Saturday evening I arrived back in Texas from New York where I had been invited to attend Obesity Online, a forum sponsored by Ethicon Endo-Surgery and the Obesity Action Coalition. I am still putting my thoughts together on the event, but I wanted to share some of my initial reactions with you.
Weight Loss Surgery Bloggers from Across the Country
I was honored to be invited to this event. It still shocks me that I have readers beyond my parents. (And some days I’m surprised Mom and Dad have stuck with me!) It was a treat to sit in the same room with the bloggers that I read when I was researching weight loss surgery, and with women I now count among my best friends.
Beth (MeltingMama), Me, and Andrea (WLSVitagarten)
The theme that resonated most with me was the need for advocacy. There are so many myths and barriers surrounding bariatric surgery. Advocacy is about education, and about correcting misinformation. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) was one of the weekend’s sponsors. The OAC is an organization that works tirelessly to advocate on behalf of people affected by obesity. If you aren’t already a member, what are you waiting for?
Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge, Something We Couldn't Have Done Before Surgery
I came back from this trip reinvigorated, ready to give back to this community that means so much to me. Because you are my people. I felt it in New York, just like I’ve felt it in the past. There’s something about bariatric surgery that bonds us. We don’t have to explain every little thing anymore. It’s simply understood. There is something worthwhile in a community like that. But every community needs advocates. Are you willing to be one?
With Andrea (WLSVitagarten), One of My Favorite Advocates
Disclaimer: My travel and hotel expenses were covered were covered by Ethicon Endo-Surgery.
7 Responses
- Pingback on Apr 20th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
- Pingback on Apr 24th, 2011 at 11:55 pm
We need more advocates… there is so much hate out there, even among those I thought were my friends… in the last month I have been called many things, including a hypocrite because I chose to point out how bad America eats. I know I was in the same boat before my surgrery…
People don’t realize the weight of their words.
We learn so much through surgery, and so many of us would like to share our knowledge, but we’re afraid to because of the hatred that is out there. It’s something we’re going to have to try to overcome.
I find that who I am now compared to who I was then is all consuming at times. It has changed just about everything for me and I’ve mostly had a positive and successful journey. I have felt, as you have, that I need to be DOING something positive in the community. I’m just grateful to have so many new friends who “get it.” Time to give back.
Kaitlin, I can’t wait to get my feet wet with the OAC. I had such a good time meeting everybody face to face, and I agree…. somethings go with out saying.