siestaqh

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/223/150 - 40 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: DeltaDawn - 358/184/179 - 174 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/165/132 - 43 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/113/110 - 67+ total--Lost band 12/07but holding on... 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/170/134 - 64 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/186/179 - 172 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/143.5/140 - 96.5total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4-11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-11: waterlily1072 - 354/273/150 - 81 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/188/140 - 60 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/187/145 - 33 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/198/180 -86 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/259/150 - 11 total 4-20: TrustUfirst - 210/205/177/135 - 32 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/179/130 - 41 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/228/156 - 60 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/198/150 - 75 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/95/69 - 27 kgs/66 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano- 255/270.5/201/170 - 69.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/203/165 - 86 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/200/160 - 62 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/184/150 - 80 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/228/150 - 55 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/228/150 - 105 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/150/135 - 75 total 4-29: Momofsixkids - 238/188/140 - 50 total

I have a friend who had a daughter 4 years after her husband had a vasectomy. Then, she had two more after she had had her tubes tied! LOL Penny, Idaho

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/223/150 - 40 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: DeltaDawn - 358/209/179 - 149 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/169/132 - 39 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/117/110 - 63 total--NO MORE BAND :-( 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/176/134 - 58 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/227/180 - 131 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/152/140 - 88 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/187/145 - 30 Total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/192/140 - 50 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/198/180 -86 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-20: TrustUfirst - 210/205/177/135 - 32 Total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/179/130 - 41 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/228/156 - 60 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/208/150 - 65 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/98/69 - 27 kgs/59.4 lbs. total 4-24: Ceparano- 255/270.5/205/170 - 65.5 lbs. total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/210.5/165 - 78.5 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/206/160 - 56 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/189/150 - 75 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/229/150 - 54 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/233/145 - 100 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/150/135 - 75 total 4-29: Momofsixkids - 238/188/140 - 50 pounds total <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/238/150 - 25 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/173/132 - 35 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/128/110 - 52 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/185/134 - 49 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/258/180 - 100 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/196/145 - 21.5 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/207/140 - 35 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: KAYBEE-284/209/180 -75 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324/308/298/278 - 114 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/236/156 - 52 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/218/150 - 55 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/237/150 - 73total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/104/69 - 21 kgs/46.2 lbs. total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/220/170 - 50.5 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/219/165 - 70 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/225/160 - 37 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/197/145 - 67 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/243.5/140 - 39.5 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/253/145 - 80 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/170/135 - 55 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/205/150 - 35 total

Unfortunately, I DID eat like a bird before banding--1 1/2 times my own weight in a day! That's what birds have to eat to keep going, but obviously I didn't need it. LOL I had to get unfilled a couple of weeks ago (was tight to begin with then a flu bug pushed me over the edge). I was banded in April and have lost over 50#, but was scared to death that I would regain quickly. However, I have tried to stick to my bandster routine--60 gms. of Protein, etc. During my liquid phase, I decided to eliminate all "cheap" carbs and keep my intake of any carbs very limited (once I start eating those, I can't stop even with the band). Ironically, even filled very tight, I could eat bread and Pasta... I measure my portions and eat in the bandster way, and am amazed that I am not ready to devour anything that doesn't move faster than I do! I eat my bandster portions (no drinking), and then wait at least a half hour. If I am still hungry, I will eat a bit more veggies. Amazingly, I am almost never hungry. Even filled, I would get hungry in the evening, so now I am eating a small salad then, and it works great (I couldn't eat salad when I was filled so tight). I am going back in a couple of weeks for a refill--smaller than my last. However, I am thinking that the real "secret" of the band is that, at least in my case, it has taught me (sometimes in some graphic ways), how much--or little--I really need to eat to feel good. Like others have said, focus on training yourself to 1) know what a REAL portion size is-- When I started measuring, I was astounded to see that my typical meal used to be several "portions", 2) eat the banster way, with protein first and then veggies, fruit and carbs last (if at all), 3) I don't like to take 20 min to eat my food--I don't like it cold. However, I found that if I measure the amount, eat it comfortably and then don't eat anything for at least 30 min (even if I think I am still hungry), I virtually always comfortably full after that half hour. A word of warning: If you tend to be a gobbler like I am, you WILL learn the "eat SLOWLY, take SMALL bites and CHEW" lessons once you do get serious restriction. I don't know that I won't ever need the band to "remind" me to change that behavior. Good Luck, Penny, Idaho banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/130/110ish

