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Penni, it would be wonderful to have you there. I felt like I really didn't get to talk to you too much (cuz Lisa was just hanging all over you). You and your hubby are such sweethearts. To bad you can't get a layover in Vegas. Have fun on your trip and we will have a drink for you so you don't feel left out.

Michelle and Vera, how I wish you were going to. Greg, the extra bed is still available and Lisa and I would love to be escorted about town with you. And just always remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Lisa, I can also run to your house to make margaritas again and then we'd really be in trouble. So tomorrow my plane leaves at 7AM and I'll be there at 9. If you want to do something Wednesday night, my cell is 408 623 8665. Looking forward to getting together again.

I just hated to see that ticket go to waste and I'll treat you to dinner at the Bellagio prior to the show. It will be so much fun to see you again. I will call you once I'm there and have picked up the tickets. Be seeing you soon.

Mama Mia would be the night of the 23rd, not the 24th as I flying home that morning. I've already seen it here in San Francisco (about 7th row back) and was only going to go again because that's what my mother wanted me to do. If you still want to go let me know (email me your phone number and I will call you with the details once I'm there).

Babs, Great doctor's visit and what a great attitude you have. After meeting you it is very obvious that you have come very far in so many ways. Keep us posted.

Not only are you are wonderful, giving and loving person -- you get more beautiful everytime I see a new picture of you. You are doing awesome and the weight is just slipping off you. Keep up the great work.

it is hard to hear how uncomfortable you were and does bring back memories. I was put on Carafate (Sucralfate is generic). It comes in liquid and tablet and I find I do better breaking up the tablet. I was taking it 4 times a day. It just kind of coated everything so I felt absoluted no discomfort. He actually gave me 3 refills of it but haven't had to use any as I have learned my lesson. And so have you. Sometimes when I eat something spicy and burp alot I think about using it but take a couple Pepcid AC instead and that usually does the trick. Your time was well spent today learning another new thing about this wonderful band we have. I can "feel" that you are doing better already!

Happy News!!! I learned this the hard way too and had to be on medication for two weeks. With the medication felt 100% better within 3 days and eating normal again. You will feel great and that is our responsibility -- to take care of our bands --- you did the right thing. I'm glad you have no hesitation to check out your issues. Keep up the good work!!

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.

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?

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.

And Michelle, I haven't really been around at all. Right after Vegas got a severe upper respiratory infection and chest cold. 3 antibiotics didn't work so I've actually been on disability till this week. MD wanted strick bed rest. What a pain but I was sleeping 16 to 18 hours a day so I guess my body was really tired and needed the rest. Also needed oxygen and nebulizer treatments just to breathe right. She wanted to admit me but I'm glad I conviced her to let me stay home. Michelle, my size 14's are getting a little big. After the holidays, I'll send you a box of clothes!!

Michelle, I don't expect you to keep us updated during this family time. Family comes first always (just please consider us a different family). My thoughts and prayers are with you that all the tests come back negative and each day will be a better one than the day before. Having had you and Vera for roommates in Vegas was such a positive experience. You both have beautiful hearts and are the most caring and giving people. Positive thoughts (that all tests will be negative) are with you during this trying emotional time. When you get a chance, just drop a line, even if it is for more positive energy! We love you and support you and your family.

It really is not until you see the pictures that you really realize the change in our bodies. Great job Karen! Your granddaughter is beautiful and what a cutie your son is. It was so great talking to you and getting to know you. You are an inspirational person with a great heart. Thanks for the recipe.

I am really glad you have an appointment tomorrow. Could you possibly have been sensitive to the chlorine? Hopefully it will be over quickly. Again, my thoughts will be with you tomorrow. Won't be online much starting tomorrow as we will be out of town and I will not have access to a computer.

Hopefully it is nothing more than all the stretching, lifting, etc. that you all did in the pool. Positive thoughts for you and YES, do discuss Lisa's issues with Dr. Billy. He sure sounds like a sweetheart. I agree, I thought you weighed about what I did. No way do I believe you weigh 247 pounds. Keep up the good work.

I was drinking probably within a month of my surgery. Started with just about 1/2 glass of wine and still to this day don't drink more than 2. Just like Michelle, if I have margaritas I do get a little heartburn but I used to get that before with them. I think they are too acidic. I usually take a tums or two with them. The most important thing to remember is to limit yourself before you get to far. One of the reasons I wanted the band was too not have to change so many things in my life and I enjoy a glass of wine or two a week with a good meal or good company. Margaritas and stronger drinks are very occasional, depending on the situation. Once banded we really do become "cheap drunks" so do be careful but enjoy yourself too.

