OH Magazine
The People Behind ObesityHelp.com
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Every day I get e-mail from people thanking me for having started this web site. Well, anyone who's been around here long enough knows that the real heroes of ObesityHelp.com are my staff. Without them I'd be worse than nowhere. Many slaved away with extreme dedication for years before I ever had any financial resources to put them on staff, and for that I am forever grateful. Note, there are many many many people not recognized here who have helped me on this mission in various ways. In particular, all the dozens of important volunteers. When one thinks of ObesityHelp.com, they should think of all these contributors. -Eric Klein, Founder |
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Eric Klein |
 I founded ObesityHelp.com and the Association for Morbid Obesity Support in 1998 in order to help reach the 5 million plus people (there are this many in just the United States alone!) who suffer from morbid obesity. If you are looking for information on treatment of this condition, looking for fun and companionship with peers with similar experiences, looking for ways to help fight discrimination against obesity, or (hopefully) looking for all three, then you've come to the right place. |
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Jeannie Colter |
 From Eric - "JC is my right hand around here since 1999. She's in charge of keeping us in good shape." |
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Kathy S |
 I went to seminars about the Gastric ByPass Surgery and come out so scared. No way was I having this surgery. Of course my health continued to go down hill. It was not until I found this site and educated myself that I got the courage to live life as it was meant to be. I had RNY in Aug. of 04 and my journey was not pretty. But the end results? I went from 330 lbs to 118. I went on to have 3 major plastic surgeries in 06. I traded my addiction for food for a passion in exercise. The secret for success? Watch what you eat, move, and take care of your spirit. Working for OH is a dream of mine and now I am living it. To be able to help others dare to Dream and live Life as it was meant to be lived is a blessing! |
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Sarah Margaret |
 At over 502lbs, my life was a daily struggle to even have some semblance of normal. In 2000, I hit my personal rock bottom and knew I had to make major changes in my life if I wanted a better future. My personal plan included overall health, weight loss, and education. I had open RNY gastric bypass in April 2003, and have since lost 255lbs and continue to lose four years post-op. I have also overcome many other health issues and the insurance stress involved with major illnesses, multiple test, approvals, and claims. Working for OH gives me the opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to help others make a better future for themselves. |
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Gwen E |
 In 2001 I had Vertical Banded Gastroplasty in Tifton, Georgia. For 6 years I have maintained a loss of over 125 pounds. I can watch my grandchildren grow and participate in their activities with ease. Working in the Photos Department gives me a glimpse into the lives of others and helps me to give them hope that they can also achieve their goal and once again be active, healthy and productive. It gives me the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given so much to me. |
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Chellie H. |
 I had a VBG in 1999 and a revision to RNY in 2004. I love working with the photo team and am thrilled to be able to help our members share their progress with each other. It's so rewarding to be able to give back to a site which has given so much to me. Thank you all for all your support and encouragement along the way. |
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Cathy Wilson
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 I had lap RNY on 10/22/2001. I am so excited to be part of the team of ObesityHelp. I am an ObesityHelp Support Group Chapter Leader. In addition, I am the Trainer for the Support Group Leader Program. I love all of the services and support that ObesityHelp gives to us as its members and am grateful to be part of it. I am excited at this opportunity and am proud to be associated with ObesityHelp. |
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Debbie Doty |
 I enjoy working with ObesityHelp because it is very rewarding helping people get the support they need. My sister had the surgery and is also a member with ObesityHelp. I am a wife and a mother of two boys and have lived in California all my life, but will soon become a resident of Nevada. I enjoy camping, quad riding, water sports, scrap booking, and soon will be transitioning from an amateur to a professional photographer. |
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Jason Riddle |
 I wanted to work with ObesityHelp because I really liked the fact that they spend every day trying to help people with their fight against obesity. It is nice to be part of an organization that works to help make people's lives better. |
| Amy Young Web Designer My Profile |
 I first joined OH as a member in 2000, battling morbid obesity and exploring my treatment options, having fought the morbid obesity battle and "yo-yo dieted" my entire life. I eventually opted for RNY gastric bypass in 2003 and lost 145 lbs at my peak. However, I've regained 45 lbs of that back and I'm struggling every day to get the weight back off. Working here at OH helps remind me, though, that I am not alone in this fight - we are all here "making the journey together", and I am determined to get back on track - and to help others succeed in accomplishing their goals in any way that I can! |
| Mike Miller Graphic Designer/ Graphics Team Leader My Profile |
 I began designing for OH Magazine after completing my bachelors in graphic design. Because I have struggled with my weight the majority of my life, I take to heart the work that I do here. I thoroughly enjoy anything involving the creative process, so when I am not designing for this magazine I enjoy pursuing activities like journaling, traditional art, and theater. I believe it is a rarity to be able to make a career out of something you would do as a hobby anyway, and I feel very fortunate to be able to do so. |
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Jeff Cooper
Graphic Designer |
 I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. My hobbies include spending time with my wife and two sons, coaching my kids√ baseball and football teams, and enjoying nature while camping and fishing. I love design, both web and print, and I feel fortunate to be working with the great staff at OH. |
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Jeremy Gentles, CSCS |
 The dramatic changes which occur in the lives of those who have bariatric surgery are amazing and inspirational. It is because of this that I love to play a role in the life saving transformations that occur after WLS. With an education in exercise physiology, my goal is to provide our members„the knowledge and encourage enthusiasm to live an active and full life after WLS. Good luck to all of you and I look forward helping in any manner I can. |
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Tammy Colter |
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Bo McCoy |
 I have a heart to reach those who suffer from morbid obesity. For over 33 years I lived the life of obesity. At the height of my weight gain I weighed 626 lbs. All I wanted was to feel normal. My life was full of physical pain, emotional torment, and isolation. The pounds had taken control of my life. Through faith, friendship, and medical assistance I found the strength to tackle the biggest obstacle of my life. For fun I like to swim [snorkel and scuba]. I enjoy reading and surfing the Internet. I like to shop on weekends. I enjoy dramatic movies and movies that make me think. I have a passion to have my own business someday. Until recently I never had the energy to work and make it happen but, I hope to own a restaurant someday. I am thankful for all my friends that I have made through ObesityHelp. |
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Rusty Martinez |
 I'm passionate about our WLS community. Being a post-op for over the past year, I have enjoyed life more than ever and have a desire to help those who are making this difficult and life changing journey. I have a passion for exercise and training hard to meet one of my life goal of completing a full marathon. I enjoy life with my family and friends. And very adventurous in doing anything fun and exciting. |
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Sid Schwalbe 1-866-957-4636 |
 I enjoy working for OH as an account manager because I have many people in my life that have struggled and still struggle with obesity. It feels good to work for a company that cares about society's health. I met my new wife, who is a post-op and is a member of ObesityHelp. |
**Quick Facts about OH Staff**
Did you know that many of our staff started out as ObesityHelp volunteers.
Did you know that many of our staff have had weight loss surgery, suffered from obesity, or had a family member who did.