Hang in there Debbi it gets easier as you go along. Sounds like this was a good decision for you.

Its time to register for the Friends of WLS Boston Gathering March 23-25, 2007. Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone that you think would enjoy this weekend. This weekend is open to all, Gastric Bypassers, Lapbanders, Dsers, etc. Boston Gathering of Friends of WLS Friday, March 23, 2007 - Sunday, March 25, 2007 Adults Only Registration Deadline is February 9, 2007 Late Registration Deadline is March 2, 2007 This weekend is about connecting with people that can understand the journey we have taken and having some fun with fellow WLSers and support people. I have finalized the Hotel information for the Boston Gathering. The cost of the hotel is $79.00/per night, this is per room. You can call the hotel to make your reservations at 1-800-325-3535 or (781) 848-0600 by March 2, 2007: Sheraton Braintree Hotel 37 Forbes Road Braintree, MA 02184 (Exit 6 off Interstate 93/state Route 128 ) We have been very fortunate to secure the $79.00 room rate again this year. The hotel has a good size pool, hot tub and saunas. They also have a full gym (Braintree Athletic Club) they offer daily memberships at $7.00 a day. If nothing else, it's a great getaway for the dreary end of winter... As a lot of us did at past gatherings, I recommend doubling, tripling and quadrupling up. Saturday during the day you will be free to go sightseeing in Boston or do whatever you like. There is a wonderful shopping mall across the street from the Hotel. It is a very reasonable car ride from PA, NJ, NY, CT, NH, VT, ME, MD, RI If you are interested in flying into Boston you have three airports to choose from. The first one is Boston's Logan International Airport, the other two are located about an hour away from Boston. They are in Manchester, New Hampshire and Providence, Rhode Island (TF Green). There is a shuttle to the hotel from Boston's Logan Airport. - See Logan Express Braintree is also on the T's red line (the T is Boston's rapid transit). The red line is accessible to South Station (where most Amtrak''s come into from the South.) The Tara (as it's known in the area) will gladly pick you up from the Quincy Adams T station. Please feel free to bring your Significant Other, but children will not be allowed at the Friday night or Saturday night events.In addition the Boston area has a WEALTH of nearby attractions. In late March you're looking at doable weather for walking trips in Boston. Also historic Plymouth is only a 40 minute drive (the Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower are there) And Quincy, the next town over is historically rich as well. Here is a brief overview of the weekend festivities: Friday, March 23, 2007 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Mix and Mingle 10:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. - Private Pool Party Saturday, March 24, 2007 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. - Dinner/Dancing Keynote Speaker is Dr. Harry Pino, Exercise Physiologist, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA Sunday, March 25, 2007 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Farewell Breakfast Here are the costs associated with the weekend. COSTS: Deadline: February 9, 2007 Post-op = $76.00 Pre-op/Support = $89.00 This includes the following Registration Fee = $30.00 Saturday Night Meal = $34.00 (4oz - post-op) = $39.00 (8oz - pre-op and support) Sunday Breakfast = $12.00 (4oz - post-op) = $20.00 (8oz - pre-op and support) COSTS: Deadline: March 2, 2007 - LATE REGISTRATION - Money Orders Only will be accepted Post-op = $106.00 Pre-op/Support = $119.00 This includes the following Registration Fee = $60.00 Saturday Night Meal = $34.00 (4oz - post-op) = $39.00 (8oz - pre-op and support) Sunday Breakfast = $12.00 (4oz - post-op) = $20.00 (8oz - pre-op and support) I am still working on getting a charter sightseeing tour, more information on that to follow. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Hope to see you all there!!!! Marie Friends of WLS

Well, I have no doubt I did the right thing! The day of surgery I was a bit apprehensive, and yet, very excited. The surgery went well, but it was the news I received later that really shook me up. My doctor told me that I was in extremely poor health, and had one foot 'deep' in the grave and one foot out. Everytime he touched my stomach it bled out, and it was difficult for him doing the surgery. For months I knew things were not right with me, and I had been wondering if I was going to make it to my surgery alive, but his comments brought it all too real for me. So, I decided to fight for this with all I have, and never give up. I have the eating program down pretty good, but drinking the full 64 oz. is not meeting the goal. I was drinking watered-down crystal light before surgery, but the water tends to upset my stomach a bit. I am allergic to tomatoes, so tomato juice sis out. I am not a tea drinker, so what else can I do? I go in for my two week post surgery appointment this coming Thursday. I am hoping the weight loss is around 30 pounds or so. I truly am grateful to my doctor and his staff. They have been so great and supportive. -Debbi Hoggan, Ogden, Utah

i am from new york i was looking over the post you are not alone have you talk to a doctor and do you have ins if you have ins try to find out what it cover any merry christmas hoping to make some more friends i had my surgery in 2005 Rny it was the best thing i did Ila

Hello to Everyone, I have started a list on my OH blog for persons interested in becoming a SURGERY SUPPORT ANGEL. If you are interested in being a support person please put an entry into the comment spot, just click on my name to go there. Please sign-up for a SURGERY SUPPORT ANGEL, there are so many people that would like someone to give update reports, call them and keep tabs on their well-being after surgery. A lot of patients go without because they don't know how to find someone.