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2008 - Sacramento
ObesityHelp National Event

When:

August 23, 12:00 am - August 24, Midnight 2008

Where:

Hilton Sacramento Arden West
2200 Harvard Street
Sacramento, CA
Hotel Website
1-916-922-4700

Lodging:

Hilton Sacramento Arden West
2200 Harvard Street
Sacramento,
Hotel Website
1-916-922-4700

About the area:

The Hilton Sacramento Arden West hotel is the only full-service, high-rise Hilton hotel in the Sacramento region offering both business and leisure travelers outstanding accommodations and superior service. Minutes from the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and central to every major area freeway, the Hilton Sacramento Arden West hotel is the perfect choice for those coming into the area for work or play. Centrally located in the Point West Financial District, the California State Capitol, historic Old Sacramento and the Sacramento Convention Center are five minutes south of the Hilton; and the Roseville/Rocklin area is a quick 16 miles east.

Announcements:

Please join us for a meet and greet reception on Friday night at this hotel, sponsored by Dr. Mariotti from 7 pm - 9 pm. Also, after our dinner break on Saturday, there will be a social event with casino night and refreshing dessert! Be sure and stay for the Great Giveaways at the end of each session on Saturday and Sunday! They're Fantastic!

Zumba is presenting a breakout class on each day, so come prepared to ZUMBA!

Representatives from The Body Shop will be giving mini-makeovers onsite, so visit their table for an appointment!

We have negotiated a special guest rate at the Hilton Sacramento Arden West of $119 for single occupancy! Hurry to book your room, as this room block will sell out and ends on July 31st!

Schedule:

General Schedule for Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Vendor Setup
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM Registration and Time to Visit the Vendors
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Opening Statements and Introductions
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM David Kaufman, M.D.
9:55 AM - 10:40 AM Christa Clark, M.D.
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM Colleen Cook
11:35 AM - 1:15 PM Vendor Visits & Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM Grocery Shopping with Bariatric Chef Dave Fouts
2:20 PM - 3:00 PM John J Feng, M.D.
3:20 PM - 4:05 PM Ramon Lopez, WLS Post Op and Motivational Speaker
4:10 PM - 5:00 PM Closing Statements and Prize Giveaways!
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM PARTY!! Join us for Casino night and light dessert after dinner on your own. Come try your luck!

General Schedule for Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Vendor Setup Time
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM Registration and Time to Visit the Vendors
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM Eric Mariotti, M.D.
10:20 AM - 11:00 AM Bariatric Fitness Expert Jeremy Gentles
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM Bariatric Coach Dana Schroeder
11:35 AM - 1:15 PM Vendor Visits and Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM Health Coaches & Couple Diana & Mike McClelland
2:25 PM - 3:10 PM Culinary Basics with Bariatric Chef Dave Fouts
3:20 PM - 4:05 PM WLS Post Op and Support Group Leader Jen Avery
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM Closing Statements and Prize Giveaways!

Speakers / Topics

Eric Mariotti, M.D. - Event Co-Sponsor

A Bay Area native, Dr. Eric R. Mariotti, has been practicing aesthetic and reconstructive surgery for over a decade and continues to strive for the best and most up to date technologies and procedures. His practice encompasses not only the face, breast and body using both traditional and endoscopic techniques, but a long list of non-surgical procedures as well, to help you achieve a natural, more youthful appearance. Weight loss surgery holds a special interest for Dr. Mariotti because it truly underscores what he loves about his job: helping people feel good about themselves. Says a former patient “I was so impressed from the very beginning. He really cares about his patients. He’s realistic, honest, compassionate and caring. The surgery helped me regain my confidence, but Dr. Mariotti helped me find the true me.”

Dr. Mariotti is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgery, California Society of Plastic Surgery and the Alameda Contra Costa Medical Society. Affiliated with John Muir Medical Center in the East Bay, he has chaired their Division of Plastic Surgery since 2000.

Dr. Mariotti will be giving FREE onsite private consultations.

David Kaufman, M.D. - Event Co-Sponsor

Dr. Kaufman is a Harvard educated, Stanford trained reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon. He is proud to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and an active Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Kaufman specializes in body contouring after weight loss or pregnancy. He became interested in post-bariatric plastic surgery early in his career. Dr. Kaufman states, "I love this group of people. They have made an incredible commitment to change their lives for the better. I feel priviledged to help patients who have lost significant weight to feel whole again and improve their self esteem and self confidence.' He adds that the relationship he develops with his patients is a motivating force. "I really get to know my patients personally and develop a lasting relationship with them."

To see examples of Dr. Kaufman's work, please visit his Weight Loss page on his web site:
http://www.afterobesity.com

Dr. Kaufman will be giving FREE onsite private consultations.

