Save. The. Date.

Via OAC -

"The OAC thanks all those who attended and participated in YWM2013, making it an incredibly successful and motivating event. We extend our gratitude to this year's sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and all those who helped make the Convention possible. We are proud to announce the 2014 date and location and hope that you will mark your calendars to join us for YWM2014!"

• September 25 - 28, 2014 - Orlando, Florida

Watch for my next posts for photos, recaps, and more.  Because.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  - Margaret Mead

Win An All-Expenses Paid Trip To #YWM2013 - JOIN US!

From the OAC -

YOU ARE INVITED to join us for the 2nd Annual Your Weight Matters National Convention, taking place this year in Phoenix, AZ, August 15 – 18 at the beautiful Arizona Grand Resort & Spa!

“Rise to the Challenge” with the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) in Phoenix, where you can learn from the country’s leading experts and arm yourself with the knowledge to better manage your weight and your health!

The Your Weight Matters National Convention is the largest National meeting dedicated to providing evidence-based strategies for individuals impacted by excess weight and obesity, proudly brought to you OAC. As a National non-profit organization, the OAC is dedicated to helping the millions of Americans impacted by excess weight and obesity through education, advocacy and support.

The OAC’s National Convention is a 3-day educational event designed to bring together all individuals who struggle or are concerned with weight-related issues. The entire weekend is dedicated to presenting a comprehensive agenda, comprised of diverse topics that are designed to help any individual who has ever had a concern about their weight. We bring-in the country’s leading experts on weight and health and give you the RIGHT tools to be successful in your lifelong journey with weight.

Would you join us?   Please do.  

• Learn more here!
• Register now!

The OAC invites you to “Rise to the Challenge” and have the opportunity to win an all-expenses paid trip to the 2013 Convention in Phoenix.

Caesar demands - asks...

• If you refer 10 or more registrants to the 2013 Your Weight Matters National Convention, you will be entered-in to a Grand Prize drawing for an all-expenses paid trip to the Convention! The individual whose name is drawn will receive airfare, three-nights hotel stay and a Full Event Registration. Participants must recruit a minimum of 10 registrants to be eligible to enter the raffle for the Grand Prize.  

• All individuals who refer at least one registrant will be entered-in to a Runner-up drawing for a complimentary Full Convention Registration and a free OAC Membership (or renewal). You will receive one entry into the Runner-up drawing for each registrant who indicates that you referred them to Convention.  

• SO DO IT ALREADY.   Here is the form -  Download Convention_Recruitment_Contest_2013

• GET ENTERED!  GET THERE.  We want to see you!  

(If you have not watched this - DO - embed the words inside your brain - that little dance - can you?  Would you?)

Have you already registered for #YWM2013?  (GO YOU!)  

• If you HAVE?  

• Please please please shoot the OAC a quick email to [email protected] and provide the name of the individual that recruited you to attend.  Because, they get a shot at winning the trip - and that's super-helpful.  The more the better.  

• Spread the love.  And see you at #YWM2013!  

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Good DOES GOOD - #YWM2013 #BBGC Fundraiser

In 139 days the BBGC is descending upon Phoenix, Arizona for the #YWM2013 with the Obesity Action Coalition.  This is the 2nd Annual Event -- and we want to be a bigger part of it.  Last year several of us traveled to Dallas, Texas for the 1st Annual YWM Event and LOVED EVERY MINUTE of it.   Note:

This year -- we decided we want to put a ring on it.  

In addition to fundraising for the Walk From Obesity (Walks From Obesities?  Plural... Remember last year - $7,300.) and doing good the Bariatric Bad Girls Club is sponsoring a portion of the #YWM2013 event. I implore YOUR business or group to do the same, it is a worthwhile cause.

To help the BBGC do good -- we are fundraising -- as I am just one person but together WE ARE MANY --

“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn't as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.” 

― Jean Vanier

• To start we are selling #YWM2013 - BBGC - Support - Advocacy Bracelets for a limited time with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the Obesity Action Coalition.

• Our BBGC ink injected wristbands are black debossed silicone wristbands with HOT pink colored ink injected into the engraved letters.  Pretend they are below, cause my photo is NOT here yet.  

• The bracelets are IN PRODUCTION  (I'm watching the tracking...) and will be SHIPPED AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVE.  You will receive a bracelet in a few weeks.

• Alternatively if you DO NOT WANT A BRACELET and want to SUPPORT THE BBGC CAUSE, you may also simply donate directly to [email protected] at www.paypal.com - below

 

• For more about the convention - http://www.ywmconvention.com/
• Thank you for your SUPPORT of the BBGC and the Obesity Action Coalition!

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Bet you forgot about this! Good does good gets good things. #BBGC

2013 Walk From Obesity

Excited! Excited!

BBGC Tees - 20% off!

