Ny In Da Hizzay

[503-250]

I'm not sure what that means, but we are here, lets show the other 49 how it gets done right.

[MiaHalliwell]

I am from Syracuse, NY! I'm here!!!

[503-250]

Woohoooo for a while there I thought no one liked me...I even used extra deodorant today.

[MiaHalliwell]

:Banane35: Ya smell ok to me, LOL! Look, we even have a similar ticker, hehehe.

[503-250]

I was noticing your avatar, it looks like Bam Margera's logo with wings.

What is it really?

[MiaHalliwell]

Yeah it is. I LOVE Bam Margera. My next tattoo is going to look something like my avitar. I have met Bam in West Chester. He was wicked cool.
PS- sorry for taking so long to reply.

[503-250]

No worries, us NYers need to stick together.

BTW...I didn't have anyone say anything interesting to me at tonight's lapband meeting at Dr Geiss' offices...I guess no one showed?

[MiaHalliwell]

About the meeting in Syracuse? I actually couldn't even make the meeting. The nutritionist was supposed to run it and she didn't call me, but I had a prior commitment. I am in the process of readying my cheerleaders and a slightly younger squad that merged with us, for competition on October 1st. Its crazy because I only had 2 weeks to readjust my routine for 17 girls to include 11 more girls. Can you say seriously stressed out? LOLOLOL!

[503-250]

I know that feeling, I am changing RA meds and I am planning a vacation in November, if they go wrong and I am gimping around in paradise someone will pay with their life.

[chocolate_snaps]

Are we seriously the only New Yorkers? Camon! "said in my best NYC accent"

[pogoevents]

Brooklyn, New York here. Just joined the board today. Had surgery last week. Having a hellish two weeks on liquids but lost 15 pounds so far! How do you get one of those cool tickers?

[Stitchy]

Hello Pogo. Welcome to B2G. Nice to meet you. If you haven't posted on the new memer forum, here is the link. We all check that one frequently to welcome newbies.

http://band2gether.net/forumdisplay.php?f=9

Also, here is a link to answer your ticker (and maybe some other) question.

http://band2gether.net/forumdisplay.php?f=26

Both of these are in the b2g Welcome section.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Well this is my 1st time on this thread. Bear i did not realize you are from down state. I am in Skaneateles
Rich

[503-250]

ahhh another native NYer...welcome to the fray!
Skaneateles? isn't that like Syracuse? You're so far north you're almost Canadian.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Skaneateles like Syracuse? that is almost as bad as saying that Manhattan is like ........ lol i am just teasing. Well i am not that close to being Canadian but I know we get more snow then they do.

[503-250]

Sorry Rich, like should have been NEAR....typing at 2am is clearly not a strong point LOL.

How much snow do you get??

["Just Jess"]

:wave: welcome, welcome! :)

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Hi Jess,
Bear an average winter we will get a total of around 170" or so. it is strange but they dont tell you the snow fall by storm we get it by "well we will have 2-4" in the morning followed by 6-8" in the afternoon then the drive home expect another 4-8" followed by 10- 12" overnight... so that would be 12" on the low side and 32" on the high side. big spread but with lake effect one town may get a foot and 4 miles away the sun will be out with no snow.

[503-250]

Wow...I would love that...here we get like maybe a foot...but we get reports like this:

MASSIVE WINTER BLIZZARD WARNING!!!
Expect .5 inches of snow by rush hour which will turn to rain by 9am.

[bgrand]

That's a lot of dam snow.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

any time from oct to may that you all want some snow just ask I will be happy to send you some. lol. What stinks is I have a pasion for riding motorcycles and the winter's and the cold cut into it. It is truly not that bad when one is used to it. You just go slower and plan on it taking a longer time to get anywhere. Now this will give you some insite on how strange a guy I am.... I will go out in a snow fall and listen to it falling. If you have never done that try it some time it is like nothing else i have ever heard.
Rich

[bgrand]

well just be extra careful on that bike and the snow!!!
It does sound great...just don't know if I could stand that much for that long.

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

Listening to snow fall ??? Is that something like watching grass grow ?? BAD ME !!! Can't say that I've ever paid attention to the sound of falling snow. But, I'll be sure to listen up the next time I get the chance. Judy

[bgrand]

Judy, yes bad you...lol
even I have heard and listened to the sound of falling snow. You have too, your just not connecting with snow cause your enjoying all the warmth around you.

[503-250]

I have a back deck which I have a chair under...I sit out there and smoke a cigar and listen to the snow when we get big snow falls.

[WildAlaskaG'ma]

We have "quiet" snow in Alaska.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Well i guess us Ny'ers just live a louder life style

[Rini]

Hey guys just wanted to give a big New York brooklynite transplanted to Queens WASSSSSSSSSSUUUUUUUUUUUPPP:peace:

[503-250]

Why hello RINI!

I see that you changed your picture....

How you doin?

[Rini]

Why hello RINI!

I see that you changed your picture....

