Hi guys, today was three weeks post-op. Last week I went to the Doc and he released me to drive and more importantly ride my motorcycle. I rode a couple of times last week and have ridden to work every day this week. Started back to work this week, tough going back after two weeks off. I actually felt like gong back after the first week but went ahead and took the second week because my daughter was home for Christmas. Had my first meal of soft foods today. This evening I had refried beans with a little cheese melted on top and taco sauce. Tasted good and I ate a little more than a 1/4 of a cup but less than 1/2 a cup. I was getting tired of cream of what ever soup. Looking foward to a scrambled egg in the morning. People at work are already asking me if I have lost some weight. I have yet to tell any one at work that I had the surgery. I probably will at a later date. When I went to the Doc in April to start this ride I weighed 359. A week ago at the Doc's office I weighed 290. I have went from a 56 inch waist in jeans to some 48's I had stuck back in a drawer. I am wearing shirts that my son gave me last Christmas that I haven't been able to wear till now. My knees feel great, I can walk up a storm. I already have way more energy. I have been washing dishes just for something to do every evening, I do not do dishes. I have even been fixing my wife's coffee pot and setting the timer so it is done when she gets up. My wife is loving this. I have been trying not to get carried away so she doesn't get to use to it. I'll have to stop for a few days so she doesn't take it for granted. That is what's up with me. Life is good. pan head

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

Hi! It would be a little drive for you (you would have to get on Rt. 19 and go through Summersville), but you are welcome to attend our monthly meetings in Beckley. The Beckley WLS Support Group meeting meets monthly from 7:00-9:00pm at Raleigh General Hospital on Harper Road, Beckley. Our meeting location is in the Education Center (annex building on the Kroger side of RGH). All guests are welcome and everyone is encouraged to attend! We have members from all over southern WV and have had attendees from VA, as well. Our next meeting is January 22. Feel free to email me if you would like more info! Beth [email protected] http://www.geocities.com/beckleywlssg/

Hi all! I'm in search of other central WV folks... Is there anyone out there who lives within driving distance (say for a support group meeting) of Flatwoods/Sutton/Gassaway??? Flatwoods, for those who have never heard of it, is the "geographical center" of WV. It is at exit 67 off of I-79. That is also where the outlet mall is along I-79...

Is this group in affiliation with Dr. Stickler's efforts in that area? I know that Amanda (one of the Medabolix dieticians) mentioned that they were trying to get a support group going up that way... I currently attend the meetings at Medabolix in Charleston. BUT, that is about 60 miles (country miles if you get my drift!) from home for me. Lori and I agree that there needs to be something up this way.... I know of probably 10 or more folks right here in Braxton County (without really digging or asking around) who are WLS post-ops, so there is definitely a group of interested folks.... I am currently working on spreading the word! Best of luck with your own group efforts! Hugs, Lea