New Hope

O.K., we're talking Galveston, right? With one overnight stay? November 13 and 14, 2004? And people are o.k. w/ that length of drive? Do you need me to go down and actually look at some beach houses before committing? And reporting back to you on them? How many people? How big a house is needed? Which end of the beach do you prefer? East or West Side? Waterfront house? Pedestrian Beach or Driving Beach Access? Please let me know. I could go down Monday or Tuesday (11-1 or 11-2).

Margie, find anything that you enjoy doing. But please don't wait until 2005! Fall is such a beautiful time of year! With a 3 year old grand daughter, that can be a walk in the park, collecting the many beautiful fall leaves. Press them in a book for her and you can cuddle and share them for years to come. Or a trip to the zoo. I'm sure she'll give you a great workout! And the better you start feeling, the more different things you'll be able to do. I had bought a cheap bike at a clearance center several years ago. It had been ridden so few times that it still had the little nubby things on the tires (which had gone flat). I started riding here (6 weeks after banding) because it was SO hot walking and I got bored with the treadmill. Just went a little bit more each time and gradually built up the speed and time. Before you know it, you'll be strapping a child's seat on the back of your bike and taking that little doll with you. Then you'll be running beside her as she takes off on her bike. There are great things in store for you!

But aren't you glad you don't have to go through all those "adolescent" feelings again! You have done so remarkably well...physically and emotionally! It's a pleasure and encouragement to hear about your progress. Best of luck today and everyday!

Wow, Betty, I go off for one evening and look what happens! No, seriously, you have certainly proven that you have willpower, that you're obeying the rules (better than most of us!), and that you have the common sense to let your band heal. With all the knowledge that you've collected from numerous bandsters and boards, I think you're capable of making proper decisions. How frustrating when you rescheduled to see your surgeon and no one had the courtesy to let you know that he wouldn't be in the office today! Did the assist. know you had a lapband and not gastric bypass surgery? It's a good thing you have a post-op sheet to go by! Please enjoy your nice, warm soups and have a great weekend!

O.K., you shameless hussies - back off! Lyle is happily married! But you can be his bandster sisters. Lyle, you and your wife must make a cute pair!

Lyle, the good and bad experiences in our life make us what we are today. Enjoy that new-found peace, get out there and take part in life, keep your sensitivity and compassion. You just never know who you may help and encourage - just by being you. Best of luck to you!

Cissylea, you might want to check w/ your benefits coordinator (at work). Each company has their own list of specific exclusions. You might just luck out. No harm in checking! Best of luck to you!

Hopefully, none of us will need it, but all Bandsters should have a filled prescription of Phenegran suppositories on hand. Store in the refrigerator. If a virus or flu hit, the real vomiting (not pbing) needs to be stopped as soon as possible. And those usually hit w/out any warning, middle of the night, on a weekend. Actually, they're a good thing to have available for the whole family.

Please call your doctor's office Monday and get a RX for phenegran suppositories. Bandsters should have these on hand for real vomiting (not pbing). If a virus or flu hits, it's usually in the middle of the night, on a weekend. Please be prepared. Hopefully, none of us will need them.

O.K., we're talking about "just for the day", w/possible one overnight stay? Who's driving the furthest? Dallas? I think that's 4 hours from Houston. Taking 6-10 across Houston to Hwy 225 to Hwy 146 to Kemah is probably another hour (depending on traffic). Or going across Houston to I-45 South (time?), then another hour's drive to Galveston. Again, depends on what time you're hitting the highways and how heavy traffic is. Friday p.m., lots of people heading out of Houston for the weekend.

Now, Becky, what would your skinny little drs. say?

Congratulations on the 80 pounds gone forever! You must be doing something right! But your band certainly could have loosened from that much of a loss. Did you say that you're drinking w/ your meals? Usually, a bandster should wait at least one hour after eating to drink. The reason being that food will stay in your pouch longer and help you feel "satisfied" longer.

Penni, you get ONE cheeto. So pick the fattest one!

You've lost 80 pounds! How much were you expecting to lose at this point? And you must be blessed to be a male, right?

I''m still a "closet bandster".

Well, if Betty's appointment is on time, she should be getting her "verdict" about now. Was that a scream I just heard?

Becky, you're definitely doing something right!

You are beginning a journey to a new and better life! Imagine what you want to be able to do, then double it. That's what's ahead for you and your family! Best of luck to you!

Lauri, hope your Grandfather will continue to get better and better. Maybe the helicopter service should consider hiring your Mom. She must be a former "carpool Mom"! She knows how to "cut to the chase". LOL

How wonderful! Hubby looks pretty proud!

Come on "Sweet Spot"! Best of luck to you, Darcy! No more pain or problems, o.k.?

Good luck, Lainie! Hopefully, you didn't pick up the flu or anything. Please let us know what you find out.

Wow, I'd have to double check on that one! I assume you'd be using the same surgeon for both surgeries, done at the same time in the same o.r., and you'd be in the same hospital bed 1 night. That can't cost you twice as much for what 15 minutes more operating time! Plus you'd only have to go through surgery and recovery once. Please check directly w/ your surgeon. Best of luck to you!

O.K., Kim, no more pecans before your surgery. O.K.? You can have some later on down the road (after you heal from your banding). You're on your way to a brand new healthier, happier life. Best of luck to you!

Wow, Betty! I think your dr. just found his new "Poster Child"! Have you called to confirm your appt. today? (My dr. closes on noon on Fridays.) What's your first "meal" going to be? Sit down before you start eating, relax, take slow bites, enjoy. I know that's hard to do when you are finally allowed a little "bite of Heaven!" Boy, I hope your husband doesn't try to "taste"! (Think dog with a big bone!) LOL