How you doin?

lol.no how YO doin.lol
i'm great for the most part since you asked and yes i decided to show my true colors. I think you like anonimity(sp?)
what's the word in the NY thread? We losing lots of weight over here? Can't weight(lol) to get banded so i can join the NY banders.lol we can make a hockey team ur from long island right?

Nuff said.lol

[503-250]

Sure sure, LI boy here and I'm game for a hockey team, football team or lacrosse.

I've been kinda slow as of late, but I think this new insane drive to lose 8lbs before Jameza40's wedding is helping out.

I've tried to be less anonymous, but I do want to separate my personal life from my work life as much as humanly possible. But, there are photos of me in the photo gallery and the before and during thread. Soon I am sure there will be plenty in the NC forums since I went out to dinner with them tonight.

[Rini]

Sure sure, LI boy here and I'm game for a hockey team, football team or lacrosse.

I've been kinda slow as of late, but I think this new insane drive to lose 8lbs before Jameza40's wedding is helping out.

I've tried to be less anonymous, but I do want to separate my personal life from my work life as much as humanly possible. But, there are photos of me in the photo gallery and the before and during thread. Soon I am sure there will be plenty in the NC forums since I went out to dinner with them tonight.
Yea i read the post of your night out with the chickies. what fun you guys had. You certainly have a way with words.lol

[503-250]

The whole bunch of them took a million pictures...I can't wait to they post them.

[Rini]

The whole bunch of them took a million pictures...I can't wait to they post them.

Is that you with the beard? What restaurant did you eat at? Love the calamari! yummo

[503-250]

The restaurant was Sequoia, right at the seaport, figured it would be a nice view.

[Rini]

The restaurant was Sequoia, right at the seaport, figured it would be a nice view.

Great choice. Have you been to Louis(sp?) nice view too good food but always packed especially outside....i think its in port washington.

[503-250]

I know the place, but never ate there....big oyster bar...I should take the wife she loves that kind of place.

[Rini]

Haven't been there in ages. Don't know why really. We used to try to go there at least once during the summer season. I guess with the kids life just got a little more hectic.
So you are going to DC for the g2g? Sounds like tons of fun. Wish I could go but i dont think i can swing it. I may be back at work and hubby and i have a disney vacation planned for sept that we are moving to october so money gonna be a little tight.

[503-250]

I'm definitely going, how long of a ride is it for you to get to DC

[Rini]

I'm definitely going, how long of a ride is it for you to get to DC
Not sure i think it might be like 6 or 7 hours? But with gas prices so high you are better off either by train then renting a car or going by plane.

[Rini]

I'm definitely going, how long of a ride is it for you to get to DC
Are you an insomniac? What ARE you doing up at 3am!

[503-250]

LOL....nope...I just work crazy hours...but they're are very flexible which is nice.

[Rini]

LOL....nope...I just work crazy hours...but they're are very flexible which is nice.

are you a computer geek?

[503-250]

I am a total computer geek....

[Rini]

I am a total computer geek....

Hey been busy all weekend. Just celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary o saturday,,,kids driving me nuts.lol. What type of work do you do? i it with computers? Are you a mac or pc guy.

[503-250]

Nothing wrong with a busy weekend.
Happy Anniversary!
I'm a pacs administrator (I work with computer stored patient data and radiology studies), I work on anything with a keyboard.

Isn't there some way you can get me out of tickets or something with your prestigious position?

[Rini]

Isn't there some way you can get me out of tickets or something with your prestigious position?
Dude if i could get you out of tickets i could get me out of tickets and its not happening. Sorry. Like i know what PACS is. Is that computer lingo for some kind of program? I really have to go back and proof read next time. Its embarrassing.:bonk::bonk::bonk:

[redgrldj]

LOL here is a PACS administrators responsibilities ..

PACS Administrator Responsibilities (http://www.neotool.com/blog/2007/11/15/pacs-administrator-responsibilities/)

November 15th, 2007 by Jon Mertz (http://www.neotool.com/blog/?author_name=JonM)
http://www.neotool.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/postratings/images/stars/rating_on.gifhttp://www.neotool.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/postratings/images/stars/rating_on.gifhttp://www.neotool.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/postratings/images/stars/rating_on.gifhttp://www.neotool.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/postratings/images/stars/rating_on.gifhttp://www.neotool.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/postratings/images/stars/rating_half.gif (4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)

