We have started a new board for all of us Lap Banders in the Midwest! Come join us!! http://z6.invisionfree.com/Band_Buds_For_Life/index.php?http://s6.invisionfree.com/Band_Bu ds_For_Life/

Hi Brenda, I'm From the Wahpeton area and hope to have my RNY in June. I am scheduled to see the phsyc on Monday the 5th and the Surgeon in March in Park Rapids MN. Hope to hear from you, Brian

Hello All: For newbies and not so newbies, I just wanted to let you know that there is a forum on Obesity Help called the Black American Forum (BAF). If you are not familiar with it, please feel free to stop by to post comments, questions or concerns. Want to know how to get there: Click on "Forums" at the top of the page and you will see a drop-down menu Click on "Show All Forums" and you will see several boxes with forum names in them On the left side in the bottom box, click on "Black American" And then you will be at BAF Come by and post a comment. We would love to see you there. Grace & Peace Treena

Hey Gang, I brainstormed the idea of "Accountability Wednesdays". What I would like to see from these calls is for us to commit to goals for 2 weeks. I've chosen the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month for us to check in with each other and see how everyone is doing. If your interested in this "FREE" Dynamic Call, please let me know and I'll get the information to you. Our first call will be Wednesday January 17th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm CST. Don't worry you don't have to be on the call the whole time. Just call in say what your goals are for the next 2 weeks then f/u in two weeks and let us know how you did. ((HUGS)) ~Cher~

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