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 Thursday, March 27, 2008 - Sunday, March 30, 2008 is an Adults Only event.  The registration deadline is February 15, 2008 and late registration deadline is February 29, 2008.

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.  

The cost of the hotel is $87.00/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 February 29, 2008: Sheraton Braintree Hotel 37 Forbes Road Braintree, MA 02184 (Exit 6 off Interstate 93/state Route 128 ).  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 .  To arrange for the Logan Express bus please check out this website.  http://www.massport.com/logan/getti_typeo_logan.html

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:

Thursday, March 27, 2008 – Dinner and dancing at a local club.  

Friday, March 28, 2008 - 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Mix and Mingle 10:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. - Private Pool Party. 

Saturday, March 29, 2008 5:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. - Dinner/Dancing.  The Keynote Speaker is going to be Natalie Egan, MS RD CDE LDN, Senior Bariatric Dietitian, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA

Sunday, March 30, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Farewell Breakfast

Here are the costs associated with the weekend.

Deadline: February 15, 2008

Post-op = $85.00; Pre-op/Support = $95.00

This includes the following Registration Fee = $30.00 Saturday Night Meal = $36.00 (4oz - post-op) = $38.00 (8oz - pre-op and support) Sunday Breakfast = $19.00 (4oz - post-op) = $27.00 (8oz - pre-op and support)

Deadline: February 29, 2008 - LATE REGISTRATION - Money Orders Only

Post-op = $115.00; Pre-op/Support = $125.00

This includes the following Registration Fee = $60.00 Saturday Night Meal = $36.00 (4oz - post-op) = $38.00 (8oz - pre-op and support) Sunday Breakfast = $19.00 (4oz - post-op) = $27.00 (8oz - pre-op and support)

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected].

Hope to see you all there!!!!

Marie Friends of WLS

I can not find all my paper work but figured it was around  18,000.00 for the hospital 5000.00 for Dr. Magnuson and 3000.00 for the anesthesiologist.  I did receive a refund from the hospital for 1600.00. Dr. Magnuson is wonderful he insists on taking your gallblatter at the same time.  He feels in time you will have problems with it.   I have not had ANY problems at all.  Good luck in your new journey.

Jeff and I are excited about todays show. Joe Nadglowski from The OAC has agreed to do a follow up show with us. Joe will be sharing the results from this years "Walk from Obesity" campaign. Show Name SPECIAL RETURN APPEARANCE: Obesity Action Coalition's Joe Nadglowski Show Length 1 Hour Show Description Join us as we discuss the results of this year's nationwide "Walk from Obesity" as well as many other ways The OAC increase obesity education, work to improve access to medical treatments for obese patients, advocacy for safe and effective treatments as well as strive to eliminate the negative stigmas associated with all types of obesity. Show date: 12/05/-7 Show time: 7:00 CST Show place: www.blogtalkradio.com/thewlscoaches We hope to "Hear" you there!! Thanks, ~Cher & Jeff~ The WLS Coaches