Prove me wrong. I dare you.

• We have 39 days to reach our team goal.
• If we raise $89 per day -- we will reach it!
• We've only received one donation in the last two weeks.  Thank you Julie!
• We have nearly 3000 BBGC members, and need approximately $3200 to the high goal I set. 
• That's LESS THAN $1 per member donated.
• The first $1000.00 came from US - now it's up to YOU.
• Remember, all prizes earned will be given back to the donators.  Thank you!

Show us your strength.

#YWM2013 OMG CNN

Via Obesity Action Coalition -

We are proud to announce that the OAC has secured prominent National media coverage and local outlets confirmed to attend this year's ground-breaking event in Phoenix. 

CNN, one of our nation's most long-standing media outlets, has officially confirmed their attendance this year and will join us in Phoenix to provide National coverage of the event. We are honored to have CNN attend this year and showcase the tremendous strides that are being taken to provide the needed education to individuals concerned about weight and health. This is also a unique opportunity to show a major news outlet like CNN a different side to the obesity epidemic, and our hope is that their experience at this year's Convention will foster a broader understanding of the complexities of the issue.

This year, we will also be joined by the local Fox affiliate, which will provide coverage of the event to Phoenix-area residents. Spreading awareness about the cause in local communities is a crucial component and we are excited to expose the local affiliate to our important messages and community.

• I was part of the Inaugural Your Weight Matters National Convention last year and felt the energy and enthusiasm of more than 275 attendees! Join me this year to learn about all things related to weight and health – August 15-18 in Phoenix, AZ. 
• For more information, visit www.YWMConvention.com.

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Giving.

The Giving Tree.

Just because.

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Katie Jay Keynote Speaking at Southcoast Center for Weight Loss - Video

Katie Jay of www.nawls.com was the keynote speaker at an event at Southcoast Center for Weight Loss in Wareham, MA yesterday.

She is amazing.  

Thank you, Katie.  

Here we are -

150 patients returned to the Southcoast Center for Weight Loss Saturday for a reunion as the group marked its own milestone: 3,500 patients since Dr. Rayford Kruger launched the unit nine years ago.It is now the largest and busiest bariatric surgery program in New England, with three surgeons who perform about 650 procedures at Wareham's Tobey Hospital a year.

 

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Big Train Fit Frappe Skinny Chai Triple Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I have THREE to give away! Enter now!

Check out the latest gourmet flavor extension of Big Train's Fit Frappé ® protein drink mix line: Spiced Chai Latte.

With 21 grams of protein, just 2 grams of sugar and only 130 calories, Big Train's Fit Frappé Spiced Chai Latte drink mix tastes as delicious as it is easy to make.

Big Train's chai products are legendary and this new skinny chai option does not disappoint. Enjoy Fit Frappe Spiced Chai beverages three ways:  Hot, Iced or Blended.

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Every Voice MUST be Heard

Every Voice MUST be Heard

Just a few weeks after returning from the Convention, we received a heartfelt letter from an OAC member and Convention attendee. Enclosed with the letter was a gift made in memory of their friend Sandy who tragically passed away as a result of her struggle with bias and obesity. The letter is found below, and we want each of you to take a few moments and read it.

Click for full size - and never forget where you CAME FROM -

• Donate now 

Related articles

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Obesity Action Coalition Your Weight Matters Convention 2012

CLOSED - Bariatric Vitamins Building Blocks Giveaway, Times THREE!

Thank you!  CLOSED.  Picking winners now.

1. Michelle M -  michelleandcompany@_________.com
   
2. mlstanczyk@________.com
   
3. Carrie P. -  piette05@______.com

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!

 

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.

 

OAC Announces Convention Recruitment Contest Winners

Winner picked! Team MM BBGC Walks From Obesity - Giveaway #4! About Time Protein

The winner is Rebekah L.!  Thank you all!  Watch for the next contest - later today!

I am heading to Dallas, Texas in October for the Obesity Action Coalition's Inaugural Event and I am super excited about it. And, to top off the event, we are having a Walk From Obesity!  

Please consider (once again, because you are awesome, and we have raised thousands of dollars before!) a small donation to Team MM and the Bariatric Bad Girls Club?  

Come to Texas with MM!

