learn something from their

experiences and maybe you can share something that will help someone

else.

Or maybe you just want to kick back and party with a bunch of people

you don't have to feel self-conscious around. :-)

The gathering is at the Sheraton Gateway Suites O'Hare. If you live

in the area, you certainly don't have to stay there (although you may

want to, so you don't miss anything!) Colleen's negotiated a great

price for the room and for the Dinner Saturday night.

If you are interested, or would just like some more info, please let

me know, or contact Colleen directly. My email is jerrydba@...

and hers is Clb929@.... Please let us know as soon as

possible. You have until November 7 to make your reservation for the

hotel, but we need to give the dinner count to the hotel this week.

There are some spots left, but you need to act quickly.

Thanks and I hope to see you there!

-jerry

jerrydba@...

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I've included excerpts from some of her emails below...

I was inspired to plan this for Chicago based on my wonderful time in

Boston back in March. I am hoping all those who were in Boston and

the rest of you Spotlight gang will be able to make it to Chicago. I

was able to secure a rate of $89 a night with a full breakfast

included. The hotel is a suite hotel so you may want to double,

triple up with friends to make it more economical. The $89 rate with

breakfast included is an UNBELIEVABLE rate for Chicago.

Here are the details:

November 13-16, 2003

Sheraton Gateway Suites O'Hare

6501 N. Mannheim Road

Rosemont, IL 60018

To reserve your room a toll free number has been provided:

1-

In order to secure the $89 rate you must identify yourselves with

the " CHI-TOWN WLS. This rate is good for Thurs. Fri. and Sat. nights.

If cancelled after 5:00 p.m. – 72 Hours prior to arrival, then

one

night's room rate will be charged to the individual's credit

card.

The weekend plan is as follows and planning is still in the works:

Thursday November 13th: Early arrivals, fun in Chi-town, maybe an

organized trip to one of the casinos, anything goes.

Friday November 14th: Daytime: Shopping on the Magnificent Mile,

sightseeing, whatever your little heart desires.

Evening: Welcome reception in the hotel atrium with a cash bar and

light hors d'oevres

Saturday November 15th: More daytime fun: Shopping, sightseeing,

enjoying this wonderful city.

Evening: Buffet Dinner, DJ/Dancing, Cash bar,possible guest speakers.

FUN!

Sunday November 16th: Farewell breakfast and goodbyes

For the Saturday dinner, a buffet will be served. The menu is as

follows:

Classic Caesar Salad - Mozzarella Cheese and Plum Tomato Salad

Vermicelli Salad

Sauteed Chicken Vesuvio – Italian Sausage or Meat Balls

Penne Pasta with Marinara and Alfredo Sauce

Vesuvio Style Potatoes – Garden Fresh Vegetable Medley

Tomato Basil Foccacia Bread – Garlic Bread

Tiramisu – Assorted Pastries

The price for the Friday reception is $5 and the Saturday dinner is

$40. ($45 for both)

The hotel has a 24hr. swimming pool and hot tub and exercise room.

The hotel has recently been redecorated and is just stunning. There

is also a shuttle that runs every 15 minutes from O'Hare. So no need

to rent a car, unless you so desire. This also makes it convenient to

get downtown for shopping and fun since the train line can be

accessed from the airport.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to email at

Clb929@...

The " cut-off date " for accepting reservations into this room

block is

Friday, November 7, 2003. Reservation requests received after 5:00

p.m. local time at the Hotel on the cut-off date will be accepted on

a space and rate availability basis. Please note, check-in time is

3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

Please contact Colleen as soon as possible to arrange payment for

dinner. Clb929@...