I was just down at Dr. Ortiz's office last weekend. I had a wonderful experience there and highly recommend them. I won't repeat it here, but feel free to PM me for details. I flew in to San Diego, where a driver picked me up and took me directly to the clinic (and then on to the gorgeous hotel). His fee is $8500 for everything but airfare and they REALLY take good care of their patients. The website is www.obesitycontrolcenter.com I live in Idaho and the docs here are in the $20K range, which was out of the question for me. I had my surgery in April and it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Penny Banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/130/110ish

HI, I am just about 6 months out so I don't know that I qualify as a "pro" yet, but I will answer as best I can. First, there are no stupid questions--most of what you are thinking/feeling is the same thing that most of us have gone thru. Answers vary and are individual to each of us, but there are lots of commonalities that can help you realistically anticipate what is in store for you. I am 59 years old and was astonished how easy the surgery was and how quickly I recovered. I didn't even take any more pain meds after day 2 (which I was told to take for the long day's flights home). If I rolled over onto my port for about a week, I would roll right back, but I learned pretty quickly not to do that. I started painting and moving into a new house 3 days after surgery. I honestly think moderate activity is better than sitting around paying attention to your discomfort and it helps to dissapate the gas from the surgery. I WAS hungry on the liquid diet and often until my first fill (in June), but I lost 20# in that period. After the fill, I experienced PBing because of my lifelong tendency to gobble my food in a few minutes, and had to really learn the meaning of "small bites" and "chew". Since my fill I have lost another 30+pounds. I am exercising for an hour 3X week. As far as getting together for dinner, I still do that. I am careful to order things I know I can eat, eat slowly and I am not shy about asking for a leftover container. My SO loves to take me to dinner--we order one meal, a cup of Soup for me and an extra plate. I get my few bites of his meat, some of his veggies (which he doesn't miss), and then he orders dessert, of which I get my 2-3 bites. We both get a full meal and he only pays for one! Since I don't eat nearly as much as before, I can afford to indulge in better food (lobster tail), so I actually enjoy food more. I do try to stay away from carbs--Pasta, bread, etc., but I can still eat tiny amounts of it. The only think I "miss" is a cold beer on a really hot day, but a frosty margarita is a great substitute! I made the decision to invest in the surgery at this point in my life because I realized that the obesity-related illnesses were going to severely interfere with the quality as well as the quantity of my life. I don't particularly care about living a long time, but I want the time I have to be comfortable and productive. I have been battling my weight all my adult life and really heavy for the last 15 years. My only regret about getting surgery is that it wasn't available to me in that time. Imagine how much more "quality time" you will have in YOUR life when you aren't fighting this battle like you have been. I don't expect to be "young" again, but I am certainly enjoying the positive compliments I am getting. Most of all, I feel SO much better--no arthritis, can run 300 yards and not wonder if it is going to be my last, etc. As others have said, "Nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels". Good luck on your journey. banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/133/110

I am also sorry to hear about your divorce and understand that making this decision after so long a time is very difficult. My 24 year marriage ended 6 years ago and I was astounded how difficult it was even tho I had realized for a long time how unhappy I was. As you so eloquently expressed, you are grieving what could have/should have/might have been, not what actually was in the relationship. Let me give you a bit of insight into what it is like to be "on the other side" of the journey: The freedom from constant negativity and implied/expressed criticism is like having a migraine for so long that finally went away! The criticism won't go away, but at least you won't have to listen to it... Of course your life will change and there will be difficult times, but the difference is that you can deal with them in your own way without having to tiptoe around someone else which makes the problems single instead of multi-dimentional. You will probably be astounded to realize how much of your life was centered around HIS preferences/beliefs/etc. I had to figure out what I wanted and liked when it was no longer a given that every TV time was spent watching sports... Some of the things we did in common I continue to enjoy, if in different ways or with different people, but others were only things I was doing to accommodate him so they have been replaced with new activities/interests. As a child who lived in an unhappy household, I can assure you that, if you do your best to avoid negative statements about your ex, your children will also find it a relief to live in an atmosphere that is not fraught with tension. I can guarantee you that the parent who is bad-mouthing the other will be the one the kids will want to avoid. It will be a challenge to carve out your own identity in the coming months/years, but this is your time to do it. As much as you don't think so now, new relationship opportunities will present themselves, but you will find yourself redefining what works for you and you may be very surprised at how different that may be from the needs/expectations that you had 20+ years ago. I can sincerely tell you that there is life after divorce and you will probably ALL (even him) be better off for making this decision. That you are doing so after serious attempts to work out the problems and a period of time considering the consequences assures that you are not making a snap judgment. As someone else said, this (along with the surgery) is part of your path to "growing up" and assuming responsibility for your own life. Good luck to you. Banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz 180+/133/110

