Gastric Bypass Barbie

Highlights from Obesity Help Conference 2010

Cincinnati, Ohio • August 21-22, 2010 • The Westin Cincinnati

I promised you some highlights on my latest adventure at the OH Conference in Cincinnati, and I’m delivering!

DAY 1: It takes a really long time to get to Cincinnati from Long Beach. Despite getting up at 4AM to catch a 6:50 AM flight, I didn’t arrive in Cincinnati (well, Covington, Kentucky, actually) until 3:45 PM (local time). After waiting for an airport shuttle that was never going to come (airport people told me it would; The Westin told me there wasn’t one. Oh well), I paid $30 for a roundtrip aboard the inappropriately named “Executive Limousine Shuttle.” Hmmm….

Checked into a lovely room on the 10th floor of the hotel, unpacked, donned my walking tennis, and headed for the riverfront! After walking 4 blocks in the wrong direction,(“Why are these street numbers going UP? D’oh!”) I managed to find my way to the actual RIVER. It is hard to lose the Ohio River, but if anyone can do it, I can!

Meandered around by the Great American ballpark (Home of the Cincinnati Reds), Bengal Stadium, the Steamboat Monument, The Underground Railroad Freedom Museum, and the world’s only floating theatre (it’s a live theatre on an old paddleboat.)

I have no idea how far I walked (because I don’t have a pedometer, and even if I did, I couldn’t figure out how to program it, so, until someone gives me an automatically configured device, I’m going to have to overestimate. I’d say I walked 20 miles, but it was probably closer to about 4 – roundtrip — including going the wrong direction first.

Returned to the hotel around 7:30 and decided to shower and shine so I could be presentable for packing out goody bags with Kim and the OH team. I was really sticky from my walk — it was “river humid.”

About 9 PM, I started hearing really loud music and figured the people in the room next door were listening to their TV set REALLY, REALLY LOUDLY! Not so. Turns out they have live music every summer evening in FOUNTAIN SQUARE — 10 stories down from me. Yes, that was loud music (or they were thin windows…I haven’t decided which, yet.) So, I wandered downstairs to hear the music and shake my hips a little to the rhythm. It was DELIGHTFUL!

Next, I meandered back to the hotel to help with the folder assembly for the events (it was 10:15 PM). After we finished, I was all amped and couldn’t THINK of going to bed. So, Connie (Dr. Connie Stapleton) and I decided to go WORK OUT in the gym on the 17th floor. No, there are no windows. No, there was no fan on the elliptical. Yes, I worked out for 65 minutes and made it about 5.2 miles. By then, it was around 12:30, but too early for bed (!!!) — So, we sat under an icy cold blast of air (all sweaty and junk) and chatted until 2 AM! I got to bed around 2:30 and arose around 8:15 because SHANNON WATTS was going to be checking in at around 9:45

DAY 2:

As promised, Shannon (of Revival Soy fame) arrived and, after taking care of some orders by phone, we were off to the races! We wandered around downtown looking for a restaurant (there were none; don’t ask) and, after about 2 miles, ended up back at the hotel, where we decided to catch a cab to Mt. Adams. We got there around 12:30 and it was simply ADORABLE! Beautiful little town

We decided to eat lunch at the FISH HOUSE and it was divine! We split a salad (that had gorgonzola crumbles, dried cranberries, some out-of-this-world-dressing, and some other stuff that I can’t recall because I had slipped into a food coma.) Then, we split a planked mahi mahi with orange pepper sauce, steamed asparagus and roasted potatoes. We passed on the bread (thank you) and couldn’t finish our halves of the meal. Not that we didn’t WANT to, but our pouches didn’t permit

Our server, Michael (who was terrific, by the way), suggested that we “walk to Kentucky.” So, we did.

I’m not exactly sure how far it was (again, I think it was 47 miles, but it was probably more like 4 or 5) — but the walk was so fantastic, I’d do it again tomorrow! We commenced in Mt. Adams, Ohio, then traveled along the river front on a winding path that took us through lovely parks, by old homes, and over the freeway! We finally arrived at the much ballyhooed PURPLE PEOPLE BRIDGE — which took us over the Ohio River to: NEWPORT, KENTUCKY! See? We really DID walk from Ohio to Kentucky! After enjoying an ice sugar free skinny cinnamon dolce latte while Shannon stood under the misters to cool off, we grabbed a cab and headed back to the hotel so we could freshen up for the Q&A.

DAY 2: 3:30

Yea! The OH Event is officially underway

We took up our seats in the front row (notch) in front of the table of panelists: Terri Black (3-year post-op and OH Support Group Leader), Yvonne McCarthy (10-year post-op aka Bariatric Girl), Dr. Connie Stapleton (Psychologist extraordinaire), Dr. Garth and Dr. Robert Davis (you know them from Big Medicine and the Davis Clinic in Houston), Chef Dave, and Annessa Chumbley (registered dietitian and really adorable lady Lots of great questions about things like vitamin deficiencies and whether or not you actually need to drink protein shakes and take supplements after a year post-op. Jury is still out on this one. Dr. Davis says, “No!” and many others say, “Yes!” Also met a lovely new friend who just so happens to be a 5-year post-op who lost 437 pounds. Yes, you read that right. She amazed us all with her vitality and joy for living I cannot remember her name right now (because I am terrible at that), but I will never forget her!

