Congrats....even though your on the wrong page....=) Ruth Ann

I am almost there with the pulmonary consult and a endoscope pending. Thats it. Rest of the many tests are done. Then maybe fingers crossed, I will get a surgery date.

I am looking into having the lap band surgery-- i have had a consultation with Dr O'Brien and waiting on insurance approval--- I don't have a lot of info because i have not been banded yet--but hopefully soon--- the lap band board is very helpful with any questions about the actual procedure and what the recovery is like-- drop me a message if you can think of any questions i can answer-- Good Luck Sweetie!! Thank you, Mandy

Not sure where in SD you are, but in Mitchell there is the Mitchel Bariatric Center. they do the lap band and i'm sure would be able to answer any of your questions. let me know if you'd like their number..... Ruth Ann

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