Obesity Action Coalition Honors Extraordinary Members at 1st Annual OAC Awards Dinner

Obesity Action Coalition Honors Extraordinary Members at 1st Annual OAC Awards Dinner

On October 27, during the Your Weight Matters Inaugural Convention, the OAC recognized some of our outstanding members at the 1st Annual OAC Awards Dinner. The OAC presented six members with the following OAC awards based on their service and dedication to the OAC:

Advocate of the Year

This award is given to the OAC Member who has lead the charge in taking on and engaging others in advocacy initiatives. This individual is a tireless advocate advancing the cause of fighting obesity and representing individuals affected.

The recipient of the OAC Advocate of the Year award was Beth Sheldon-Badore, of Plymouth, MA. Beth is a long-time member and supporter of the OAC, and she continuously advocates for those affected by obesity.

 

OAC President Joe Naglowski and I with my award

 

Community Leader of the Year

This award is given to an individual who continually works in their community to advance the cause of fighting obesity. The recipient is an individual who actively engages their community or with their constituency in spreading awareness of obesity and encourages others to get involved in activities that further the mission of the OAC.

The recipient of the Community Leader of the Year award was Tammy Beaumont, BSN, RN, BC, CBN, of Dallas, TX. Tammy, a long-time OAC member, is extremely involved in fighting obesity in her community through the OAC as well as the Walk from Obesity.

Outstanding Membership Recruitment by an OAC Member

This award is designated for the individual OAC member who is an active membership recruiter in the OAC. The individual is a regular membership promoter and continually encourages membership in the OAC.

The recipient of the Outstanding Membership Recruitment by an OAC Member award was Michelle Vicari, from Temecula, CA. Michelle continuously works to raise awareness of the OAC, as the positive impact of membership in our organization.

Outstanding Membership Recruitment by a Physician

This award is given to the Sponsored Membership Program participant (physician) that recruited the highest number of new members in the OAC in the 12 months prior to the Convention month.

The recipient of the Outstanding Membership Recruitment by a Physician award was Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians. Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians is a leader in the OAC’s Sponsored Membership Program. Through the Sponsored Membership Program, they purchase memberships in the OAC for each of their patients. To date, they joined 268 members in the OAC during 2012!

Bias Buster of the Year

The OAC’s Bias Buster of the Year is awarded to the individual who has lead the charge to put the OAC on path to effect change in mindsets, policies and public perception of weight bias. This individual is both proactive and reactive in responding to weight bias issues and is an example to others on how to get involved as a Bias Buster.

The recipient of the OAC’s Bias Buster of the Year was Rebecca Puhl, PhD from New Haven, CT. Rebecca is a member of the OAC’s Board of Directors and is the leading expert on weight bias. She is also the current chair of the OAC’s Weight Bias Committee. Her profound knowledge on weight bias allows the OAC to tackle a variety of bias issues ranging from entertainment to healthcare and more.

Member of the Year
This is the OAC’s highest honor and is awarded to an OAC member who goes above and beyond to help the OAC in its efforts to achieve its mission and goals. This individual is an exemplary OAC member and continually represents the OAC in impacting the obesity epidemic.

The recipient of the OAC Member of the Year award was Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA, of Pittsburgh, PA. Ted sits on the OAC’s Board of Directors and is also a member of several OAC committees. His extensive knowledge in the field of obesity has continually assisted the OAC in advocacy efforts, combating weight bias, developing educational resources and more.

The OAC National Board of Directors and staff congratulate these individuals and recognize them for their continued support and dedication to the OAC, our mission and goals.

• Via - Obesity Action Coalition
• Join the OAC - http://www.obesityaction.org/get-involved/membership/join-the-oac

Thank you!

Michelle Vicari and I were honored to receive awards at the Obesity Action Coalition's Inaugural Event last weekend.

I received the OAC's Award for Advocate of the Year -- and Michelle for Membership Recruitment.

Thank you OAC, and thanks to those who nominated us!

 

Five pounds of mint chocolate chip protein? SURE! Enter now!

You want?

Mini Squee - #YWMconvention #OAC

On October 27th, 2012, during the Obesity Action Coalition "Your Weight Matters" Event at the Hilton Anatole, there will be another first: the first annual OAC Awards!

Your friendly blogger was nominated in one of these categories, and I am thankful to you for that.  Thank you.  And, really, thank you.

I will be present at the events, dinner, ceremony, and of course the Walk From Obesity with at least $6000.00 in donations from Team MM + BBGC.  

Have I mentioned that there is still time to donate to Team MM + BBGC and I do not see your donation in yet?  

Go ahead, I will wait for you!

Thank you - and see you there? 

There is still time to register for the OAC event!  

Do. not. miss. it.

 Join the OAC event on Facebook!

 

 

About the OAC Awards -

The following awards will be presented during the OAC Inaugural Your Weight Matters National Convention:

OAC Advocate of the Year - This award is given to the OAC Member who has lead the charge in taking on National, local and state advocacy issues. This individual should be a tireless advocate to advance the cause of fighting obesity and the individual affected by obesity.

Community Leader of the Year - This award is given to an individual who continually works in their community to advance the cause of fighting obesity. The recipient should be an individual who actively engages their community or with their constituency in spreading awareness of obesity and encourages others to get involved in activities that further the mission of the OAC.

