Posting this here for any Jersey bandsters who might be interested. We're talking about a bash to be held the weekend of September 23-25 somewhere in NJ, close to the city. Just something to think about! A weekend of social events close to home with fellow bandsters traveling the same road.

When anything is firmed up there will be a thread in the Lounge with details. Hope to see you there!

Also, how about a B&B- we could rent out an entire one for the weekend! There's one here at the shore- right by the ferry to NYC.

That sounds really interesting, Kirsten! Where are you?

I just forwarded the info to my Dr. at Hackensack Medical Center. We can all

do the same and hopefully one of them bites. What about Inamed? I bet they

get involved in these types of functions. Let's all keep a look out.

I totally don't want to organize a walk- too much work! But I am sure someone in NYC is. When you get that info, let us know.

I am near Sandy Hook. The b&b is www.grandladybythesea.com A quick check of Expedia sys we could stay in NYC for that. Granted- not as nice, but still, it's Manhattan! They have 6 rooms, but they run about $150/night. The ferry leaves from Highlands and goes to Wall Street and 34th Street. The ferry takes about 45 minutes.

How many of us want to get together that weekend?

I'm with HarleyNana - the only walking I'm interested in doing on that short weekend is possibly shopping...

So there will be a group for the more "couch potato" people! Bright - are you going on the walk, or shopping???

Hey, I'm doing both!! Just let me know which outrageously overpriced boutique you'll be in and I'll meet you there.

Actually, I'm of two minds about this walk, to be honest. The whole thing seems to be a thinly veiled commercial for bariatric surgery, and I'm not sure I like that idea. Maybe we can do our own 5K, just up Fifth Avenue! It still counts if you stick your head into three stores in every block.

Hello?????????? WALK? Why? Are there no cars??????????? HELL NO, I;m not walking anywhere but around Macy's/Bloomingdales/Barneys/Pottery Barn.........I'm definitely up for Alex's version! See ya on the couch Donali with large Cosmopolitans!!!!

Hey Alex, did you get my email re the hotel prices?

I'd love to do both. I like the idea of doing it for bariatric surgery. This is a whole new world for me and I am glad there was info out there for me to find the LAP BAND.

Yah, Bright, I did! Sorry, didn't I respond? Sigh, mommy brain. I can't plan that far ahead (especially considering I don't need a hotel room) but the rates sounded low for that phenomenal hotel. I'm trying to talk hubby into finding an all-night babysitter so we can have a night alone.

Oh, and walking in NYC is the ONLY way to get around. Don't let anyone tell you different!

Hey, TAXI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to practice, LOL. Oooooh I like the name of all of those stores, personally, I'd prefer a hotel/motel, not that I've ever stayed in a B&B, but I hear they share the same bathroom. Once I disinfect my room, I'm good to go.

Lysol and Nana will travel.

Hey Bright, what was the hotel and what was the prices. I need a hotel room. I am bringing my daughter so we need a double. Prices please. Also, I am up for the walk and then going shopping. I can always shop. LO!L!

Hi Penni,

Glad you'll be doing the walk!! How old is your daughter? Mine is 2. (Also have two boys- 7 and 3). Are you coming from L.A.?!

Depending on how many we have, I think our own Tshirts would be a great idea. So far, though, it looks like just you and me!

Hi, I am not an offical bander yet. I have an appointment with a surgeon on April 19th...very nervous. My primary dr.gave me the go ahead. So now my mind is made up. I am hoping my insurance covers it and I am banded by either the end of May or June. So I will be up to meeting with everyone in Sept. I live in Hackensack NJ which is very close to NY.

I will need lots of support when I get my surgery date, etc....so I expect to be on this site quite a lot.

Take care,

Maria

Hi Maria,

Welcome aboard. Let us know if you have any questions. Look forward to seeing you soon. Who is your surgeon?

Just as an update. I sent the Manhattan Marathon people an email asking when we could register individually for the 5K. I got an email back telling me not only that we can do that in May/June on the website but asking if I would be interested in helping organize the Marathon. WOW!! Still thinking about that one. LOL!!!! Needless to say I will register for the walk.

Looking forward to meeting all you'se guys. I gotta start looking at hotels. Bright where are you guys staying? I might just get to there early and hang in NYC for a day or two prior to all us meeting. Just never know with me. LOL!!!

Penni, you do an astounding amount of traveling! You're a very lucky woman.

You're talking about the Walk from Obesity, right? For a second there I thought you were talking about doing the New York Marathon!

Thanks for the update. I'm still thinking about whether I want to register for the walk or not. Part of me is a little uncomfortable with the whole fundraising element. But I am SO looking forward to seeing some LBTers in September whether we're walking or not.

The hotel Bright mentioned is the Madison Hotel outside of Morristown NJ. It's about 25 miles from NYC but a lovely destination in its own right and very convenient to the train. And the surrounding towns of Morristown, Madison, and Chatham NJ are all very charming and have great restaurants and shopping. I'm going to try to talk DH into a night at the hotel just for a romatic interlude even though I live only about 20 minutes from there.