I was banded in April and have gone from OVER 180# to 133#, with one fill in Juen at 1.9cc. I am 59 and only 5' tall, so a "sub-compact" model. I have had to suffer a learning curve (CHEW) issues, but I am gradually getting it. I ramped up my exercise by using my home glider and going to a gym 3Xweek. Size-wise, I started out in sz 14 pants (tight) and 2X tops. I have dropped sizes so quickly that I gave up buying anything expensive and started getting a few things at thrift shops since I was only getting to wear them a time or two. My question is, how did you know when to stop losing? I know that is a foolish question, but according to the weight charts and websites, I "should" weigh around 110#. However, I am now down to a size 4 pants, small tops. If I go down much more, I am going to have a hard time finding clothes, especially ones that aren't too "cutsey" for someone my age. My SO tells me that he really doesn't think I should lose much more since he thinks I am starting to look "peaked". I was sick last week and could hardly get Water down, but am better now and back to eating real food (about 900 cal/day). I have lost lots of inches, but still have more around my belly than I would like. However, I know that at my age I am never going to have the body of a 20 year old again... It has been so long since I was at a good weight that I really don't know what my "best" weight/size is. Could some of you "veteran" bandsters tell me how did you determine it? Also, how did you decide upon a proper "maintenace" level? Again, according to the websites, I would need to eat around 2000cals/day to stay at a level weight, but think I would blow up like a balloon if I do that. Like most of us, I am thrilled with the results I have had and realize that the difficult times are the "wages" I pay for the chance to finally get control of my weight. However, I still am somewhat fearful that if I quit being as vigilant as I have been about my diet I will start on the diet yo-yo again. My logical mind tells me that I shouldn't have to worry about that as long as I have my band and be sensible, but I haven't proven to myself that this is possible yet. Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/133/110?

Devana, To answer your original question, I went to Mexico alone from Boise. I was met at the San Diego airport by an English-speaking driver, taken across the border to the clinic for the pre-op tests and then on to the gorgeous hotel, where he checked me in. All of the staff at the hotel and clinic (including the nurses) spoke excellent English, so there was no communication difficulty. The day before my surgery, I walked down to a shopping mall and blew the afternoon in the shops. There wasn't a one that didn't have at least one person who could communicate with me. I strolled back to the hotel, had dinner and watched US tv until I went to sleep in the lovely room. The next morning, I was picked up at the hotel (by the mother of the doctor--she is delightful and is fully capable of filling in any information gaps that you might still have or making sure someone else does whatever it takes to make you comfortable). The surgery was a piece of cake--the procedures were thorough, the staff warm and attentive, and all was totally modern and spotless. After spending the night in the clinic, I was taken back to the hotel the next morning and given phone numbers to call if I needed anything (I didn't, except for indulging in room service for the tasty broth and drinks). The following morning the driver picked me up and took me back across the border and to the airport. I was completely comfortable and secure the entire time and really didn't need anyone with me. Frankly, if someone had been with me, they would have probably been bored to tears and I would have felt obligated to socialize when I really needed to just kick back and relax. It was really more like being at a resort than a medical procedure. The only negative was the flight delay getting out of San Francisco on the way back home...so much for the US airlines! Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/133/110

Devana, Who was your doctor? Thanks

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/238/150 - 25 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/271/150 - 29 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/225/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/178/130 - 30 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/136/110 - 44 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/190.5/134 - 43.5 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/277/150 - 81 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/212/140 - 36 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/200/145 - 17.5 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/207/140 - 35 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324/308/298 - 94 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/253/156 - 35 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/226/150 - 47 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/248/150 - 62 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/105/69 - 20 kgs/44 lbs total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/230/170 - 40 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/228.5/165 - 60.5 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/225/160 - 37 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/244/145 - 26 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/204/145 - 60 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/249.4/145 - 31.5 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/268/145 - 65 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 224/214/175/135 - 49 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/210/150 - 30 total

