shrinkingamy

"What difference does it make if it is a locally owned deli or not? Olive Garden isn't locally owned, do you tip their wait staff? Actually, Quizno's are locally owned... not sure why that makes a difference though." It doesn't really make much of a difference except for the fact that I feel like I'm supporting my local community by frequenting those few places. We have a saying in Austin ("Keep Austin Weird"). It's all about supporting the local Joe and not selling out to the Wal-Mart monsters. As far as tipping those folks though, no difference. It's still begging to me. "As for tip jars, if you don't want to tip, don't. If you want to, feel free. Nobody is forcing you to do anything." Yeah - thanks for the advice. I won't tip if I don't wish to. However, I still reserve the right to find it annoying and to rant about it being annoying. :confused: Amy

I completely forgot about the fee-to-pee in Paris. It's like that in Italy too. We had just landed in Italy and had to pee like mad! We had no Italian money though and the lines for currency exchange were horrible. I almost peed myself. Amy

lunch. I ate at Quiznos today and got really annoyed by the line on my credit card slip for a tip. It's a fast food deli! It's not even a locally owned deli. (Keep Austin Weird!) I am with the author on this one. Why the hell are we tipping for services we already paid for?!? And if these people are asking for tips for reasons other than supporting the business or supplementing the lower than minimum-wage income of the employees, it's not a tip. It's charity! Let's call it what it is and if you're brave enough to ask for charity money, be brave enough to explain where my hard-earned money is going. Okay - I'm through with my rant. Amy

Ugh - people can be so insensitive. And it's not even the skinnies that can be the rudest. I can't tell you the number of times someone has said, "You look great. You carry your weight so well." Fu*kers! I'm 5'10" and my weight pretty much evenly distributes after it attacks my butt so yes, I do carry my weight somewhat "well," but I still don't need subtle reminders that yes, I'm fat.

"What gets me is when people speak out so hatefully against someone who made a decision that is perfectly legal in our country." I didn't get very far into reading all of the responses, but this statement stood out for me. Legality does not equal morality for all people, and the statement this was in response to ("Until I walk in the shoes of a killer") is not said out of hatred. I don't hate anyone who makes a choice in their own life. However, I disagree with many of the decisions/choices make that may be perfectly legal. It's gut-wrenching for me to know that a baby's life is cut short or more simply put, a baby is killed when a woman exercises her legal right to abortion. It's sad and very upsetting when a law is in effect that completely disregards my own personal morals and ethical values. There truly are pro-life advocates that are not speaking their thoughts and opinions out of hatred. It's very often out of care, love, and a deep sadness for the lost lives and painful deaths that are a result of a "legal" activity.

I can't stand when people don't know the difference between: their/there/they're your/you're too/to lose/loose Arg!

Great post. I really feel much more relaxed after hearing some of those points. :clap2:

Mexico is a great choice for lap band surgery, but if you can have it covered by insurance you should. The aftercare is the hardest aspect of surgery in Mexico. Good luck!

I was banded by Dr. Ramos Kelly in TJ and it was a wonderful experience! Amy

I too just had my band done and I'm doing awesome. I think it's so cool that we bandsters are an inspiration to our friends and family. Best of luck with your decision!

Thanks for your replies. The muscle solution seems to make sense. I'm doing great otherwise. Thanks for asking. I'm just sleepy. I'm ready to try to wean off of the paid meds so I can function a little better. Thanks again! Amy

I was just banded on 1/19 and I have been doing great. My only complaint is an occasional out-of-the-blue hiccup. It's usually only one, but it can be pretty big and it hurts my incisions. It doesn't necessarily happen during mealtime (liquids), but more out of the blue. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks in advance! Amy

Hello, everyone. I just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. I'm being banded this Friday, 1/19/07! I'm so excited. My doctor is Dr. Jaime Ricardo Ramos Kelly. He is located in Tijuana, MX. His website is www.obesitybusters.com. I'm so thrilled and I cannot wait to get rid of this extra weight. I'm just a little nervous about the recovery and retraining my brain with the actual eating aspect of this. Anyway, I'm Amy!

Sometimes it can take even longer and of course, you have to pay a premium for that "fast" service. :phanvan Here's more info re passports for travel for anyone who may need it. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html Amy

Yes, the 3 Mexican doctors I spoke with are letting their patients know. You only need a passport if you are flying into Mexico. If you are driving across the border, a valid id is okay until next year. I think they are changing it to completely passports in Jan. 08. Amy