Gosh I've missed all of you. Have been off work for the last several weeks with severe bronchitis and upper respiratory infection. Actually needed to be on oxygen and have nebulizer treatments with a respiratory therapist three times a day. Was sleeping 16+ hours a day too. Took me two weeks just to read a book, couldn't concentrate on anything. Back to work part-time this week and hopefully full-time next week.

Glad to hear the board is busy, New Hope, I promise I'll write down the crab dip recipe for you and get it to you next week. We are headed to friends for Thanksgiving as no-one wanted me to "make such a big effort" since I'm still recuperating.

Saw Dr. McKeen and got another fill (now at 2.5). I think this is perfect. I was eating too many "feel good" foods when I wasn't feeling good and actually put on 8 pounds (have lost 6 of them already so I think it might have been partly from the prednisone they had me on). This is snug, but no PBing, and making me eat slower and better foods which is what I needed.

Hi to everyone I met in Las Vegas. I really enjoyed the trip and loved meeting all you wonderful (but a little crazy/fun) group. Welcome all you new bandsters to an exciting journey and great group of people here.

Will come back next week and give you all an update. Michelle, glad to hear you are doing so well. Expect a box of size 14 clothes after the first of the year. 12's are OK but some pants aren't as comfortable as I like and I know you'll be there soon! Hope your son is doing well and still think positive thoughts for you and your family.

Vera, glad no leaks and no re-surgery needed. Will talk to you soon.

Keep in touch.

Carol, what an ordeal! So glad that you're doing better! Please take care and continue to recoup!

Sorry to hear you've been so sick! Yikes.. We've missed you on the board. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!! Be well!

:banana Welcome Back!

Take it easy

Glad you are doing better now. Glad to see you back posting with us~

Have a good Thanksgiving.

Thanks for all the messages. Just wanted to add that Rusty and I met Rebeccalee (Becky) and her husband for dinner. What wonderful people and I can't wait to see them again. She is doing so great. Of course we split a crabcake appetizer and it was plenty. She lives in Eureka and is in the Bay Area occasionally so I hope we can really do this again.

Again, you guys are wonderful, helpful, caring, giving and loving people. I give thanks for being part of this group. Happy Thanksgiving.

Nice to see you, Carol, even after you tried killing me with your famous margueritas! Actually, I've been looking for you because I need the exact recipe. I'd like to store some in my freezer for my next wingding (I promise to go slow this time.) Hope you're feeling better, bronchitis is the worst.

Carol - Would you post those recipes for all of us? I would like to have them too!

That crab dip was DE_LISH!

Hi Carol..so glad to see you are back but sorryto hear of your illnes. I hope you are on the mend soon. I'm doing good, have lost 10l bs since Vegas. I will be in those 14's soon. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I think of you often

Hey, Carol! I was wondering where you disappeared to. I'm so sorry to hear that you've been so sick. Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery.

(((Hugs!)))

Carol-

So glad your feeling better! Just curious how your port/band did with the coughing? Are you still sore?

Megan

I am so sorry to hear you have been so ill, Carol. I'm glad you are getting better.

Walter and I enjoyed dinner and hope we can do it again. I have some pictures for you on my website. I will send you the link.

Sorry you've had such a rough time. Glad you're feeling better.

Nancy

hi, carol

new on post, glad to hear you are feeling so well , and are better, keep warm and becareful this is the worse weather, to be in, and be sick,

feel better,

margie,

--------------------------------

margie

4/5/04

295/257.8/140

ny. ny.

dr.texiria

montiforie hospt.

Gosh,

I can't believe all the well wishes! Thanks everyone of you. Megan, the coughing did not effect the band at all except that Soup and soft foods went down much easier (thus the weight gain). I didn't feel it was tighter at all, just wasn't hungry for real heavy food.

To the rest of you, I will try to write down the recipes tonite and get them out to all of you tomorrow.

Made it through Thanksgiving easily (thank you Dr. McKeen for the fill last week). It made my portion sizes and desires for sweets much less, also who wants appetizers when you have all your favorites to look forward too. The only appetizer I ate was crab dip (that I made).

Thanks again for all the positive thoughts and hopefully I will make it through my first full week of full time this week.

Michelle -- my positive thoughts are with you at the doctors this morning. Hopefully your band is OK?