HI Josette, I have to be upfront and qualify what I am saying by telling you that I have 5 dogs--maybe 6... I have a Sharpai mix that was sent to me about 1 1/2 years ago to keep her off a busy road--then came in a few months later from the 40 acres with a broken leg (can you say $750 "free" dog???). I have a Springer female who was tearfully passed along to me about 3 years ago when she got "too protective" of her houseful of kids--the one whose special friend she was insisted that if she go anywhere, it be to me... That one promptly popped out a litter of puppies, which were thankfully enough cute enough to find homes when they were weaned. I voluntarily adopted a Rottie pup 9 years ago and then was convinced to take a yellow Lab mix female about 6 months later when her owners thought she was "too active" for their kids. The one I have had the longest is my 19 year old poodle, who I got when she was 6 weeks old. Recently, a neighbor brought home a 7 mo old Bull Mastiff male who has decided that he lives with me. The neighbor is in the process of moving, so I don't know if he will stay or not. I moved this last spring to 5 acres closer to town and had real concerns about making these dogs, who have spent the last 8 years out on 40 acres bordered by BLM, so they had unlimited area to run and hunt jackrabbits. I have set up my place so that they have the run of the better part of 3 acres in an area where they cannot get out. I ran a hot wire around the bottom of the fence so that they wouldn't dig out, and the fence is 6' no-climb horse fence. I have an inside room where the big dogs come in at night (they have their own couch and beds), and the old poodle has the run of the house. They all have adjusted very well to the smaller space (altho this is still much bigger than a conventional yard), and are happy. Over the years I have had many animals, including other dogs, who lived out their lives with me. In every case, it is excruciating to have to make a decision to end a life, but it is one of the responsibilities that we take on when we bring these animals into our lives. Unlike with people, we have the option of assessing the quality of the animal's life and offering a peaceful release when that quality no longer exists. When the death is premature, due to accident or preventable condition it heartbreaking. The question of when to "pull the plug" is never easy, but it becomes clearer if you have had to grapple with this issue previously. However, I found that when I have been blessed to have most of my critters live out long and comfortable lives with me. I had a Springer female who was over 17 years old when she had a sudden stroke one morning. She had gotten pretty arthritic, mostly blind and deaf, but felt good and still enjoyed her pampering in the last few years (she had been pretty independent and preferred to stay outside most of her life). I knew right away what had happened, and took her to the vet. He confirmed that it was a stroke which left her conscious, but otherwise unable to move, and that there was no hope of meaningful recovery. I patted her head and whispered my goodbye as the euthanasia solution took hold--she licked my hand and gave a big sigh. Yes, the house felt empty when I got home, but I realized that for all but the first few months of her 17+ years, she had been in the same home, with the same people, never doubting our love and the coming of steady meals (witnessed by her well-fleshed frame), and for all but the last year had the company of her special "Lab-ish" friend, who had preceeded her in death. I think in doggy terms, that was as good as it gets... Dogs (and other animals) have a very limited concept of "future"--their whole existance is a fleeting past and NOW. If the "now" is not good, then they don't have a quality of life. There are times when we, as their guardians, understand that if they endure the unpleasent "now", they will have a better future (as in the young dog who broke her leg), so we make the decision to offer that to them. On the other hand, when there is no prospect for a good "now" for them, they don't have the capacity to hope for a better future. The biggest mistake most people make is in assuming that animals think like people, and they don't. They have their own unique perspective that needs to be understood and respected if they are going to have a "good" life. Animals, especially dogs, DO have emotions and are expecially upset and hurt if they are suddenly removed from their "pack" that they have come to know and bond to. Therefore, one of the biggest points about the thought of bringing a new dog into the house is the question of whether or not you are in a position to realistically expect that this will be a "forever" home for that dog and the ones you already have. How many dogs are "too many"? I suspect that I have already hit that point, but I know that my dogs will all have a home with me until the end of their days. (I have even left instructions and resources to care for them if I should preceed them in death). I know that it is likely that I will have to make end-of-life decisions for most or all of them, but I wouldn't choose to avoid that pain if it meant never having them in my life to begin with. Penny banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz, TJ, Mexico 180+/136/110

I have been going to Curves for 4 months, but lately it hasn't given me enough of a workout--can't get my heartrate up to 70% no matter how much I run in place. I thought it was boring, and having to jog in place half the time didn't help my arthritis (even tho that has greatly improved since I have lost over 40#). I just switched to a "real" gym for women only and am appreciating the elipitical and other equipment that is a bit more challenging and not so hard on the joints. Penny banded 4/5/06 180+/136/110

I'm plugging away... 180+/138/110 Banded 4/5/06 Dr. Ortiz