Absolutely copied and pasted via OAC's June 2012 Newsletter -

OAC Set to Host Inaugural Your Weight Matters National Convention 
 

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), partner in the Walk from Obesity, will host its Inaugural Your Weight Matters National Convention October 25-28 in Dallas, Texas! OAC's Inaugural Convention will provide an opportunity for individuals to come together, at all stages of their journey, to talk, learn and be empowered to discover ground-breaking strategies for losing and managing their weight. The theme for this Inaugural Convention is "Explore. Discover. Empower." This is what the OAC's Convention is all about and this theme sends a strong message that through our Convention, you will be able to explore education, discover ways to manage your weight and health and become empowered to find your voice! 

The OAC's goal in this Convention is to provide evidence-based and unbiased education, to give individuals access to education from the most respected and renowned health professionals from across the country and to arm individuals with hands-on tools and effective strategies to manage their health and weight. The jam-packed agenda was carefully crafted to ensure that the OAC is providing you with the comprehensive education you've been looking for. You can view the complete Convention Agenda online now by clicking here.

In conjunction with this ground-breaking Convention and gathering of individuals interested in learning more about weight and health, the Dallas Walk from Obesity will take place at our host hotel, the Hilton Anatole, on Sunday, October 28! This is sure to be a grand event as all Convention attendees are encouraged to participate.

Registration for the OAC's Inaugural Your Weight MattersNational Convention is now open! Register before August 31, 2012 to take advantage of early-bird pricing and save 25 percent on Full Convention Registration. The first 100 Convention registrants will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE three-night stay at the Hilton Anatole during the Convention! You won't want to miss out on this great opporunity, so register today! You can register online now by clicking here.

For more information and complete details on the OAC's Inaugural Your Weight Matters National Convention, please visit www.ywmconvention.com!

 

I need your help, now!

 

It's again Walk From Obesity time!

This is my seventh (eighth?) time walking for the Obesity Action Coalition.  

I was the number one fundraiser LAST time we walked!   And the time before?   And before.

I'm looking at a goose egg this time.

But!

 

• If each of my feed subscribers donated $3 - I'd hit my goal
• If each of the people that landed on my blog donated .50 - $1 - I'd hit my goal.
• If each of my Facebook Fans donated $1.50-2 - I'd hit my goal.
• If each of my BBGC Group members donated $3-4 - I'd hit my goal.

What I mean to say is I can so do this - please help!  You don't have to drop a lot - drop a $1.   

The Walk from Obesity is the only event that brings together those who are directly affected by obesity. Our team's participation in this event is key to raising funds and drawing attention to obesity and the need for treatment and prevention efforts. 

We need your help to reach our fundraising and participation goal!
Please join our team or make a donation today.

Any contribution will help the work of the ASMBS Foundation and Obesity Action Coalition and all donations are 100% tax deductible.

• Click here for more information on the Walk from Obesity
• Click here for more information on the ASMBS Foundation
• Click here for more information on the Obesity Action Coalition

 

Woman’s donation matches weight loss | Breaking News | PE.com - Press-Enterprise

TEMECULA: Woman’s donation matches weight loss | Breaking News | PE.com - Press-Enterprise.

Hmm, do we know this woman?  <g>

 

Will you?  Donate a food item for EACH POUND LOST?  

I will. 

Join Eggy.

 

Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

Kindness is rewarding.  In your brain. 

What have you done lately in a self-less act of kindness?  This morning as I was picking up eggs, milk and Diet Coke at the convenience store:  I ran out of cash.  (It happens.  I don't use credit cards, and that was that.)  I needed less than a dollar -- and the man behind me simply PAID for it.  No questions.  Just did.  This type of action -- regardless of how small or insignificant -- FEELS GOOD.  I thanked him, and I would have done the same.  

Think of those layaways being paid off all around the US from big box retailers.   How does that make you feel?   Good, right?   Imagine how it would feel if it were YOU that came to pick up your children's holiday gifts to find that they had been paid in full?  I'd bet you'd be thankful, maybe even teary.  You might be inspired to pay it forward next time.  

The little things matter.  They really, really do.

     Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
________________________________________________

HuffPoUK -

Being kind to others is as rewarding as eating chocolate and having sex, according to scientists.

A recent study by the University of California found that performing a selfless act of kindness triggers the release of the same feelgood chemical in the brain, dopamine, as when we give ourselves a treat.

"The ventral striatum is typically active in response to simple rewards, such as chocolate, sex and money," says researcher Naomi Eisenberger.

"It now seems likely that some of the health benefits of social support actually come from the support we provide to others."

But with all the daily pressures of work, relationships, finances and health worries, living a kind-hearted existence can be challenging.