Next, it was off to the Meet & Greet, where we were entertained by Bo McCoy and got to eat some amazing Mexican food. There was shredded chicken, beef and sauteed bell pepper, but I didn’t have that stuff. I hung around at the black beans (seasoned to perfection), cheese and guacamole! No tostadas for me. I can’t stop, once I start those things! Oh, I think there was fresh fruit, too…maybe? I dunno, but after waiting my hour after eating, I was ready for iced-tea and it was gone (you snooze, you lose!)

Oh well, off to shopping and exploring! Me, Shannon Watts, and Amy Fekete were on a mission to find some shoes, so we raced over to Macy’s…which, inexplicably closed at 8 PM on a Friday night. What-ever.

Amy saved the day by offering to drive us around in her sexy yellow Camaro (with black racing stripes, of course!) After all, we couldn’t waste our hotness on the hotel, right? We crossed the bridge and headed for Newport on the Levee, where we, once again participated in some retail therapy. Unfortunately, none of us found a darned thing (Except me…I bought a light up pig flashlight for my daughter. Don’t ask. It made me happy.) Shan and Amy walked into the candy shop (I don’t ask questions…I just wait) and Shannon emerged with a block o’ sugar free fudge, which we decided was more like a cross between a brownie and fudge, so I named it “frownies” or “budge” — either way, it was rich and we decided we wouldn’t binge on something like that.

After that, it was back to the hotel (ostensibly, to go to bed so we’d be rested for the early morning check-in and registration!)

DAY 3: 5:30 AM

For some reason, Shannon and I did not sleep much. We laughed and scratched until she fell asleep mid-sentence. On her face. Television on. Remote control lost. I think it was about 1:45 or 2 AM. Since I can only talk to myself for so long, I finally turned out the lights (but left the TV on, because I am technologically challenged like that.) She turned it off at 5:25 and I awoke at 5:30. Probably because the TV stopped making white noise at me.

I made the most perfect shake I have ever made in a hotel room. Slurp. I now understand that the secret to a successful shake on the road is the Almond Breeze. I MUST pack Almond Breeze — every time.

Made it downstairs at 7:30 sharp and it was time to work with “Kim’s-husband-Dave” to get people signed-in! What fun, meeting all of the wonderful attendees. Sorry, no tee-shirts in MEDIUM! EEEK. I had a minor mutiny on my hands when I had to announce that. Funny how we bariatric people are so proud of our new (and shrinking) sizes, we have no tolerance when the small sizes are unavailable!!!

Meanwhile, in the main ballroom, Bo was warming up the crowd, readying them for an amazing day of information, laughs, and entertainment.

First Up: Dr. Connie Stapleton (Pscyhologist). If you’ve never met or seen Connie, she is freaking adorable! I am not kidding when I tell you she is like a little sprite or something — a ton of energy, all packed into this little body that wears fabulous shoes and the cutest dresses you’ve ever seen. Why didn’t I take pictures of her adorableness??? Why? Why? Anyway, she talked about Life After the Honeymoon — which is what happens in the Bariatric After Life™, when you stop losing your weight and have to find a way to not only maintain, but thrive and be healthy and happy doing it! I love how she compares marriage to bariatric surgery — so many similarities, it’s scary (LOL).

Next Up: Dr. Garth Davis (Bariatric Surgeon and co-founder of The Davis Clinic - a weight loss center in Houston). He talked about how critical it is for us to STOP polluting our bodies with processed foods and – yes — MEAT. Watch Food, Inc. and you’ll understand where he’s coming from. He explained about how people in the “Blue Zones” live longer, healthier lives by living active, organic, vegetarian lifestyles. His talk is quite entertaining and persuasive, and I am doing my best to limit — if not eliminate — processed foods and artificial sweeteners. It is not going to be easy, and it won’t happen overnight, but I’m onboard.

Next: Chef Dave…but I missed him (I’m sorry!)

I had to go shopping and this was my only chance. Fortunately, I found the most rocking LBD — little black dress — you’ve ever seen, so I guess it’s okay that I missed his talk. Unfortunately, Shannon didn’t find any shoes or a top, so she came home empty-handed.

LUNCH! We had fresh fruit, cottage cheese, salad, and a choice of egg, chicken or tuna salad. Unfortunately ALL of these had too much mayo, and if you didn’t recognize it with the first bite, you were likely to dump. I didn’t “go there”, but many others did, and paid the price. Ugh!

Next Up: Yvonne McCarthy, Bariatric Girl, 10-Year Post-op
Yvonne gave the neatest talk, and it was STANDING ROOM ONLY! My two favorite parts ? When she put 120-pound Tracy on her back and walked around to demonstrate how much she (Yvonne) LOST after bariatric surgery, and when she hung tube socks with golf balls around her neck to show how her boobs looked before surgery. Hey! I had some of those, too Anyway, her talk was inspiring, informative and FUNNY! She rocked the house — you go, girl! Whoo-hoo!

