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Star of TLC's BIG MEDICINE, Mary Jo Rapini, LPC

Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is featured on TLC's new series, Big Medicine which completed season one and two. She is also a contributing expert for Seventeen magazine (referenced twice in their 9/08 issue). She was quoted in an article about body image in First magazine (7/21/08) and is a frequent expert for relationship articles in the Houston Chronicle. Mary Jo has her own column in the Houston Chronicle beginning in Jan. 09. She is an intimacy and sex counselor, and a certified anger management therapist. A mom with two daughters, her passion is helping all girls become strong women. She is a popular speaker across the nation, with multiple repeat requests to serve as key-note speaker for national conferences. Her dynamic style is particularly engaging for those dealing with intimacy issues and relationship challenges, or those simply hanging on to unasked questions about sex in relationships. She was recently a major participant in a symposium for young girls dealing with body image and helping girls become strong women. As host of The Mary Jo Show on a local cable access channel, Rapini interviewed adolescents and works to empower them to live life to the fullest. She has appeared on many television programs including Montel, Fox Morning News and various Houston area shows to discuss topics such as holiday stress, prayer and healing, divorce and kids, children and traumatic experiences, and children and cancer. Rapini is the author of Is God Pink? Dying to Heal and co-author of Start Talking: A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever.

Visit Mary Jo at http://www.maryjorapini.com/

 

Star of TLC's BIG MEDICINE, Dr. Garth Davis

Dr. Garth Davis is a leader in the field of bariatric medicine. Most recently, Dr. Davis was again recognized as a Texas Monthly Super Doc and stars with his father, Dr. Robert Davis, on TLC's hit show, BIG MEDICINE. His recently published bestseller, The Expert's Guide to Weight Loss Surgery is available now at bookstores nationwide.

Dr. Davis graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Texas in Austin where he was the Student Government President. He was also recognized as the most outstanding student at UT. Dr. Davis went on to attend medical school at Baylor College of Medicine and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. In addition, he was inducted to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Davis completed his surgical residency at the prestigious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he was elected to the position of Chief Administrative Resident. While in Michigan, Dr. Davis underwent extensive training in general surgical disciplines, specializing in laparoscopic procedures. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Davis is a recognized expert in initial bariatric procedures as well as revisional bariatric surgery, and is frequently asked to give lectures to both patient and physician audiences alike.

Both Dr. Garth Davis and his father, Dr. Robert Davis, head up The Davis Clinic, Texas' premier weight management clinic located in Houston, Texas. Information about The Davis Clinic may be found online at http:// www.thedavisclinic.com/

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/

Bo McCoy, WLS Post Op & Motivational Speaker

Ride the Wave - One Day at a time for long-term WLS Success!

Meet and laugh with Bo McCoy, ObesityHelp's National Sales Director. Bo began his journey at 626 lbs. Now 5 years and 320 pounds lighter, he inspires others to take the first step in the journey by understanding the real reasons why they become overweight.

Bo addresses real post-op issues, gently helping us get to the root of our struggles with weight. Do you know why you became overweight? The answers might be surprise you. However, not knowing might help you return to obesity. What will happen to you the day the scales stops moving down? Making the Journey together is more important than you know.

Bo McCoy will help you build up your support system to help you make the hardest journey of all - the mental journey once the weight-loss is finished.

Jeremy Gentles, Fitness Expert

Jeremy Gentles, CSCS, is ObesityHelp's staff health and fitness expert. 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!

Event Full Access - NY ObesityHelp Event 2009

Price: $50.00

Full access to the ObesityHelp Event at the Hilton Rye Town Hotel, October 23-24, 2009. Price is all inclusive, with reception food Friday, catered lunch Saturday, and bariatric friendly desserts & casino on Saturday after our dinner break! Also includes the most updated information on weight loss surgery and plastic surgery, nutrition and support at our breakout sessions on Saturday! Visit area state boards soon for a discount code to use when purchasing! Support group members, please see your leaders for discount codes.

All event tickets are non-refundable