Outstanding Membership Recruitment by an OAC Member - This award is designated for the individual OAC member who is an active membership recruiter in the OAC. The individual is a regular membership promoter and continually encourages membership in the OAC.

Outstanding Membership Recruitment by a Physician - This award is given to the Sponsored Membership Program participant (physician) that has recruited the most new members in the OAC in the 12 months prior to the Convention month. The recipient of the award has encouraged membership in the OAC by purchasing it on behalf of the patient.

Bias Buster of the Year - The OAC’s Bias Buster of the Year is awarded to the individual who has lead the charge to put the OAC on path to effect change in mindsets, policies and public perception of weight bias. This individual is both proactive and reactive in responding to weight bias issues and is an example to others on how to get involved as a Bias Buster.

OAC Member of the Year - This is the OAC’s highest honor and is awarded to an OAC member who goes above and beyond to help the OAC in its efforts to achieve its mission and goals. This individual is an exemplary OAC member and continually represents the OAC in impacting the obesity epidemic.

______________________________________________________

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is set to host a ground-breaking educational convention on weight and health, the Inaugural “Your Weight Matters” National Convention. Join them in Dallas, October 25-28 for this ground-breaking Convention that will answer all your questions about weight and health! For more information, please visit www.YWMConvention.com.

 

The walk is today! $1450 to go! Help MM help the OAC!

She bumps the goal up.  Well, why NOT?  I have a whole WEEK LEFT!  One day left!

 

 

Thanks to a late-night donation, Team MM + BBGC reached my lofty $3000.00 goal for the Walk From Obesity in Natick, MA on April 28th, 2012.  Go us!

I received 49 donations totaling more than $2200.00, including $500 from Wellesse Vitamins, huge support from Washington State BBGC Barbara Beck,  Slimpressions and many MM and BBGC Members... THANK YOU!

The rest of my teammmates made up the remaining $800.00.  Which MEANS?  WE CAN DO MORE.  You know why?  Some team members haven't got a single donation yet!  

• Reaching $2500.00 earns me prizes from the OAC - which (as you know) I give away to a lucky few donators!  
• Reaching $3000.00 is wonderful!  Thank you!
• But, if we hit $5000.00 for a single 2012 Walk From Obesity, I might implode.  

In the years I have fundraised and walked (6-7 times now?) I have NEVER raised more than $3000.00 for a single event.

Let's blow that away.

"YOU can really make a difference in the lives of those touched by obesity. while advances have been made in the prevention and treatment of obesity, more remains to be done. It is estimated that nearly 93 million Americans are affected by obesity and that number is predicted to climb to 120 million in the next five years.

There is hardly a family anywhere that hasn't in some way been affected by obesity related illnesses. The Walk from Obesity combines an enjoyable event with the potential to raise significant sums for the fight against obesity."

Donate the cost of your morning coffee today?  That seems reasonable.  

To all of those who have already donated, I thank you.  Very, very much!

• Watch for future Walks!  http://www.facebook.com/walkfromobesity
• Get Involved! http://walkfromobesity.com/index.html

 

Related articles

• Team BBGC Walks For Obesity 2012! Help Us! (meltingmama.net)
• I need your help, now! (meltingmama.net)
• Eight Years Post Op - And I may NEVER QUIT. (meltingmama.net)
• Thank you and WHEE WHEE WHEE! (meltingmama.net)

Thank the OAC for their Efforts in 2011 by Making a Tax-deductible Donation

Thank the OAC for their Efforts in 2011 by Making a Tax-deductible Donation

 

"Dear OAC Member -

 

A teacher in Utah is told that if she doesn’t have weight-loss surgery she will die, yet her insurance won’t cover her surgery. A hospital patient is wheeled to be weighed while the staff members laugh at her and insult her. Someone in Jacksonville, Fla. is humiliated when she sees a huge billboard that likens her to a whale. An individual goes to see his doctor who tells him that to lose weight all he has to do is diet and exercise, while a medication that would increase his weight-loss by 15 percent has been denied by the FDA.

 

The Obesity Action Coalition has taken these issues head-on and continues to fight for the rights of the individual affected by obesity everyday. But we cannot do it alone. We need your financial support to help insure that these scenarios don’t happen again.

 

I’m not asking for your support as OAC Chairman of the Board, but as a fellow member and fellow patient. I have seen first-hand how the OAC has touched so many lives. From talking to individuals directly affected, to meeting with elected officials and seeing the “light bulb” go off when you educate them on the importance of treatment; it’s obvious to me how much the OAC has done for so many people, and in just a short amount of time.

 

The reality is that in order to continue our initiatives, we need the financial support from members like YOU. Please consider the OAC in your year-end giving by making a tax-deductible donation. Your donation will directly help us produce free education to the millions who need it and insure that your voice is heard in Washington, DC. I’ve made my year-end donation, now it’s up to YOU!"

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Barbara Thompson, MLS

OAC Chairman of the Board, Fellow Patient and Member Since 2005