Hi there, I agree about the pop thing, but I don't really miss it, and I figure I have gone 7 weeks without it...I hope that I never drink one again!!! Anyway, my doc told me that I could have one after 9 weeks post op, but I would have to let it go flat first (yuck)!! But was reading posts yesterday on the main message board and a woman said she drank one at 2 weeks post op...so who knows! Becki Martin, SD

Hey guys, I wanted to know when we are allowed to drink anything with carbonation again? I must admit that I have acquired a taste for water since surgery (don't really have much of a choice huh?) but....a diet dr.pepper sure sounds good!!! Toi SW:242 CW:209 GW:150 Surgery Date: 5/2/06 Lap RNY Dr. David Dyer (Centennial Medical Ctr)

Philadelphia Gathering of Friends of WLS Friday, October 6, 2006 - Sunday, October 8, 2006 Adults Only Registration Deadline is September 1, 2006 Late Registration Deadline is September 15, 2006 These weekend gatherings are about meeting and connecting with people who can understand the journey we all have taken and to have fun with fellow WLSers and support people. And this year is something a little special, a Halloween Costume Ball! You can even win prizes for your costumes! So grab your ghoulish gear and come see Philly in the Fall. We have finalized the Hotel Information for the Philadelphia gathering. The cost of the hotel is $99.00/per night, this is per room. You can call the hotel to make your reservations at 1-800-325-3535 or (215)547-4100 by September 15, 2006: Ask for "FRIENDS OF WLS". Sheraton Bucks County Hotel 400 Oxford Valley Road Langhorne, PA 19047 The hotel has a pool, hot tub, sauna and gym for guests to use at no charge. As a lot of people did at past gatherings, we recommend doubling and tripling up in rooms. If you are flying into Philly, the best choice is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) which is about 30 minutes south of the hotel on I-95; but you could also fly into Newark Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, which is about 1.5 hrs from the hotel. Cabs are available to the hotel, but we will try to organize our own little shuttle service, if we know what time people are coming into the Philadelphia airport. Remember, "You have a Friend in Pennsylvania" is our state motto- we will get you to the hotel! Please feel free to bring your Significant other or Support person, but children will not be allowed at the Friday night or Saturday night events. In addition, the Philadelphia area has a wealth of nearby attractions and shopping. The hotel is down the street from Sesame Place for those interested in a family activity. We will be releasing a full itinerary later, but a very brief overview is as follows: Friday, October 6, 2006 Mix & Mingle, evening Saturday, October 7, 2006 Sight seeing, during the day Dinner/Dancing a the Halloween Costume Ball Sunday, October 8, 2006 Farewell Breakfast Here are the costs associated with the weekend. COSTS: Deadline: September 1, 2006 Post -Op $ 72.00 Pre-Op/Sup $ 78.00 This includes: Registration fee: $25.00 Saturday night meal: Post-op ($35.00) Pre-op ($38.00) Sunday breakfast: Post-op ($12.00) Pre-op ($15.00) COSTS: Deadline: September 15, 2006 - LATE REGISTRATION- Money Orders Only will be accepted Post -Op $ 97.00 Pre-Op/Sup $ 103.00 This includes: Registration fee: $50.00 Saturday night meal: Post-op ($35.00) Pre-op ($38.00) Sunday breakfast: Post-op ($12.00) Pre-op ($15.00) We are still working on some of the details and activities, so more information is to follow. The registration forms are posted on the Philadelphia website: www.geocities.com/philly_wls_gathering/ or you can email us for it: [email protected] Please feel free to email Steve or me at [email protected], if you have questions or need more information. We can't wait to see you all there!!!

I am currently in process of getting approval through HealthPartners. Each policy might be different. I work at Wells Fargo, so I can only speak to their requirements. First I had to have my regular doctor refer me to a surgeon. I'm working with Dr. Glatt at Sioux Valley. It took about 3 weeks to get in to see him. After he said he would do my surgery and thought I was a good candidate, I then had to have my primary care physician fax to the surgeon 3 years worth of documentation of my weight and BMI. I also have to have a psych eval to make sure that I dont' have any untreated or undiagnosed mental issues. Even if you have depression or anything, it doesn't rule you out. The insurance just wants to make sure you have it under control with drugs or whatever. I had been on Zoloft and had even been hospitalized in the past, and my psych eval person said that was ok since I'm ok now. After all that was gathered, my surgeon's office faxed in all the information. Once HealthPartners gets the info, it takes them 24-48 hours to enter it into the system. Once it's entered, it's approximately 14 business days to get an approval/decline. That's where I am now. My information was entered into their system on May 3rd, so I'm really hoping to hear something by the end of this week. The worst part of any of this so far is the damn waiting. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. :)

Hey Erin, I had my surgery on April 13 and I had that problem earlier on but haven't had it in awhile, they told me it could be dumping and not sure, but if your concerned call your surgeon.