Denika

Dr. Bauman did my Lap-Band surgery, and for what it's worth, I really like him. I researched forever before getting banded, like everyone, and he came highly recommended by his patients and other doctors. He did my second fill in his office, not with flouro. I know you have special circumstances, so I don't know if he will be able to help you or if you'll even want him to, but I did want you to know that he will do fills without flouro when he can.

O.K, I'm confused. But, that doesn't take much. When exactly are you all meeting? The 28th? I saw something about the 15th and the 16th. Or was that something else? Please forgive me for not keeping this straight. I teach 4 and 5 year olds all day, so you can't expect much from me! Denika

Lynda, Yes, my pic is definitely there, and very BIG! I won't do that again! Oh, and don't worry, in six months you'll be there, and may have lost way more than that. Denika

Dianne, Yes, it is wonderful! It's amazing how God works things out! Denika

Kim, Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Jamie! I'm a little proud, but I'm sure you noticed. How old is Curtis? I've never heard of the birth defect that you said he has, but I read just a little bit about it. It sounds like you've been through a lot too! I'm so sorry to hear that you haven't had much support. That is sooo important. We had zero support at first, but we were very blessed to find a website and a listserv for parents of cleft-affected children. Even though we don't live close to many people on there, it has been a big help to us. No matter what stage of your journey you are at, there is always someone there who has already been there. Kind of like here! ) I'm so glad that Clomid worked for you! Believe me, it is not fun to arm your husband with a needle and let him give you shots! I would definitely go through it all again though. We'd love to have another baby at some point, but I'm not getting any younger. Do you have other children? Oh, and you ARE right! I do love this place! Denika

Melissa, Wow! You are doing great! Thank you so much for welcoming me here. Denika

Holy cow! Look at you all! First of all, you have ALL shrunk since that first picture, and second of all, you are ALL beautiful!! As my 3 year old (almost 4!) would say, each of you is a "DAISY!" (He calls every pretty girl a Daisy, as in Daisy Duke) Denika

You are from Hickory?! That's where I'm orginally from! I went to St. Stephens and Lenoir-Rhyne. Where do live in Hickory? Denika

Wow! Thank you to EVERYBODY that welcomed me here! Let me just say that I did not know my picture was gonna be that BIG! Good grief! I'm sorry about that. I am still trying to figure out to maneuver around this site! I'm sure I'll get the hang of it pretty soon, but please bear with me until then. I will definitely try to be there on the 28th! That sounds like fun! The only thing that may keep me from coming is that my son's birthday is on the 31st, (mine's on the 30th, but we won't talk about that) and we may be having his party that day. If I don't get to come, I will be there for the next one. KATHY-No, I haven't seen the picture thread, but Kim told me about it. How do I find it? Oh, and thank you for the nice compliment. I sure don't feel that way! Thank you so much everybody! I can already tell that I'm gonna like it here! Denika www.cleftadvocate.org/ff0404Jamie.html

Hello! My name is Denika Menis, and I live in Hiddenite, North Carolina. I am 32 years old, and I was banded on July 26, 2005. I have lost around 50 pounds, give or take a few. I am so happy to have found this wonderful place! Denika

Hello! My name is Denika Menis, and I live in Hiddenite, North Carolina. I am 32 years old, and I was banded on July 26, 2005. Dr. Bauman in Concord did my surgery. He is wonderful! I have lost around 50 pounds, give or take a few. I am so happy to have found this wonderful place! (I THINK that I attached my picture. I'm not sure!) Denika DenikaMenis.bmp