Next Up: Mary Jo Rapini, LPC. Oh my gosh, she is HYSTERICAL! She talked about sex and relationships in the Bariatric After Life and even had VISUAL AIDS (which, she explained, she was brave enough to get through airport security just for us. Trust me, if you see what I mean, you’ll understand how much she really does love us!) Anyway, her talk was funny, informative, open and really, really uplifting. If you have NEVER heard a real sex-therapist talk, you have GOT to hear Mary Jo. She will have you texting sexy messages to your honey-bunny in 5 minutes flat. Turn down the lights, light up the candles, turn on the music — and head to OH Houston so you can hear her for yourself!!!

There were other speakers, too, but I was off running around and I missed them (sorry!) There was also a professional panel, where all of the professionals who had spoken took questions from the audience. I also missed that (sorry again, but there’s always Houston.)

*** NOTE: I blame Shannon Watts for missing these events. She made me go shopping. I’m serious. I didn’t want to. I also didn’t want to buy all of those Starbucks iced sugar free skinny lattes…I mean it. She is VERY persuasive like that. She threatened to withhold my Revival Soy Chips, and I can’t very well let that happen, right?

Anyway, this is where my story ends, because I was hit with a very bad case of hormones (I’m being general here, so the boys don’t get squirmy) and I did NOT get to go to the ultra-fun prize giveaway event OR the fashion show and dance. I am still pouting about this, because I bought that LBD and no one got to see it (except Shannon. She made me buy it. Did I tell you that?)

So, Shannon (probably because she felt so guilty about the whole “forced-shopping” thing) stayed with me in the room and kept me awake so I wouldn’t oversleep and miss my plane. We laughed until I snorted and I said evil things about bedbugs, and then we ordered room service (!) at 3:15 AM (we split a lousy salad). Shan helpfully put the tray out in the hallway. In front of the neighbor’s door. But she caught it…and put it in front of ours…so I could trip over it on my way out at 5:25 am. But, I forgot to tell you about the part where I thought it would be a good idea to take a 15-minute cat-nap (from 4 AM until 4:15, because I had my alarm set and everything.) Did I mention my amazing ability to wake myself up when I snore? Yes, I can do this — much to Shannon’s amazement. Anyway, at 4:35, I miraculously awoke to realize I had overslept because my phone was on SILENT (from all of the seminars, of course). UGH! Just enough time to shower and shine. Fortunately, I had taken 2-1/2 hours to pack between 1:00 AM and 2:30, so I didn’t have to mess with that. Yes, I am a terrible packer when I am tired and have cramps. Okay, I am a terrible packer ALWAYS, but I am WORSE under duress. And when people are LAUGHING at me (Shannon).

No time for the sun to rise — it was off to the airport to catch and ungodly-early flight back home (and get through airport security with my Labrada Lean Body protein shake and Protein Blitz drink. No, I couldn’t take my sealed bottled water with me, because they “have that on the plane.” Whatever.)

I was home before I knew it — well, probably because I managed to snore-wake-sleep my way through both flights, while managing to leave my reading glasses in the super-cute case in the back pocket of the airplane seat — ugh. We landed at 12:05 and I was at curbside, with my check-in baggage — by 12:16. I am not kidding you. That is what it is like to fly into Long Beach — and back to MexiKen’s waiting arms.

Sigh. I hate leaving him, but I did it for YOU ;-* LOL.

PS –Before I end this “too-long-epistle”, let me give a loud shout out to my girls, Yvonne and Connie! We (and Shannon) managed to “sneak in” a couple of meals and coffees throughout the weekend, and it was simply lovely. I had a blast, girls! Let’s do it again SOON! Muah!

See ya’ll in Houston — November 5-6, people. There’s STILL time!
Discount Code: GBBarbie!

Comment & Win: CHOBANI GREEK YOGURT

Okay, most of you know what I ran a little contest to dovetail with my Gastric Bypass Barbie table at the WLS Vegas Meet ‘N Greet (February 19-21, 2010). All you had to do to be entered, was visit me at the event and sample one (or all) of the items I was taste-testing, and then come to my site and leave a comment.

Today, I’m announcing the winner of the CHOBANI GREEK YOGURT prize. I guess you’ll have to watch the video to know who won (but, isn’t that the whole point?) Drumroll, please….

Congrats to Paula Yenerall!

Here’s what she wrote:
I attended the Las Vegas WLS ‘meet and greet’ with my daughter, Sheri Burton who had the lap band procedure. Even though my own insurance will cover WLS, it requires me to be at least 100 lbs. overweight. I have the choice of, let’s see, gaining another 25 lbs. or trying to lose on my own. So, right now I am trying to lose on my own.

I was very excited to see such great results there were and how happy people were to be there.

I enjoyed everything right along with my daughter.

I tasted only the yogurt but found it to be terrific. I kept asking her, is this really something good for you because it tastes too good. Texture was wonderful and the creaminess and thickness of the yogurt very different than the runny ‘diet’ ones I am used to.

I am going to buy some and include that in my regimen to lose weight.