http://www.neotool.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/postratings/images/loading.gif Loading ...
Posted in Radiology Workflow (http://www.neotool.com/blog/category/radiology-workflow/), HL7 Standard (http://www.neotool.com/blog/category/hl7-standard/), HL7 Integration (http://www.neotool.com/blog/category/hl7-integration/), Healthcare IT (http://www.neotool.com/blog/category/hit-views/)
An Imaging Economics article - The Purview of the PACS Administrator (http://www.imagingeconomics.com/issues/articles/2006-08_03.asp) - highlights the critical components of a PACS Administrator’s role that impacts radiology workflow. It is a great article because it outlines many of the key knowledge and work activities required to be an effective PACS Administrator. More than ever, PACS Administrators contribute significantly to defining, enabling, and refining radiology workflow.
Key Knowledge of a PACS Administrator. DICOM is always the healthcare standard people think about when radiology workflow is mentioned. Today, the knowledge required has expanded to include the HL7 Standard. HL7 integration is the standard that facilitates the data flow between the various applications (e.g., RIS, HIS, EMR, PACS, etc.) and streamlines the workflow by automating various activities. It is refreshing to read an article about PACS Administrators that acknowledges the HL7 Standard as a required element to gain efficiencies in a radiology practice or department.
Key Work Activities. PACS Administrators play an essential role in defining radiology workflows (http://www.neotool.com/pdf/Rethinking-Radiology-Integration-Workflow-HL7.pdf), re-engineering radiology workflows (http://www.neotool.com/blog/2007/04/12/improve-your-tat-with-hl7/), and enabling radiology workflows (http://www.neotool.com/marketsolutions/imagingandclinics/casestudies) with the right technology. This requires the PACS Administrator to have strong interpersonal skills along with strong communication, project management, IT, and healthcare standard skills.
Other key activities include monitoring the data flow, ensuring it is continuous so that a radiologist’s workload is even throughout the day. Again, this article points out it is not just the PACS that needs monitoring but also the integrated systems and interfaces. Seamless workflow requires integrated systems, which also requires flexible and robust interfaces between the various applications. The PACS Administrator is required to know more about data flow between all the systems that eventually touch the PACS or are eventually touched by the PACS.
Equally important is data quality. Automating data flow through the systems and applications removes the opportunity for keying (re-keying) errors; additionally, it means that the data needs to be translated into different formats correctly in order to meet the various applications’ requirements.
As we have discussed in other posts (http://www.neotool.com/blog/2006/11/15/many-roles-pacs-administrator/), the PACS Administrator plays many different roles and the responsibilities and knowledge required have grown. In this healthcare IT article, Imaging Economics has delivered this message very competently.

[Rini]

:eyerub:
Pattie you kill me. My eyes glazed over trying to read it and i still can't understand what the heck it says. can i get a laymans explanation?:thinking:

[Rini]

Hey Bear....do you go to a support group in LI? They have one on my list that meet like once a month on tuesdays that they "encourage" me to go to but i'm not sure if I should go?

[redgrldj]

:eyerub:
Pattie you kill me. My eyes glazed over trying to read it and i still can't understand what the heck it says. can i get a laymans explanation?:thinking:

Ok according to my hubby... PACS is a document management system that stores patient information.. One of the newest features is the storing of x-rays electronically. Then they can print, burn them to CD or just archieve them..

LOL for BEAR: my hubby sayshe can sell you a great plug in that will out put high quality prints from your PACS system to a Xerox device.. No more film or x-rays ..

[Rini]

Ok according to my hubby... PACS is a document management system that stores patient information.. One of the newest features is the storing of x-rays electronically. Then they can print, burn them to CD or just archieve them..
Sooooooooooo much better. : Bear you should take that synopsis and put it on your resume!

[503-250]

PACS isn't just documents tho, it's the radiology study too, so your xray, or your cat scan, MRI, dental scans, ultrasound, sono, etc etc etc. It stores the image, the patient data, the doctor's dictation, the typists transcription, patient prescription, history etc etc. The really cool part is the doctor clicks on the study to view it and can also have your past radiology studies load, your demographics and history etc etc. As if this isn't cool enough, our new software will let the doc assemble a 3d model of the scanned part (let's use the head for now) color the arteries, peel away the layers of skin, muscle etc, view the head across a slice on any plane ( X, Y, Z), track and measure a wiggling artery, it goes on and on...too amazingly cool...it can do this with 1/3rd of the normal Cat Scan images (normally you get an X, Y and Z set of images) ours can assemble the single X layer and provide the 3d modeling.

Our doctor's can read the study from any pc with an internet connection. For example, I have a doctor who goes to Israel for a few months every year but reads on a daily basis. I have another who is currently on a tropical island and has been there for a month. They both read for radiology sites in NY.

We have a portable radiology company who can scan a patient, upload that radiology from the site off a laptop with a cellular connection across a secure connection to our server, the docs get an instant notification of an arriving study and then they dictate. The transcriptionist type it out and the report is available in under 30mins.

[Rini]

wow. i just put people in jail.lol that is remarkable. didnt know that stuff like that could be done.

[503-250]

The company that does the quick turn around portable scans...does prisons.

[Rini]

The company that does the quick turn around portable scans...does prisons.

I hate prisons...they keep trying to get me to go on a tour of Rikers Island and I refuse...can't stand the institutional smell if you get my drift plus all those caged men...scary.

