I am wondering if anyone knows if there are any doctors in the kalispell or whitefish area who do lap band. Thanks.

Hi Bobbie, I do live in Montana, Dillon actually! I'm staying with my sister in Texas. My weighin weight was 237 in August at the first Dr's appointment. I came all the way to Texas to use my Medicare as they require a facility to be a "center of excellence" and there were none in Montana for me to go to. The weight is slower coming off is true, but it's a life changing step so "baby steps" for me is the way to go. At my last appointment I weighed in at 25 lbs lighter! That was 6 weeks post op. I'm glad I chose this way to go all tho the gastric bypass is more dramatic I wanted a solution for the next 50 years!!! lol I also moved to Montana a year ago from Colorado so I guess we're "kindered spirits"!!! lol Keep in touch! Dana

Hi Bobbie...just thought I'd put my nickel worths in...I had the lap band done on 9/11/06, I turned 55 last week and it's the best decision I'd done in quiet awhile. No problems, difficulties...nothing cept slow weight loss! I've lost 25 lbs, had my first fill last friday and yesterday started on REAL FOOD!!! LOL Actually I've gotten reaquainted with some old favorites..cottage cheese, yorgurt & eggs! It's a life change and as long as you're ready..GO FOR IT!!! Best of luck in your decision. Dana

Hello I'm Bobbie and I am thinking about the lapband and I'm alittle scare, could someone tell me if it really works and is safe?? I know that I need to do something I'm 52 and 318 pounds, I would love to here anyones intake on this. Thank You Bobbie

I am working on a holiday project for Marine Recruits who are sick or injured and having to spend time in Medical Rehab Platoon. Many of the recruits don't know if they will get sent home or they will get to see their dream come true. Below is a letter if you can read it and help out that would be great. Thanks, Jenn I am with a group call Marine Moms Online (MMO). We are an Internet support group for thousands of families of the Marine Corps. Each holiday season we turn our attention to sick and injured recruits at the Training Depots in both San Diego and Parris Island. These young men and women, approx 750, have been removed from regular training and will be in the Special Training Company (STC) over the holiday season. On Christmas morning MMO delivers a patriotic holiday stocking to each of these recruits. The stockings are filled with items that have been donated from various sources. In the stockings the recruits receive phone cards, envelopes, stamps, note pads and pens. But the key "gift" in this stocking is a bundle of letters that we collect from children all over the country. Last year each recruit had 12 letters in their stocking. That is over 8000 letters! Our goal is to bring cheer to these special recruits on Christmas Day and to show them how much we support them and stand behind their determination to become a United States Marine. And you can be part of that impact - in a very simple way! Would you please help by collecting letters and/or drawings from children of all ages? The subject can be patriotic, holiday wishes, or even a simple thank you for serving our county. It can be from schools, Sunday schools, clubs, and just your own kids. The end result is letters. However you decide is the best way for your class or school to participate is greatly appreciated. Following are simple guidelines for the letters. - Notes, letter, pictures and cards accepted. - Salutation should be "Dear Recruit" - Envelope for each letter/drawing is not necessary - send it all in one package to the address below. - NO personal return addresses. - Mark the back of each note with a classroom sticker or stamp with the school address, if they desire possible responses from recruits. Please mail your letters to arrive by November 20, 2006 to this addresses: MMO Holiday Project c/o The Avery's 2403 West Sunnyside Ave Visalia CA 93277 Thanks in advance for your support of our project. We can make the Christmas season just a little better for these recruits who SO desire to serve our country. Sincerely, Jennifer Avery P.S. You can view photos from past visits at this website: http://marinemomvisits.com