Thank you to Cari De La Cruz for bringing this product to sample and to all of the organizers and guests and speakers at this event.

You’re welcome, Paula, and THANK YOU for your kind comment.

To collect your prize, send me an email with your address so Shari Lawrence at Chobani can send you your loot.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

For those of you who attended the 1st Annual WLS Meet & Greet in Las Vegas, you know that I was giving samples of three, amazing products: Jarrow Whey Protein Shakes, Chobani Greek Yogurt, and Protein Blitz Sports Drinks. I asked people who tried these protein-rich foods leave a review on my site, and they’d be entered to win a fabulous prize.

Now, before I announce the first winner (and tell you what she’s won!), let me tell you how the product testing went, and what people were saying — even if they didn’t come back here to leave a comment!

We began the morning by blending thick and creamy JARROW WHEY protein shakes. Super Dave and MexiKEN were busily whipping up three, tasty flavors, using nothing more than a Vanilla base powder and some Jello SF Instant Pudding mixes in Pistachio, Banana Cream or Cheesecake flavors, while Maid Marian Michele skillfully worked the room with a big tray of little cups on her shoulder and a smile on her face.

The banana cream was an easy hit — after all, everyone knows what banana tastes like, right? So, those went down easy. We reminded people that they could easily use the banana cream for their chocolate peanut butter shakes, or as part of any fruit-flavored shake, and the gears started turning as they began to fantasize about the myriad ways in which they could add a banana to their morning drink — without using a real banana!

The raspberry cheesecake was equally popular, and all agreed that the surprise addition of the no sugar added raspberry preserves from Trader Joe’s made it extra-tasty. I think more than a few people said they planned to have it on-hand to keep their morning routine fresh and tasty.

But, hands down, the FAVORITE and most SURPRISING taste sensation of the morning was DEFINITELY the pistachio! Why? Because most people think they don’t like pistachio. Maybe it’s the green color, or maybe they have memories of eating too much pistachio ice cream when they got their tonsils out? Whatever the case, I was hard pressed to find one person who didn’t really love it — especially Melinda (RecoveringFatty.com). She was a fellow “swagger and exhibitor” at the event (here table was right across from mine), and at one point in the morning, she started to feel dehydrated, and really crummy. Fortunately, Super Dave was their to save the day, and whipped her up a full serving of Protein-Packed Pistachio goodness. She reports that she has become a certified pistachio freak, and was on a real pistachio jag for awhile there.

Well, soon enough, Maid Marian Michele had run out of little sample cups on her tray, and everyone was “full” — so we decided to wrap up that product taste test and prepare for mid-morning snack.

Without further ado, I’m pleased to announce that the winner of a 2 lb. tube of JARROW WHEY PROTEIN is: T2NASHVILLE aka Tammy!

Here is what she said:

I was present at the Vegas WLS Meet & Greet and had the opportunity to visit your booth and taste test the products there. Thanks so much for all you did in making those products possible for us to sample.

Jarrow Vanilla Protein Powder – Barbie had several different flavors of icy protein shakes to try, all made with the Vanilla version of this product. I asked to “smell” the jug of powder – no nasty protein smell at all! Didn’t even really have a vanilla smell, which I often have to “get past” in a lot of powders. I tasted the pistachio shake and the raspberry cheesecake shake – both were equally delicious! Barbie also had a banana flavor available, but I’m not a banana fan. I must say that I was impressed by the quality and taste of the product. Today, I researched the stats on the powder. While it doesn’t have as much protein as most powders, it does have less calories and more absorbent protein. I really wish Jarrow sold their products on their own website, but they rely on local suppliers or other online stores to sell it. I’m still comparing pricing to try to find the best deal, and I plan to visit my local Vitamin Shoppe to see if they carry it. All in all, a big thumbs up for me on this product!

Thanks, and CONGRATULATIONS TAMMY! I’ve forwarded your comments to the company, and maybe they’ll take your suggestion into consideration In the meantime, you need to decide which flavor you want: Vanilla, Caribbean Chocolate or Unflavored.

Tomorrow: I announce the winner of a case of Chobani Greek Yogurt!

Viva (Lost) Vegas!

The 1st Annual WLS Vegas M& G was billed as a 3-day event (February 19-21, 2010), but in reality, although BTV threw that amazing hootenanny, and lots of folks found ways to “Party like it’s 1999,” the real focus was Saturday. The morning dawned clear, crisp and bright – a perfect day to stay…indoors all day. Hmmmm….I was thinking it was gonna rain, and then I wouldn’t feel like I was missing anything outside the windows. Oh well, let’s just say the day was a perfect backdrop for an amazing event (and leave it at that.)

We arrived at the Platinum with our giant carful of loot and quickly arranged for a bellhop to ferry it all upstairs. (Note: That’s the difference between a hotel and a cheapass motel. ‘Nuff said.) Amazingly, we had pulled into the carport right behind: SarahWillBeSkinny (Sarah) and Junglgirl (Andrea) – the two event coordinators! Sarah recognized me first (because I was in my slick pink satin “Diamond Girls Casino” jacket, probably…) and we quickly hugged. It was so amazing to meet each other after corresponding online and by phone for the past 3 weeks. Oh my gosh, I’d have known them anywhere!