[503-250]

rikers = bad place

[Rini]

rikers = bad place
Sometimes i have to go through central booking in the bronx to take avideo statement..that;s enough for me

[503-250]

Dude...bad plan. Get a fixed camera setup there and have them throw the suspected felon into the room with the camera.

[Rini]

tech behind a one way mirror, cop sits next to perp and me in front of them... only way we do it

[503-250]

why not just set up a webcam...then you won't have to be that close to the convicts.

[Rini]

I think people are less likely to lie to you if they have to look you in the eye. Plus we used the practice for a while where we would interview the victims of crimes through a webcam at the precincts but its not the same..some people do lie about being victims and you need to be able to weed them out in person.

[Patrick]

Reading through this thread, it sounds like there should be an LI get together on the schedule. There seem to be a few of you (Even the skinny atlas guy from upstate could come). We are coming up to NYC end of next month. Family still lives in Rochester area, but we suffer through the heavy snow of NC (almost two inches this year).
What did surprise me, were the number of people who live in snowland and had never taken the time to listen to the snowfall. I really miss that, it was like an instant therapy session.

[Rini]

I don't know who lives in the NYC area other than Bear and Moonlight and i think that there was a newbie recently. Would love a meet in the future...Bear has proven he knows how to have fun!

[503-250]

Unfortunately, I scare off all the locals...the only people posting here aren't within a hundred miles of me.

[Rini]

Hee hee you haven't scared me off yet! Plus I don't scare that easily.:)

[Patrick]

You two are two of a kind. And this is a suitable post for my 2000th.

[Rini]

You two are two of a kind. And this is a suitable post for my 2000th.

I'll take that as a compliment and an honor that you posted your 2000th post with us. You are awesome.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

i am in Skaneateles ny only 300 miles or so away. that is nothing for a road trip lol Now if we do something in albany we can pull in anybody from the new england states also.

[Rini]

whats up guys. Can you say rain rain go away? I can't figure out this NY weather sometimes. Wish I was in greece.:)

[redgrldj]

Just thought I would let you NY'rs know that my Hubby will be in Rochester Starting on August 17.. He will be there Sunday through Friday.. He has to be home Friday night to shoot me up LOL..

[503-250]

I'd love to get there for dinner with your DH, but it is about 6hrs or more from here.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

I work mon to friday but depending on which side of Rochester he is on maybe i could met with him for at least a cup of coffee? Pm me with the details if it sounds good.
Thanks

Just thought I would let you NY'rs know that my Hubby will be in Rochester Starting on August 17.. He will be there Sunday through Friday.. He has to be home Friday night to shoot me up LOL..

[redgrldj]

As soon as I know where he is staying I will post and you guys can go toilet paper his room or something.. LOL...

[Rini]

hahahahaha do people actually do that?lol
I think i saw that once in a movie i think it was Revenge of the Nerds or something.

[MarkB]

whats up guys. Can you say rain rain go away? I can't figure out this NY weather sometimes. Wish I was in greece.:)

I just got back from Keene, NH last night and we were there for three days. It rained everyday and sometimes quite hard. The locals said it has been raining everyday for about a month. It is pretty and green when you can see through the fog and rain. Back in Michigan and it is dry here and we need the rain, but want it to wait until after the weekend when we are off of vacation.

[redgrldj]

hahahahaha do people actually do that?lol
I think i saw that once in a movie i think it was Revenge of the Nerds or something.

LOL I was in new mexiico with Josh for USKA nationals. I took him and some of the other boys and we Toilet papered the sensi's room LOL.. We were at the Pyramid Marriot and used I think 10 rolls of paper, you could not walk through the room when we were done.. Next time we are filling the room with balloons.. LOL

[kwenb]

Mount Vernon in the house
url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wkyTRM9/]
http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wkyTRM9/weight.png
[/url]

[503-250]

Hello there Mt Vernon....welcome to the forum!

Be sure to edit your signature and add the missing [ from before url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wkyTRM9/

To edit your signature click on usercp (top left), edit signature.

[wingsfly825]

HI...........not banded yet but i am from long island , new york. I have yet to figure out the ticker , signature thing so bear with me bear. I have read so many inspirational stories , i hope to one day be one myself....teresa

[503-250]

Hi Teresa, where on the island??

I'm also hiding out on Long Island, any chance you were at the Dr Geiss lapband meeting tonight?

[wingsfly825]

HI bear.
No i wasnt at the meeting last nite. I think i had an appointment with him (wait was like 2months ) but never made it and wound up going to a different doctor. He work out of syosset hospital ? I hide up in northport. How about you , where do you hibernate ? Im not banded till sept 24th. You are a great inspiration bear. I notice your also the papa bear of the site giving great advice to all not to mention all the pics of these fabulous looking woman on your walls lol

[503-250]

Teresa, it would seem we are neighbors, I'm in Huntington.

So who and where did you decide to have the surgery?
Congratulations on your surgery date, be sure to gimme a yell if you need anything.

