Bandster Bash 2009
Celebrating a Decade of Bandster Fun
The 2009 Kuri Bandster Bash marked a decade of Bash’s for the Kuri Family of Bandsters! We celebrated not only patients health, goals and Lap-Band journeys, but also 10 years of Kuri Bash fun! In honor of the 10 years, we incorporated many new events and activities into the weekend celebration (and even snuck in a few surprises here and there!)
A Red Carpet Affair
The Marriott Hotel Tijuana was transformed into “A night at the Oscars”. Patients dressed in beautiful garb, some even as their favorite movie stars, walked the red carpet to kick off the evening event. Dr. Kuri’s talented son, Mauricio Kuri, created a movie premiere setting where mini Oscars were handed out for patient achievements and a variety of “best of’s” – we even had paparazzi swarming the event!
“It was wonderful to see the sense of community among Bandsters [at Dr. Kuri’s Bash].”
Kick Off Event – Q&A’s with Dr. Kuri
The 2009 Bash also had a focus on education like never before. Dr. Kuri incorporated a series of educational opportunities into the Bash agenda for the benefit of his patients, both new and old. The Bash kicked off a day early, Thursday night, where we held our first ever Official Bash Lap-Band Support Group Meeting. Patients shared their Band problems, concerns and experiences, as well as got advice and answers to all their burning questions from Dr. Kuri himself. This was such a big hit, that it will be our Kick Off Event for years to come.
“My favorite part [about the Kuri Bandster Bash] was meeting & discussing the surgery with currently banded [patients].”
An Emphasis on Education and Exercise
We also introduced our “Bandster Bootcamp”, which included a full day of Band education. Organized by our Patient Education Coordinator, Gena Brown, the “Bandster Bootcamp” covered topics like Nutritional Strategies, Patient Self Advocacy, Pushing the Reset Button, and more. In addition to the “Bandster Bootcamp” we added a more diverse exercise program. Our top notch exercise instructor Chris Poffick lead classes in Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics/Resistance Bands and Water Aerobics. Bandsters had the opportunity to try new and exciting classes never offered before, in addition to the favorite 5K walk lead by Mrs. Kuri herself. Many Bandsters remarked how much they enjoyed exercising in a Bandster friendly environment and learning new ways to be more active.
“I loved getting to know many new Bandsters [at Dr. Kuri’s Bash]. Dr. Kuri, his wife and sons were just so wonderful to everyone. I felt like I was part of his family.”
Free Lap-Band Giveaway – A Kuri Tradition
The Saturday night evening event concluded with the Free Lap-Band Giveaway. Dr. Kuri kicked off the tradition giving love and praise to one of our 2008 winners, Rebecca. She shared her gratitude and offered a glimpse of the tremendous success she’s enjoyed in her first year being banded. You can read about Rebecca’s journey and success, by clicking here. (pull her before and after pic’s from the free Lap-Band giveaway form) Next came the long awaited moment – the announcement of this years’ free Lap-Band winners. Both tears and excitement filled the room, when our two lucky winners were called to join Dr. Kuri for a really big hug. Congratulations to Dera G and Emily K – our 2009 Lap-Band winners!
The 2009 Bandster Bash was a great success. Those in attendance enjoyed enriching education, wonderful fellowship, inspiring support and encouragement, and a ton of fun memories. Thank you Dr. Kuri for another amazing Bandster Bash!