So, up, up, up we went, to the conference room extraordinaire. The place was much larger than expected because the Catering and Events Manager (Kathleen) was gracious enough to give us the adjoining space for free. That meant we were able to open the dividers and claim the space. Boy, did we ever need it! In retrospect, I think we’d have been shut down by the fire department if we’d tried to cram 150 people in the original, 600 square foot room. (Eek!)

Now, Dr. Katzen’s room was also connected, but you could close the double doors during lectures and consults

We immediately went about setting up Barbieland in one corner of the room, and pretty quickly thereafter Melinda and Tammy (RecoveringFatty.com) showed up and set up their space in the other corner. It was magical (and impressive). RF had SO MUCH SWAG it put my little world to shame (Damn, that Melinda is GOOOOOD!) She had Labrada Rockin’ Roll protein bars, Blender Ball shaker bottles, Kay’s Naturals snacks, Building Blocks and Celebrate Vitamin packs, and maybe something else. All I know is, they did an incredible job of laying everything out and it looked BEE-YOO-TEE-FULL!

Me, Tammy (T2Nashville) and Melinda (MelsReturn)

Meanwhile, in my neck ‘o the woods, Team Barbie (Super Dave, Maid Marian Michele and MexiKen) were busily setting up banners, signage, blenders, products, and event tees, while I proceeded to hug everybody. Seems like a reasonable division of labor, wouldn’t you agree? I would love to show you how incredible it all looked when they were done, but I completely zoned out on “photo mode” and didn’t get a single picture of the finished booth. Drats!

My booth. Sorta. Before it was done.

While all of this was going on, Lieu from Doctor Katzen’s office showed up and began setting up consultation rooms projector, screen, chairs, etc, and Sarah and Andrea were setting up areas with BariatricAdvantage Swag, trays of food, and a clothing exchange table.

Before you know it, the attendees began rolling in. Wait a minute! That’s sounds like a FAT joke! Let me try again: Before you know it, the attendees began streaming in and the 1st Annual WLS Vegas M&G was officially underweight – er, underway.

I started by offering samples of Jarrow Whey Protein shakes (thank you for the product, Mark!) in three flavors: Raspberry Cheescake, Pistachio, and Banana Cream. Maid Marian Michele brought them around like hors d’ouevres on a big round serving tray, while Super Dave and MexiKen blended their little hearts out with thir JCP 5-in-1 Handy Blenders. People were pleasantly surprised by the creaminess and wonderful flavor of the protein and I’m hoping many will opt to incorporate it into their daily routine. That is, of course, the purpose of taste tests, right? It’s a high quality product, and we bariatric types need that like fish need water!

At about 10:30, Dr. Katzen started his presentation in the Lecture Hall. it was a packed house – standing room only – and it seemed that many patients were spellbound by his talk and pictures. He began the presentation by having several post-ops share their stories (and scars). This is a very powerful technique, because it literally shows the audience how they can look if they put their reconstructive surgery care into Dr. Katzen’s gifted hands.

Needless to say, he was giving free consultations well after 5 PM, and the day was a huge success.

Next, in the “Mingle Room,” Heather from Bariatric Advantage spoke about the need for quality vitamin and supplementation products. She shared about some new products, and went into detail about a wonderful program they offer for people who can’t afford supplements, due to economic hardship. In other words, the company is committed to ensuring that ALL patients can have access to the products they need, without concern for their constricted budget. What an awesome company!

During that time, I was offering samples of Chobani Greek Yogurt (thank you Shari Lawrence), again in lip-smacking flavors (all thanks to Jello SF Instant Pudding Mixes!) Most people shared that they hated greek yogurt, or that they had never tried it as I’d prepared it, but they were willing to give it another try – especially since a ½ c serving packs so much protein (15 grams!) As with the shakes, MMM (Maid Marian Michele) brought trays of the creamy goodness around the room, and most people sampled all three flavors!

Finally, it was lunch time, and the guests scattered to the Vegas Desert Winds – at least for an hour and a half.

Once they returned, they were greeted by a low-key, but informative discussion by Dr. Sharouz Ghodsian (aka Dr. Bariatric). He is a physician specializing in Bariatric After Care and he discussed some eye-opening things that every bariatric patient needs to know. Among other things, without proper care through regular, complete and specific blood work analysis, we are likely to develop some nasty, long term medical conditions, like brittle bone disease, anemia and severe vitamin deficiency. Each of these conditions, if left untreated, or allowed to progress unimpeded, can be just as severe as the co-morbidities we thought we’d kicked to the curb by having WLS. Sadly, if any of these conditions takes hold, treatment can involve things like iron or vitamin infusion/transfusions!

Scary stuff, but manageable and treatable with proper, timely, prompt – and ideally prophylactic – medical care. There were a lot of newbies in the room who are still in the “honeymoon” phase, so I’m not sure how many people heard what Dr. Bariatric was saying, but I know that there are a few of us who are already fighting against the things he was discussing, so it was for a very good cause. Anyway, after his talk, he sat down with about 5-6 different patients for 1-on-1 consultations. Everyone seemed genuinely thankful for his information.