[wingsfly825]

hello neighbor... My surgery date is sept 24 th with dr. braithwaite. Have you heard of him? Thanks for the support i will certainly be talking to you about any questions i have. Have a great day !

[503-250]

No clue who he is, but I had no clue who Geiss was the day before I met him. Your date is closing in quick, how are you doing with prep?

[wingsfly825]

Hi,
I guess prep is going ok. I bought my vitamins yesterday. I bought a bottle of isopure . What did you drink the first few days after surgery ? I started medifast diet to lose some weight. I wanted to start walking a little bit before also. Honestly my biggest hurdle is i have to quit smoking . You are a great inspiration. Any advice you have for me i appreciate. Have a great weekend......

[503-250]

I drank tons of iced water...later I got hooked on crystal light and to this day I drink that and the walmart version of it...64oz a day minimum.

I know how hard the smoking part can be, I quit 10yrs ago and went from three packs a day to none. The key is to just move on, don't allow yourself to get sucked into things to do to stop smoking (chew gum etc).

For the surgery there are some great threads with more suggestions then I can ever remember, but the big ones for me were the following:

Prepare your house...shop, do laundry, vaccuum etc...all the crap you are not going to want to deal with after the surgery. Prepare for one week of downtime.

Robe, non slip slippers. They are going to expect you to walk around, I expect you to walk around and so will everyone else here. The more you walk the better you will feel. The robe and slippers will make that walking more comfortable...and less visual for your neighbors in the hospital...LOL.

A pillow. On the way home, hug that pillow to your stomach. This will keep you from getting jostled around on the ride home. Your stomach is going to be a little sore from them working on you, the only time it becomes really evident is if you get bounced around. So, the pillow makes you more comfortable.

I wish I would have brought an ipod, or my laptop..there's a lot of time in between the surgery and going home and I was bored out of my mind.

You're going to do great Teresa....I am very happy for you!

[wingsfly825]

Thanks bear for all the kind words. I believe i will do well also. I just want to look normal and get healthier. I have been hopeless for a long time. Right now i weigh 260.. my highest was 278. Two years ago i got down to 207 i was so very close to onderland i could taste it , then i had emergency back surgery, two disks were fused and the third i have a cage and some nuts and screws other than the ones floating in my head. so you can do the math i put all the weight back on which just depressed me. I had thought about the band for a while but i had this ignorant view onhow it was cheating , that i was so weak i needed surgery to stop stuffing my face i now see things differently. I was hoping to come home home same day of surgery. i guess i will see what happens. Do you need much pain meds ? not that needing them phases me for two weeks before surgery i was on percocet and hydrocordone. i must admit its a nice feeling. I still have 2 bad disks in my back and this weight is added so much more pressure it needs to come off, now i just recently went on blood pressure medicine and my sugar is starting to rise. Im feeling old and decrepid. I have lived in this torment since i was 16 on and off diets. or shoudl i say i really havent lived i existed. my friend got a boat and i cringed at the thought i going on it and trying to get back onto the boat if i went in the water. sticking my great whale ass up over is not the site people should have to look at. IM sorry im rambling tonite.. this is my first step to the journey i deserve , i deserve to be happy with me and i have been in so long i forget what thats like.......... thanks for always listening and writing back. im starting to feel loved on here.

[wingsfly825]

im going to be 47 on monday and feel like 87 . i am always so tired and exhausted . As you were losing did you start to get more of your energy back?

[redgrldj]

im going to be 47 on monday and feel like 87 . i am always so tired and exhausted . As you were losing did you start to get more of your energy back?

Are you taking any vitamins?? Try B6 B12 for a lil energy boost..

[wingsfly825]

i was taking a b complex. i must admit im not always good on the routine of taking them. I was also taking 5000mcg of biotin for my skin and hair. i started the lovely world of premenopause and besides being exhausted i now get panick attacks , i had them years ago right after my kids were born. Its all hormonal..ugh. How have you been feeling?

[redgrldj]

I'm doing good.. I would give a body part to be able to take vitamins right now.. B12 is a metabloic booster.. It will help with your energy and weightloss.

[503-250]

I turn 39 on 9/11, I feel better now then I have in ten years. I have more energy, more ability and more desire then I have had in a very long time.

I also have a bad back (and a slew of other annoying problems), many of those issues have improved...and i'm nowhere near goal yet.

More important then these things is the way you talk about yourself. You will find I say this a lot, but I mean it and I can't emphasize that fact enough. Stop talking bad about yourself. There are a ton of people out there waiting to do that now, practice being nice to yourself, there aren't many people waiting to do that for you.

We all feel like crap from the condition we are in, you have started down the road of making this better....one of those steps is liking yourself.