Christa Clark, M.D. - Event Co-Sponsor

My philosophy for patients considering cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is dedication to personal treatment. I offer a woman's unique perspective and creative expertise as I design procedures in line with the individual needs of each of my patients. I am interested in all types of plastic surgery--from a woman who desires breast reconstruction following mastectomy, to a young mother wishing to improve her figure after having children. With the appropriately selected procedure, plastic surgery may be a way to enhance self-esteem and bring about that confidence from within. It is my goal to help patients be all that that can be by safely delivering state of the art surgical techniques to ensure natural results.

Originally from Michigan, I attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where I earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Economics and English Literature. I received my Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1999 with High Distinction from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, and graduated in the top ten of my class. My surgical training then transported me to California where I completed a combined general and plastic surgery residency at the prestigious Stanford University Medical Center, training with world-renowned plastic surgeons reconstructing devastating injuries.

I have always had a strong interest in giving back to those less fortunate. During my residency training, I traveled to Haiti, Guatemala, and Peru to perform reconstructive surgery on both children and adults. These humanitarian efforts provided complimentary care to those who suffered from facial and body deformities caused by birth and trauma related injuries. My experiences as a surgeon on these missions have been some of the most enriching of my life.

Following completion of my residency, I was chosen for advanced cosmetic fellowship training in San Francisco with plastic surgeon Dr. John Q. Owsley, a pioneer of cosmetic surgery and face-lifting techniques.

Licensed in California, I am a member of the American Medical Association, American Medical Women's Association, and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. However, just as important as my credentials is my ability to establish meaningful relationships with my patients. I treat my patients as I would want a member of my family to be treated and my friendly personality puts patients at ease during the consultation process. Selecting a surgeon is an important decision; my goal is to contribute my attention to detail and knowledge of the most sophisticated plastic surgery procedures available to bring out the beauty within you.

For further information, please visit Dr. Clark at her website:
http://www.thenaturalresult.com

Dr. Clark will be giving FREE onsite private consultations.

Thomas McNemar, M.D.

Every patient is unique and beautiful, says Dr. Thomas McNemar. He believes that cosmetic surgery can accentuate outer beauty while enhancing inner beauty and allowing for a renewed self-confidence. "My approach is to treat every individual as if he or she were my only patient," he says. Recognized for treating post-bariatric patients, Dr. McNemar customizes procedures for excess or sagging skin according to each individual's needs—whether for weight loss, childbirth, or the natural process of aging. Dr. McNemar is committed to helping patients become educated and make well-informed decisions, and has even developed an informative website on cosmetic surgery and published a book on the topic: Your Complete Guide to Breast Augmentation and Body Contouring.

Cosmetic Surgery McNemar Cosmetic Surgery,5201 Norris Canyon Road, Suite 120, San Ramon(925) 866-0177, second location in Tracy, CA
http://www.mcnemarcosmeticsurgery.com
Dr. McNemar will be giving FREE onsite private consultations at the event.

John J. Feng, M.D.

Dr. Feng specializes in minimally invasive bariatric surgery in the surgical treatment for obesity. He has dedicated his practice to
several methods of bariatric surgery, all of which can be performed laparoscopically.
He believes that surgery can be tailored to the
individual patient. These procedures thus allow for less postoperative pain, smaller scars, fewer wound problems and quicker recovery. These techniques include (1) placement of an adjustable gastric band, or
LAP-BAND(r) System or REALIZE(tm) Band, (2) vertical sleeve gastroplasty/gastrectomy,(3) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and (4) duodenal
switch, or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

Dr. Feng was the first surgeon in California to perform the vertical sleeve gastrectomy after being specially trained in the procedure during his fellowship in bariatric surgery in New York.

Dr. Feng is an American Society for Bariatric Society Center of Excellence Surgeon. Dr. Feng is the current Medical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Board Certified General
Surgeon. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University with Honors and Distinction in 1988
and completed Medical School in 1993 at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He trained at UCSF for general surgery residency from 1993 to 2001, during which time he dedicated 3 years to wound healing research with Dr. Thomas K. Hunt. He then completed a specialty fellowship with Dr. Michel Gagner and Dr. Barry Salky at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City in advanced laparoscopic and minimally invasive general surgery and bariatric surgery from 2001-2002.

His main office in San Mateo is complemented by satellite offices in Lodi, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, and Monterey, where he sees patients
every month. In addition to nutritional support and long-term followup on a regular basis, Dr. Feng conducts support group meetings to help
achieve optimal care for them.

For a more detailed description of Dr. Feng's program at Crystal Springs Surgical Associates and the various surgical options, please visit his website at: .
http://www.gastricbypasssanfrancisco.com

Dr. Feng will be giving FREE on-site private, "mini"-consultations.

Colleen Cook, Bariatric Coach & BSCI President

Meet and be inspired by Colleen Cook, President of Bariatric Support Centers International. She is thrilled to help those who struggle with the effects of the disease of obesity as they seek to improve their health and enhance the quality of their lives. BSCI's programs, services and products are designed to meet the ever changing needs of bariatric patients.