Next, it was a BariatricTV extravaganza! Big Mickey, Lynnda, Toni and Danielle put on a really fun game show, where contestants had to “whistle in” when they had the answer to the multiple guess questions. The “wrong” answers were hysterical, and the team did an awesome job of entertaining and informing the entire ROWDY crowd. Some people preferred the wrong answers to the right answers, but I suspect that might have been the idea (LOL).

I figured it was time for a little afternoon pick-me-up, so I broke out the Protein Blitz sports drinks (thank you Summer Dean) in Orange Mango, Punch and Grape flavors. Most people were surprised that it doesn’t smell bad, like IsoPure, and everyone was excited by the 30 grams of protein each 20 oz. bottle packs.

Reminder: If you sampled anything at my table, be sure to leave your review in a comment on the correct page for the product you sampled. You can click “WLS Meet & Greet” and navigate to each product for easy entry. I’ll be drawing winners on 2/29, and you might win a tub of Jarrow Whey Protein, a case of Chobani plain or flavored yogurt, or some Protein Blitz drinks.

Now, back to our “really big show”….

Next, Sarah and Andrea did a totally fun giveaway where it was hard to find someone who DIDN’T win something! There were tubs of protein, lovely gift bags from the BTV team (with their DVD of Season 1, natch), handmade beaded bracelets, event tees (duh), shaper garments (compliments of RecoveringFatty.com) and a host of other really neat things that I couldn’t see from my vantage point, but which made the winners exceedingly happy.

Finally, it was my turn. I batted clean-up, an unenviable position in a room full of tired, yet talkative WLSers. I did my best to motivate, entertain and enliven the group with a little story about the ABCs of feeling fabulous in your jeans. I called it the Sisterhood of the Traveling Fat Pants, and I think it went pretty well.

And then it was over. 5 o’clock was nearly upon us, and everyone was greatly exhausted from the fun, food, and festivities. We all agreed that:

1) We must do this again next year.
2) We can’t wait to see the BTV episode this week
3) We should always wear nametags with our screen names
4) We love bariatric friendly swag

Thanks to all who made this event possible:

Cruise directors, party planners, site coordinators, and social organizers:

SarahWillBeSkinny (Sarah)
junglegirlie2424 (Andrea)

Entertainment, Shindiggers and All-Around Fun People:

BariatricTV.com

Exhibitors and Swaggers:

RecoveringFatty.com
Bariatric Advantage

Lecturers and really awesome doctors:

Dr. Katzen (bodybykatzen.com)
Dr. Ghodsian (drbariatric.com)

Last, but certainly not least:

My sponsors

Jarrow Formulas

Chobani Greek Yogurt

Protein Blitz

For all who joined us, I hope you had a magical time. For all who were unable to be there with us in person, we felt your spirit and look forward to having you with us next year.

Viva Las Vegas!

Front Row: Toni, Patty, Tammy, Lynnda, Amy, Melinda, Danielle. Back Row: Jessica, Ian, Me, Andrea, Mike, Rob, Linda

So, I have 30-minutes to tell you about the BTV Soiree in the Platinum Mega-Suite, and maybe pimp a little of the Main Event Saturday. I was hoping to grab some piccies from the big night, but silly goose that I am, I was busy being a social butterfly, rather than a shutterbug! (Show of hands: Who’s surprised by this revelation? Anyone….? Anyone…?)

Okay, so yesterday I told you about our Fab Walk-up 2-Bedroom Suite at the Emerald Suites Cameron, Las Vegas, and I realize that it will be hard to outdo that as I describe BariatricTV’s room at the Platinum, but do your best to feign interest.

Let me begin by telling you that my hair looked AMAZING. There is quite simply only one reason I would EVER move to Nevada: The low humidity does incredible things for my luxurious locks – and volume! Fuggetaboudit! Unbelievable – like a Suave commercial. I would tell you about Super Dave’s hair day, but his wasn’t going so well, so we’ll just say, he probably WON’T be moving to Vegas any time soon.

So, anyway, at around 8PM (local time) we got all dolled up (SD in his Tommy Bahama shirt, and me in my black pencil skirt, black stilettos, golden top and grandma’s bling), and walked down 3 flights of stairs to head for the Platinum.

Then, it was upstairs to the now-infamous MEGA SUITE! I took a deep breath. And then another breath…and then another breath, and before I could take another breath (and start hyperventilating or pass out), Super Dave threw open the double doors and in we went! WOW! This place made our place look like a shantytown lean-to. I won’t describe all of the decadent details, finishes, colors, fabrics and appointments (you can watch Toni’s video on BTV and get it all firsthand), I will instead describe the feeling of walking into a room filled with heretofore VIRTUAL FRIENDS! It was an unbelievable experience, coming face-to-face with people I’d only ever seen online, and you know what? They look SKINNIER in person!!! I’m not kidding.

Let’s see…who did I meet?