You will be banded soon, a Harley luvin banded biker babe! So happy for you. You have such a positive winning personality that I am sure this will be also be a positive winning experience for you.

Hi again. It was very nice to meet you. You and Penni are an awesome couple and you each have individual talents that are priceless. I also checked out your website and it was great. Thanks for the card and I will be sure to pass your information on. Thanks also for putting up with "all the women" this past weekend and chaffeuring us back to the hotel after waiting over an hour for the cab. Keep in touch and if you two make it up to see Vera, you'd better stop by my house too!!

Thanks for the directions. I will give it a try. You are such an awesome generous person....keep up the good work. Carol I DID IT -- IT WORKED.... Happy days.... thanks again Lisa and Donali!

You really did learn how to work that camera. Thanks to you and Bill, we will have a great memory of the trip. I enjoyed every minute of it and you are a great travel partner! Carol

And since I am a complete computer idiot (don't tell my boss, they might take away my raise) can someone tell me how to turn that picture into my avatar. Then I will try. Thanks again

Can you shrink one of them of me too?? Not that I'll know how to turn it into an avatar but I'll try. This past weekend was a blast. we will laugh about it for years to come. Looking forward to many more bashes and I'll volunteer to be the margarita maker for bashes.

Well, where do I begin. These are some of the most fun, craziest, zaniest, sweetest and caring women that I have ever met. And a few of them really know how to drink:D . I was only going to make I batch of margaritas and then decided on 2. They drink (I helped a little) over 18 quarts of margaritas!!! Vera made some awesome chicken enchiladas. The tamales were very tasty and Karen made a delicious cheese dip/sauce. I abosolutely love Michelle's piercing blue eyes. She definitely gets your attention when she talks. I also love her "down to earth" attitude. SHe is such a wonderful mother with a great soul. Vera was always funny and up. Even though we had met on several occasions, she is FUN. And yes, she finally fiqured out that darn camera. Leatha and Ginny -- love those accents. I sure wish I could have spent more time with you both. Ginny you are doing so well emotionally and physically. Leatha, size 16!!! You looked great and are just as sweet as I thought you would be. Penni is a blast LOL. She is always with a beautiful smile and a hug for everyone. And boy did that women have a ton of clothes that no longer fit her (some still had the tags on!). John is a sweetheart and they make a great couple. Teresa and KC are such a fun couple. The love obviously shows. Teresa you are such a happy, caring, sharing person. When KC told me that it sometimes takes you 40 minutes to write a post, I believed him. Yours are always so well written and thought out. You will make a GREAT children's author. Babs (texas) is a party girl who has just done great. Your pictures really told a story. You have such a "sparle" that just lights up your face. Karen (Vegas bandster) is a true inspiration also. When Lisa told us about how they had met it was heartbreaking but definitely showed us how large Karen's heart is. Karen, you will make a great pediatric dentist and be an inspiration always. Vika (another Vegas bandster). You are beautiful. I love the way you carry yourself. I do wish we had more time to talk. Be strong and you will be at goal before you know it. (to me it looked like you already were). Megan with her sister and friends were determined to have a great weekend and they did. Megan is in a Swedish band study group and doing really well. Her friend and sister obviously love her very much. Minnesota was a long way to come and I'm so glad I got to meet you. You are beautiful and generous. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay. Donali -- I too wish I had more time to talk to you. Your story is so interesting and inspiring. You have been through so much on your journey. I love the sparkle around your eyes. The thoughtfulness of your cards and the wonderful gifts you gave us, including the German chocolates with the surprises inside. and last, LISA. What an amazing hostess, loving individual, funny, caring young lady you are. Thank you so much for opening your house and heart to us. I love you laugh so much and your hugs are always heartfelt. And the best part of the weekend (not really but a great way to end it) ..... I came home 3 pounds lighter! I expected it to be the other direction. Thanks again for allowing me to meet all of you and become a part of such a wonderful group. I can't wait to see Vera's pictures.

Happy Birthday -- Biker Chick! Love your new bike and can't wait to see it this weekend. ENJOY, Carol