[wingsfly825]

wow bear you hit the nail on the head as far as liking oneself. That is such an obstacle for me. I would never talk to anyone the way i talk to my self. I have always put everyone first . I decided its time for me , it is a slow process , its very hard to change over nite. I dream of being able to look in the mirror , im mean really look , not just glance. I want to be proud of who i am. I judge my self worth with how i look or at least the old me has done that yet i have so many great friends and family who dont judge me. A few months ago i declined on some functions just because i didnt want to be seen so i missed out and they missed me. i came up with some excuses and just didnt go . I was embarassed of myself for putting on my weight again dont get me wrong i hadnt gotten down to a healthy weight but i had lost a good amount. I looked at myself as a failure and didnt want others to think that way of me also. There is that stereo type that fat people are jolly, i dont think they are jolly i think they have learned to hide their pain. So with baby steps i am changing my thought process.....its not going to be easy its actually harder than losing weight. Thanks for always being here to listen and give advice

[MarkB]

I turn 39 on 9/11, I feel better now then I have in ten years. I have more energy, more ability and more desire then I have had in a very long time.


Bear you young whipper snapper you!!!!! Go get what you want out of life. And I totally agree with you that we have to quit beating ourselves up. We are worth all the effort this takes to make us healthy so we can do all the things we want to do.

[Patrick]

Right on Bear, good, sage wisdom, and coming from such a young kid as well. We all need to love on ourselves, take care of ourselves first and remember to value ourselves above all others.
Quick analogy, in an airplane, if decompression happens, even if you are with your children, they tell you to put your mask first. If you don't take care of yourself, how can you be good enough to take care of others???

[mkm8315]

About the meeting in Syracuse? I actually couldn't even make the meeting. The nutritionist was supposed to run it and she didn't call me, but I had a prior commitment. I am in the process of readying my cheerleaders and a slightly younger squad that merged with us, for competition on October 1st. Its crazy because I only had 2 weeks to readjust my routine for 17 girls to include 11 more girls. Can you say seriously stressed out? LOLOLOL!
Hi everyone...I'm here too... just a little slow.
I live outside of Albany.
Mia, my daughter did cheerleading all through jr/sr high. She was captain and we went to many competitions in Syracuse along with Nationals. She's 25 now but if I remember right there was a team from Baldwin (not sure I'm remembering right) but they were are fiercest competition...an excellent team. People have a hard time seeing it as a real sport....myself included when she started but with practice everyday and gymnastics 3/wk...the teamwork alone showed me I couln't be more wrong!! Good luck with your competition!!
Anyway,
Glad to meet you all...Bear, after reading all your posts I feel like I already know you!! I know a little about the city...I went to grad school at NYU...lived in Brooklyn...Park Slope for about 6 months then moved to hopital housing and worked in Mamonides Hospital in Brooklyn, Bellvue and lastly, Metropolitan Hospital. I After grad school I went back home to my husband and 3 children...it was rough but I do miss the city...the food!! and always something to do!!

[mkm8315]

I turn 39 on 9/11, I feel better now then I have in ten years. I have more energy, more ability and more desire then I have had in a very long time.

I also have a bad back (and a slew of other annoying problems), many of those issues have improved...and i'm nowhere near goal yet.

More important then these things is the way you talk about yourself. You will find I say this a lot, but I mean it and I can't emphasize that fact enough. Stop talking bad about yourself. There are a ton of people out there waiting to do that now, practice being nice to yourself, there aren't many people waiting to do that for you.

We all feel like crap from the condition we are in, you have started down the road of making this better....one of those steps is liking yourself.

Well said Bear!!

[503-250]

Accolades from this crowd seriously swell my head, go easy on them or I won't be able to squeeze my head through the doorway.

Meantime, Baldwin is my wife's home town, she wasn't a cheerleader (and she is a little older then your girl) so I don't know if they met, but they were all in a really small area together...LOL.

Tomorrow night I am going to meet Patrick and his wife and his son and daughter in law. We will be enjoying some fantastic Italian food (Il Vagabondo's is my favorite place and I already took some banders there) and I am sure we will ruin any good work we've done. He will also be the first B2G member to meet my wonderful wife and see how truly happy I am and what a massive mistake she made...LOL.

So, how is everyone doing?

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Oh some day i will make a trip down state to met up with you all. I know it will happen and i can not wait. i have started the journal that is public and shows the real thought processes of my strange mind feel free to read at any time.
i will be busy this weekend I have a job interview Sat @ 10 am the place is only 1/4 mile from a new gym i want to join (could this be destiny?) Hoping to go king sammon fishing on sunday Dr said it was up to me but i will check in with him sat sometime, then monday maybe a trip to the Great New York state fair seeing it is only 10 miles from my house and i have been given a free pass. I dont plan on overdiong it so i will be careful

[mkm8315]

hey..where are all the NY'ers? Rich, how are you doing since surgery?...did you ever get to go salmon fishing? that's something my husband would like to do in Alaska. hope you're doing well.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

hey..where are all the NY'ers? Rich, how are you doing since surgery?...did you ever get to go salmon fishing? that's something my husband would like to do in Alaska. hope you're doing well.
I am still here and kicking ... kicking a lot more then i had before surgery... I feel wonderful. I love it. Such a great feeling with more engery posistive out look on life.
I did get to go salmon fishing.. we did not have a great catch day only caught one. but she was a beauty. Realy enjoyed the time with my family (wife and 2 boys) we will do it again next year.
I would encourgage your husband and YOU to go it is so much fun the grins goes from ear to ear

[wingsfly825]

we new yorkers are still here ....rini is on her way to florida tuesday and me well im just waiting to get banded. ..... How are you ?