Well, naturally, there was the BTV contingent: Lynnda, Toni, Danielle, Big Mickey and John (Lynnda’s esposo), and then there was Team Recovering Fatty (Melinda and Tammy), and then there were folks from the boards (Rob, Amy, Paty, Ian) and whole bunch of YouTubers and Facebookers (like Amanda, whom I had to meet 2X before I figured out she was the same girl, ha ha, and Ian’s wife Jessica, and their little boy Aidan), and…gosh…a bunch more people whose names will come back to me the minute I post this – you watch!

Big Mickey was filming all sorts of stuff, and I got to do a bumper and a confessional in the master bedroom. Wait….that sounds HORRIBLE! Well, you know what they say? What Happens in Vegas…

The BTV team had a spread of lovely items to sample, including Calcet Chews, new BA protein shake flavors (banana, white cupcake and chocolate mint), and there was a ton of ProJoe (which I didn’t “do” because I’m clean and sober off the caffeine now). They also had lovely platters of fresh fruit, meats, cheeses and Kay’s Natural’s munchies. Slurrp. Good times!

So, we all mingled for a couple of hours, ogled the big swimming pool down below, and laughed at how we need each other’s screen names to know who we’re talking to, and before you know it, the party was wrapping up. But, not before MexiKen and Super Dave’s Gal Friday (Michele) made it in from the airport! You know, me and Super Dave make an awesome team, but we only have our magical bariatric-super-hero powers when our better halves are there with us. You know the rules: Clark Kent has Lois Lane; Spiderman has Mary Jane; Iron Man has Pepper Potts…

Now, here’s a quick little aside: When Michele walked into the suite, she gasped, and exclaimed, “Oh my GOSH! Are WE staying HERE?!” Super Dave smoothly replied, “No. OUR place is WAY BETTER!” Poor Michele. Nothing like managing expectations. I’m hoping she was just too tired to care…especially after climbing all of those stairs.

Well — time’s up for this morning! Stay tuned…Tomorrow: The Main Event!

DAY 1: Cheap Motels and Vegas (Baby)

1-Bedroom Suite. Ours was WAAY better.

So, me and my Bariatric Body Guard, Best Buddy and Hero, Dave (aka Super Dave) hit the road in an SUV crammed to the gills with protein drinks, powders, snacks, blenders, luggage, banners, event tees, video cameras, computers, storage tubs and various other bits of accoutrement you swear you’re going to need when you’re going to exhibit for the first time at a convention-that-isn’t-really-a-convention.

All I can say is, it’s a good thing this event was driving distance from home, because I have no CLUE what I’ll do when I have to FLY somewhere and set up a booth.

Anyway, the trip to Vegas was smooth and uneventful, and even though I’d driven it several times in my past, I still managed to sound like my Dad did whenever he’d take a road trip somewhere he hadn’t been in awhile: “Oh my gosh, when did they build that? I don’t remember the road being this nice…This is a really big desert…are we there yet? Are we there yet?” Okay, my dad never said “are we there yet…?”

Somehow, we managed to blow right by the “Welcome to Nevada” sign (which Super Dave swears I missed because I was talking – as-if – and reminds me was right by State Line – which I commented on, when we passed, so there), and into Fabulous Las Vegas. We got a call from SD’s daughter telling us that Obama was gonna be in town for the weekend, and asking whether he was here for our event. Hmmm…maybe next year, we’ll ask him to give a keynote.

Okay, so we got to our fabulous dive hotel, and whilst trying to check in, realized that I did not have my driver’s license – d’oh! MexiKen had it in his pouch because I’d given it to him on our last bike ride! EEEK. Off to the bank for some cashola (the currency of choice, next to chips in Vegas.) I signed something that said I wouldn’t raid the minifridge, then the guy showed us a map of the hotel and put a big “X” on our room: 315. “Oh my goodness,” I exclaimed, “A third floor room on the corner; how nice!” and we proceeded to pull the car around to the door.

May I remind you of the Beverly Hillbilly packout in the rear of the car?

We were gonna need a really big luggage cart, but that’s okay…that’s what elevators are for. But wait…there’s no bellhop…or doorman…no valet…and they told us to pull around to the outside of our room. Where’s the guy with the cart…? Well, for $116/night (2-bedroom suite with full kitchen), what do you expect? So, I gamely grabbed an ice chest, and SD grabbed a big ‘ole suitcase and a big heavy storage tub, and we headed for the room.

Hold the phone…what’s this? Stairs? Where’s the elevator There is no elevator? O…k….a…y.

Up we go. Only…I can’t take two steps without collapsing into spasms of laughter. This is the funniest thing I can imagine…We have rented a room at a hotel motel that has NO ELEVATOR.

Needless to say, our initial concerns about them not having a “fitness room” were for naught, and we somehow managed to get 5 trips of crap into our spacious little non-smoking room (directly on the other side of the door from the smoking hallway.)

Moral of the story: This NEVER would have happened to us if we were still FAT. They don’t give top floor rooms in motels that have no elevators to FAT people. Ergo…we must be FIT people!