Michael J Chase, author of Am I Being Kind, believes in the Dailai Lama philosophy that, "world peace must develop out of inner peace" and says that being compassionate isn't as hard as you think as you just need to identify the 'keys' to kindness.

Being Aware - become mindful of your thoughts, words and actions
Asking - ask yourself each day 'Am I Being Kind?'
Performing - perform spontaneous acts of kindness

To encompass the simple acts of kindness, you need to turn your 'to-do' attitude into 'to-be' by adopting the following kindness principles:

Kindness towards yourself
Self-kindness means nourishing your life with healthy food, exercise, laughter, a career you love and personal and spiritual growth. It also means making room in your schedule for activities that inspire you, spending some time alone in silence, and always choosing kind thoughts about yourself

Kindness towards others
You'll encounter dozens of opportunities each day to be kind to others. Practice kindness toward your family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers. Speak kind words about people, be a good listener, smile often and give sincere apologies.

Kindness towards the earth
Make time each day to be kind to the earth. This practice starts with simple things that you may already be doing. Ride your bike or walk rather than drive, recycle, pick up the trash, purchase environmentally friendly products and be compassionate towards animals and all living things.

"To be attentive and notice when someone could use a helping hand or kind word takes us back to the first key to kindness: being aware. If we are to make a difference in the lives of others, we must become conscious and open our spiritual eyes. Having an attentive heart can be as simple as noticing a pedestrian trying to cross the street or seeing a neighbor struggling with groceries. Using our radar and continually scanning for those who require our assistance gives us countless opportunities to be kind.

"However, with so much need in the world, it's necessary to create boundaries and know our limits - it's unrealistic to think that we can help every single person on our path. But if we can heighten our instinctive heart-sense a little more each day, not only will we become more aware of what we can do for others, we'll also experience one of life's greatest gifts: the joy of service.

"Take a few moments today and intentionally look for occasions to be kind. You can do so at work, in traffic, or when you're walking down the street. As the Dalai Lama once said, 'Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.' The chances are endless.

It's Just Disease.

What IF?  What if disease is.... an empowering situation?

From TED -

14 year-old, Claire Wineland was born with cystic fibrosis or "CF", a genetic disease that causes excessive mucus secretions and collection, especially in the lungs. In her short life, Claire has undergone dozens of surgeries and has spent weeks at a time in the hospital.

This is not, however, what characterizes her. Claire is a singer, an artist, a composer, and a natural-born comedian. She radiates with a warmth and wisdom beyond her years. She has been called a "little Buddha" a "bridge among people", and a "true old soul." She is precious to anyone who has met her, especially to her mother, Melissa, and her father, John.

On April 13, 2010 after a relatively routine surgery, Claire became septic and within 24 hours, was in complete lung failure. Her parents were given the option of watching Claire die or putting her on a dangerous oscillator vent, which no child with CF has ever come off of. Her parents opted to put her on the high powered vent and into a drug induced coma so the doctors could try everything possible to reverse the damage to her lungs and her body.

What followed was a remarkable two-week journey of prayer, love and healing. The family was buoyed by an inconceivable amount of support from friends and family. While Claire lay in her coma, kept alive by the maximum amount of life support possible, her friends and family began to pray. Spiritual groups of every possible denomination worldwide were given Claire's name or in many cases her picture, round the clock vigils of sometimes 50 or more people met in the hospital cafeteria and Claire's parents and family slept by her side and in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for 17 straight days.

So many people were inspired by Claire's journey that a public Facebook page, "Claire Wineland Love, Songs and Updates" , was created to disseminate the seemingly ever changing information. Within two weeks, the fans on the page grew to over 900. Out of this grew the desire and need for a foundation.

Claire came through this harrowing event inspired, passionate, and very excited about making a difference for other children and teens by sharing her experience, strength and hope with them. She continues to suffer many setbacks but maintains a positive attitude and believes this is the key to living a fulfilling life -- despite being burdened with such a deadly disease.

Claire and her parents want other families to experience the benefit from the kind of support that they received and continue to get; hence, this is the motivation for the foundation. Claire's experiences have catapulted her into a position of being a spokesperson and an inspirational model for people living with this disease. She has documented and created videos on how to enjoy life with Cystic Fibrosis and live life to the fullest. Claire's Place Foundation is a way for Claire to give back and make meaning of what she has had to go through; the foundation is her way to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

www.clairesplacefoundation.org