[503-250]

I'm still here too, I'm just crazy busy at work.

Teresa when is your surgery date?

[wingsfly825]

Its sept 24th bear.I have preop next thursday. It will be here before i know it. Excited ,a little nervous How are you feeling besides just busy at work?

[503-250]

I'm doing good Teresa, I'm prepping for a potential trip around the time of your surgery, be sure to keep us up to date on how things are going.

Rich updates?

[mkm8315]

Well, I asked where everyone was and then I left....worked 4 nights straight...unusually busy at work, I normally get time to post but not this time. Then my husband and I left for a 4 day canoe trip in the Adirondaks. We had a great time until Ike rolled through...40mph winds in the midst of pine trees in a little tent was quite nerve wracking!! 33 degrees in the am!! All in all it was a good trip. The leaves are changing, crisp air, sitting by the campfire at night...it was very relaxing.

Rini, did you make it to to Florida without any problems? We have a condo in Lake Worth...just outside of W. Palm Beach so I was watching very closely...no problems though...just alot of rain. i noticed alot of flights were cancelled comming into PBI airport. We're going down 10/14 for 2 weeks...hurricaine season should be winding down.

hope everyone is doing well...keep in touch!!

[mkm8315]

Its sept 24th bear.I have preop next thursday. It will be here before i know it. Excited ,a little nervous How are you feeling besides just busy at work?

Congrats on your surgery date!! it's been 2 1/2 months for me...no regrets at all. I'll be getting my 2nd fill next friday...the first was 1 month ago.

Keep us posted...Michelle

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Rich updates?

Lets see updates...I love my band.. did I tell you I love my band.. it is my friend and my buddy..I take to it every day and thank it for helping me .. I am doing Great I have not had a PB yet (crosses fingeres) I am back on normal food. Now I realy have to watch how much I eat as without a fill I do not seem to have any restrictions and it will be so easy to fall back into old habbits
The only complaint is my port is sore yet but it is only 3 weeks and 2 days out. I do realize that I have to be carefull I did load a window in a customer's car and pushed with my belly as normal but i hit the port and I will not do that again.

[mkm8315]

Rich, please do be careful. I was told not to lift more than 10 lbs the first month!! That restriction thing is tricky...seems like it takes a few to get it right for some. I'm getting my 2nd fill this friday...lost a good 42lbs. and now have stopped...not really gaining but not losing either. My port was sore a good 2 months out, seems that's pretty normal. it get's a little sore after a fill. I don't get novacaine for the fill so they push pretty hard when trying to find access to it...it's more pressure than anything, not bad at all. There seems to be generalizations but yet it's all pretty individualized...everyone/and their doc's are different!! Keep up the good work!!

[Rini]

Hi Guys sorry i've been neglecting you over here on this thread but i'm baaack. i went to florida and came back on the 19th. We had a blast. It was touch and go for a little back there before we left o the 9th and had some stormy weather the 10th and 11th but made the best of it. its hard not to in Disney anyway everyone is always so happy to be there and friendly too. The rest of the trip we had sunny skies and 90 degree weather it was awesome..i ate all types of food and go so sick of it really that when i got back i was looking forward to starting my liquid diet. i started officially this morning with a protein shake which i'm still working on.lol. I may have made it too thick.
Anyway i am just so super excited to start my journey with all of you. teresa you are just a few days away my friend call me to chat soon today or tomorrow but before your surgery okay? Also after all these months of just waiting around for this day to come i haven't really done any dieting so im happy to start at last this weight loss process.
Bear i haven't seen(chatted with you) in ages. How are you? How have you been? Hope you saw my birthday wishes on Sept 11...i was away and missed the big hoopla. Did you have a drunked good time?

[mkm8315]

Rini, I'm glad your back and had a good time. I loved the preop diet...lost a ton of weight, great jump start!! I had stopped dieting also prior to starting it so I was ready.
I am so excited for both you and Teresa...you're both going to do great!! Can't wait to watch your progress.

[Rini]

Hey Guys our resident New Yorker Teresa aka wingsfly825 is getting banded today...go over to her thread and wish her well i'm sure she will love that. I wish i knew how to insert the post link but Kristina started it so do a search for threads started by her and you will find it!!!!
Way to go Teresa!!!!

[wingsfly825]

Hey guys.....wazzzzzup with everyone ? im doing well day one in bandland wooooooohoooooooooooooooo ! Watch out here comes rini ......