Tomorrow: BariatricTV’s Shindig at the Platinum Hotel, MexiKen and Super Dave’s trusty sidekick, Michele arrive — Plus THE MAIN EVENT!

PS – I know, I know! This post is MEANINGLESS without pictures! Bad news…I didn’t take any. Good news, about a hundred other people did, and they “swear” they’ll share them with me. Basically, when I get ‘em, you’ll get ‘em…Stay tuned!

REVIEW & WIN: Chobani 0% Plain Greek Yogurt

If you stopped by the Gastric Bypass Barbie booth and sampled CHOBANI 0% PLAIN GREEK YOGURT at the Las Vegas WLS Meet & Greet February 19-21, 2010, you can enter to win a cool prize from GBB (that’s me!) Just post a comment below and tell me about your taste test. The better the review, the better your chance of winning. I’m interested in hearing what you like and don’t like about the product; how you’d rate the taste and texture, whether you’d buy it for yourself, and whether you like the nutritional values (e.g., grams of protein, grams of sugar, number of carbs and calories).

Make CHOBANI GREEK YOGHURT part of your daily protein program. Eat Happy!

CLICK HERE FOR A COUPON

Leave your comment and you might win

REVIEW & WIN: Protein Blitz Sport Drink

If you stopped by the Gastric Bypass Barbie booth and sampled Protein Blitz Sport Drink at the Las Vegas WLS Meet & Greet February 19-21, 2010, you can enter to win a cool prize from GBB (that’s me!) Just post a comment below and tell me about your taste test. The better the review, the better your chance of winning. I’m interested in hearing what you like and don’t like about the product; how you’d rate the taste and texture, whether you’d buy it for yourself, and whether you like the nutritional values (e.g., grams of protein, grams of sugar, number of carbs and calories).

Make PROTEIN BLITZ SPORT DRINK part of your daily protein program. Drink Happy!

CLICK HERE FOR A COUPON

Leave your comment and you might win 

REVIEW AND WIN: Jarrow Whey (Vanilla)

If you stopped by the Gastric Bypass Barbie booth and sampled JARROW WHEY PROTEIN at the Las Vegas WLS Meet & Greet February 19-21, 2010, you can enter to win a free 2 LB. TUB of your very own! Just post a comment below and tell me about your taste test. The better the review, the better your chance of winning. I’m interested in hearing what you like and don’t like about the product; how you’d rate the taste and texture, whether you’d buy it for yourself, and whether you like the nutritional values (e.g., grams of protein, grams of sugar, number of carbs and calories).

Make Jarrow Whey part of your daily protein program. Live Happy!

Leave your comment and you might win

REVIEW & WIN!

Are you going to the WLS Meet & Greet in Las Vegas this weekend? Be sure to check back here starting February 20, 2010 for your chance to review and win neat prizes. All you have to do is drop by my booth and taste any (or all!) of the fine products I’ll have for you to sample, visit the corresponding page for that product, then post a review as your comment.

You’ll automatically be entered to win something really cool. I promise

When the time comes, click one of these links, then write a review and post it as a comment:

Jarrow Whey Protein

Chobani Greek Yogurt

Protein Blitz Sports Drink

While it’s true that this is an itty-bitty little contest, I do have to have rules, regulations, guidelines, suggestions and legal junk to protect myself — AHEM:

WLS Vegas Meet & Greet Comment & Win Official Rules

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Some restrictions apply. One comment per product per person. You need not be present to win.

The sweepstakes: From 2/20/10 through 2/29/10, Gastric Bypass Barbie will promote, by means of this website and at the the First Annual WLS Meet & Greet Las Vegas the opportunity to submit entries to win cool prizes not yet determined.

Eligibility: In order to submit entries, you must be at least 18 years of age, reside in the continental United States, have attended the Las Vegas WLS Meet & Greet (2/19-21, 2010), have visited the Gastric Bypass Barbie booth, and sampled whatever product you are reviewing. One entry per product per person. Any individuals (including but not limited to employees, consultants, independent contractors, and interns) who have, within the past six months, performed services for Gastric Bypass Barbie or any organizations responsible for sponsoring, fulfilling, administering, advertising or promoting the contest or supplying the prize, and/or their respective parent, subsidiary, affiliated and successor companies, and immediate family and household members of such individuals, are not eligible to enter or play. “Immediate family members” shall mean parents, stepparents, children, stepchildren, siblings, stepsiblings, or spouses. “Household members” shall mean people who share the same residence at least three months in one calendar year.

How to enter: (I) Write a review of the product you tasted and post it as a comment on this website on or before 5 PM PST 2/29/10. All entries become the property of Gastric Bypass Barbie and will not be returned and may be used by Gastric Bypass Barbie for any purpose and in any media in perpetuity.

How to win: The Prize winner(s) will be selected in a random drawing conducted from all qualified entries on or about 2/29/10. In the event that the original Prize winner(s) do not meet Official Rules or eligibility requirements, or he/she or parent or legal guardian forfeits the Prize, Gastric Bypass Barbie will award prize to first alternate. Process will continue until Prize is awarded.

Remember: I’m not getting paid for this. I’m doing it to be nice! Have a great day and thanks for playing.