In her presentation, she'll provide support and educational resources for new, veteran, and struggling weight-loss surgery patients.

Colleen Cook will also introduce BSCI's publication "Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients".

Dave Fouts, Bariatric Chef

Chef David Fouts received his Culinary Degree in 1994 from the Florida Culinary Institute in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida. Soon thereafter, he was hired by the prestigious 5 Star Diamond Hotel "The Breakers" in West Palm Beach, where he worked for several years. He currently serves as the Corporate Chef for Western Bariatric Institute and the International Metabolic Institute both based in Reno, Nevada.

Over the last several years, Chef Dave has written, contributed and advised on several editorial boards for publications throughout the country. In 2003, he wrote his first book, "Culinary Classics: Essentials of Cooking for the Gastric Bypass Patient." The book was born out of his passion to help patients he works with on a daily basis and to help them overcome their challenges with food choices following weight loss surgery.

He'll share his tips and insights on food choices in his fun and info-packed presentation! Don't miss it.

Visit Chef Dave's Website at http://www.chefdave.org/

Jeremy Gentles, Fitness Expert

Jeremy Gentles, MA, CSCS, is ObesityHelp's exercise physiologist. Jeremy studied Exercise Science at East Tennessee State University and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

In his presentation, Jeremy will arm you with the knowledge to safely participate in a self-guided exercise program to assist you in achieving long-term success after weight loss surgery. He'll offer solutions for overcoming a multitude of obstacles that can get in the way of enjoying a full, active life. By helping you understand the why's and how's of exercise, Jeremy will empower you to knock down those obstacles, allowing you to become healthier through exercise. Come explore the benefits of having a healthy focus and learn how to properly and safely implement a weight/resistance training program.

It's your journey....Train for it!

Dana Schroeder, Ph.D., Bariatric Life Coach

Health in Harmony: Transformational Stretegies for Optimal Health

After 20 years of dealing with morbid obesity, Dana Schroder was about 280 pounds and 5'5", depressed, hypertensive, diabetic and experienced low energy, sleep problems and social injustices. Having tried everything else to lose weight, Dana has gastric bypass in May 2001 and lost 120 pounds over the next year.

Her new found energy and time led her to host fund raisers, sit on committees and boards and became a "party hostess extraodinaire"!! Her life, family and career had been transformed. Through this, she realized that self-responsibility was key to go from surviving with obesity to the state of thriving! She began her Life Coaching career in 2005 and realized a new passion for those suffering from obesity. Life Coaching skills taught her how to internalize healthy long term life style changes, and she'll share them with you during her informational, fun and motivational presentation!

Jenn Avery, WLS Post op

Jenn Avery started her WLS journey as a post op in October 2002, and has been an Obesity Help Support Group Leader in Visalia, CA for over two years. She is currently working on classes to become a Bariatric Coach with hopes of becoming certified as a Bariatric Life Coach.

The song “Every Mile a Memory” best describes Jenn’s journey with obesity as her passenger. Jenn tells us of her experience with obesity, and the journey of life – where her obesity was at times a roadblock, a pit stop and many times a round-a-bout. Jenn will cover how obesity, as well as many other things in life, compare with making a journey.

Ramon Lopez, WLS Post-op & Motivational Speaker

Never Forget Where You Came From...

That is one of the rules Ramon has lived by from day one of his WLS. Ramon reached goal in just fifteen months and has been loving life ever since.

Ramon is now living a life he never thought possible after spending 37 years as an obese person. Now, he feels blessed to be part of the ObesityHelp community, especially in his home state of Texas where he shares his story and inspires those in and around the area. Friendships and traveling aside, what makes Ramon most happy are the lessons he has learned from fellow WLS post-ops. He will share that and more with us in his dynamic presentation.

Diana & Mike McClelland, Certified Health Coaches

Once known to all as "Big Mike," Mike was 420 pounds when he met his wife Diana. Three years later, his weight crept up to 460 lbs with diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, asthma and a BMI of 60. Meanwhile, Diana had reached 300 lbs and thought that the best years of her life had been lost to losing her battle with weight.

Luckily, they used their frustration to make a positive, life altering decision for both of their sakes. Together, they realized that they weren’t enjoying life the way they wanted. Their current states were life-threatening, and after trying (and failing) many diets and programs together - Mike took the brave step to have gastric bypass surgery in 2003, with Diana going the non-surgical route. By supporting one another, they both lost the weight they had literally struggled with their entire lives to lose.

Specializing in post-bariatric weight gain, let Mike and Diana - the health coaches - share their tips for staying focused and rekndling the fire that first got them to goal. Don't miss it!

Costs and Ticket Information:

Ticket sales for this event are currently unavailable. Check back soon for more information on tickets and costs. Email events@obesityhelp.com if you have any questions.

Sponsors