The "lack of DeLarla's port" topic has come up too many times for me to ignore lately.

Fact is, the thought of another surgery makes me physically ill. The gamble of another port infection is less than appealing considering I can't even win a 4-of-a-kind on a damn nickel machine with only one nickel in.

I've been working my butt off to start a new business while keeping my head above Water at my law firm. Plus, I'll be renewing my real estate license this winter. Working three jobs should take me to a feathered mattress in Bora Bora, not another stainless steel bed on wheels in a surgical suite.

So, if any of you nurses will volunteer to come to Vegas and Tequila me up, I can probably buy a port on the Black Market for you to implant on my kitchen table. I just can't stomach the thought of any more medical bills because I'm going to Switzerland. Yep, that's right, I just decided that. We were invited to visit Chloe, so it's final. Hey, maybe I can get a port there for a few Francs or Bits or whatever currency they use.

LOVE the font on your website! Okay, Switzerland is worth it. Chloe needs to see you (and you, her) so that has to be a priority. SlumberParties is chugging along nicely, I gather, right? So how come the Real Estate license renewal? Part-time job in the evenings? What? I know you have the energy for all this, but, come on, now!

I'll admit, I really really want you to get a new port. I want you to be able to use your band the way is was meant to be used and be able to comfortably lose more weight (although you do look fab in the Bash pics). What are the odds of another port infection when you are starting from scratch? Dr Billy can fix you right up. You know he can! And nothing will get out of hand and unmanageable with him in Ventura (right?) and you just a skip away in Vegas. Plus, you have your dear, loving, giving, kind friend Penni who adores you, no matter what. What's to lose?

Okay, you have a million and one very legitimate excuses for not getting a port right now. Should I/we not encourage you to get another port? Do you just want to ignore the missing port issue for a time? I will personally never mention it again as long as you don't opt for a different type of WLS. There, I said it. It's just too much trouble to eat around the band when you have good restriction. You need to give a port a try before moving along to another procedure. My opinion. ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))

BTW, you really should look into Swiss Band docs and price a new port. Just kidding. No need to slap me!!

Of course it is all your choice, but I sure would hope that you can get that port... You have come this far and it seems that you dont like to give up.. so dont..... I am sure you are worried about it since you have gone through so much.... Maybe they can put you on a long series of broad spectrum antibiotics and inject some antibiotics around the area as doing surgery to help out also....

We all wan the best for you here of course you know that though...

Good wishes for you in your decision...

My moods ebb and flow like the tides. I never said I won't get a port, I just said "right now" isn't the time to think in that direction. Gag, barf, spew. I can't stomach the thought of another cut or open wound unless it's for full body plastic surgery, then show me the table!

Kathy, in a few years I'm leaving my paralegal job. I can't sit on my butt much longer. Slumber Parties is awesome, but there are millions to be made in real estate. Slumber Parties will practically run itself while I buy houses, fix them, then resell them. Also, I'll be making hundreds of presentations over the years, and that's too much personal contact to let slide. So far, all my Slumber gals have been more than fabulous because they come to me. I won't have to go looking for RE clients, but my gals will know I'm there for their bedroom needs as well as the roof it sits under! Like a package deal.

My poor husband walked around moping from lack of attention, but even our marriage has improved 110% because of SP. Now instead of missing me, he helps! Ask Jenna about the catalog that she got in the mail that was all jacked up and taped closed because his big pipefitter hands don't know how to work an envelope, but he's trying!

My moods ebb and flow like the tides.

And I keep forgetting to keep that in mind. It's just that you are so sensible! Lookie what you have figured out about the next 3+ years! And thing is, you'll do it! I just didn't want you to go and get "Switched" or something, since insurance might cover it? and get rid of your little portless band-friend.

I won't fret. How could I have doubted you? You go girl!

I say rethink it after you are back from your trip to the Alps. By then you should be swimming in money. Love your site

I say get a new port after you come back from your fab vacation. Go see Dr. Billy and get that restriction that leads to the weight loss we all crave.

We will support and love you no matter what you decide to do. I would wait till after the Swiss trip though.

Never mind the port for now, I say -- you've got too much other stuff going on. Do you speak German or French? Even a little? You sure could heat up Switzerland by taking your Slumber Parties on the road, and your Chloe visit could pay for itself! I'm not sure what you'd say to the Swiss customs official who opened your luggage, though. . .

Well one thang is for sure- your doing great without it! I hope you can do whatever you wish you could do:0)

I'm really, really, really supposed to be doing paralegal stuff now. But I can't let go of the Bash and my family here. I love you guys so much, ya know that?

I took the first step by going to the post office for passport forms. Zoe, I've been practicing French CDs in my car for months, plus I speak Spanish so it makes it a little easier. But I don't think I'll try to pass my "goodies" through customs.

Thanks for all the port-support (haha, rhymes.) Let's see how I feel after the holidays.

Lisa Lisa Bo Bisa, Fe Fi Fo Misa Lisa !!

Don't beat yourself up over this decision. When the time is right for a new port and you are ready, you'll know

Hugs !!

Hi Ms. Lisa,

I would enjoy some Swiss goat cheese, see Ms. Chloe and then get a port. You have yet to enjoy the full benefit of your band and what it can really do for you. I know its hard to see that you were an exceptional case with the problems youve had, cause when they are happening to you they seem VERY significant, life changing and costly. I love ya with or without a port, but as successful as you have been, you can still be lots more successful.

Babs in TX

334/180ish

I say Port Baby!

You've come this far, like Babs said enjoy the full benefit of what the band can do for you, you got lots of support here too, to help you through it all

Don't beat yourself up over this decision. When the time is right for a new port and you are ready, you'll know

Hugs !!

Couldn't have said it better myself Lisa, you've inspired soooo many people here, myself included. If you and your body need a bit of a break, take one, have fun - but know that we're here for you and so is that new port, if and when you decide to get it.

Until then, enjoy where life is taking you at the moment, cause it sure sounds like things are starting to go your way

I say to do what YOU feel comfortable with. If you want to wait a while and are fine with where you're at right now, then wait. You have to do what makes YOU happy.

And in the words of Forest Gump - "And that's all I have to say about that." *grin*