[mkm8315]

teresa...congratulations!! I have beeen working so much and missed your op day but wanted to let you know how happy I am for you. This ranks right up there!! marrying my husband, having my children, grandchildren and 'my band'...the best thing I've ever done. It's only been 3 months but it has changed my life beyond words. Keep us posted...I'm xo excited for you.

[wingsfly825]

Aaaw thanks michelle. yeah so far i feel pretty good. this morning felt a little heart burn i guess but i doing fine. Did you go on medifast when you were done with clear liquids? i like the medifast program and was thinking of doing that. Talk to you soon...hugs teresa

[503-250]

Congratulations to our new bandsters....remember to sip and walk, that's the bandster secret dance.

Rini, I did see your birthday wishes and it definitely was several drunken good times...LOL.

How is everyone doing?

[mkm8315]

Aaaw thanks michelle. yeah so far i feel pretty good. this morning felt a little heart burn i guess but i doing fine. Did you go on medifast when you were done with clear liquids? i like the medifast program and was thinking of doing that. Talk to you soon...hugs teresa

Hi Teresa,

I did medifast shakes..5/day for 1 month prior to surgery. I used the pre-made...didn't care for the one you made yourself. I haven't used them since. Now I use Dessert or Arbonne and the PB2 powder and a banana. Some people like the Unjury but I haven't tried that. Usually, I have them for breakfast or at work if I'm too busy to eat. You could use it when you move on to general liquids. I'm not sure what your doc has you advancing to but I did clears 1 week, general liquids 1 week, soft 1week then mushie to regular by week 6. seems everyone has a different way depending on their doc. The biggest thing which I'm sure you have heard from others is small bites, chew very well and keep drinking water. I really stuck to it and did't really ever get that PB thing or vomit. I can eat any foods no problem and my doc said it's those 3 things that you really need to follow. Good luck and keep updating...it's an amaing journey!!

Rini, how are you doing since your surgery? hopefully, all is going well?

Bear...so sorry I missed your b-day...a belated one at that!! No doubt it was a HAPPY one!!

[Rini]

Hello my fellow bandsters! :) and fellow new yorkers!!! I am doing great so far better than i ever expected actually i don't want to jinx it..it almost makes me wonder if anything is really there...Today is my last day of clear liquids and i go on full liquids tomorrow. I'm looking forward to losing weight and slimming down its long overdue.
I have to go back to the doctor in two weekds for check up and then i guess he will tell me when he will do the first fill. For now i'm just concentrating on getting in my protein, water, and moving around as much.I'm going to try not to obsess about the scale.

[503-250]

Rini, throw the scale away, you shouldn't even think about it until you are on solids.

Glad everyone is doing well, I'm hoping to hear some good updates from the NY new surgeries.

[wingsfly825]

Why throw the scale off till solids bear ? Just wondering because im on the scale every morning ( im an addict ). i know the scale can bumm you out , i just find it hard not to check my stats daily. I know this was going to be a bumpy road and yesterday i realized the mental issues were going to be tougher. Example i went to dinner yesterday and ordered cream of turkey soup ( had them put it in the blender) it was terrific but i started looking at it going hmm i wonder how much fat is in here and is it gong to make me put on weight? I know that sounds silly but i just wanted to share some of the thoughts i had .

[kristina]

i second that question..will u not lose until ur on solids? or do u mean this is just a time for healing not losing, ect? i check it daily too just to see if i lose that 8 pounds i gained at the hospital...

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Ok, I'm not Bear but I can give you my experience just after banding. I didn't start losing weight until I was about 1 month out. You're still swollen in there, and it takes time to heal. I think mostly what Bear wanted to explain is, just heal now, worry about weight loss later. It WILL come off, just not right at the very moment the band is placed. I felt the same way as you guys do.. and I fretted and worried, about the calories, the fat content, and it didn't do me any good. It is what it is I'm afraid.. (I know.. bummer).

Gina told me she didn't worry about calories post surgery, and hard-headed as I was, I did worry about it, and it made me a nervous wreck. I wished I had listened to her advice, and ate 3 meals a day like my Dr had said. I know it was hard for me to switch modes, from losing the 20 lbs before surgery, to just eating to live after surgery. It's a head thing. It also set me up for some really bad eating habits post surgery too. Like snacking, it was like I got turned loose with a free will to eat, because I was healing inside. After being healed, I still wanted to snack. I just want you guys to know that if you were a snacker before surgery, and you snack all day to get your protein in, it might be a problem for you. I wish I was more aware of that in my head before I started doing it.

[kristina]

thanks donna..i am sucking down my protein out of a 3ounce tube right now..lol..and i never snack. so 1 month..very very good to know!!! whats hard for me is i worked so hard to lose it then i go to the hospital for wls and i gain nearly 10 pounds..lol..i know its just fluids and it will come off..but its weird!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Yep it's weird and frustrating, but it will come off.. I promise.. pinky swear and shake n spit too :)

[redgrldj]

Ok I vote we all take off the medical weight gain together.. I am up 32 pounds since I started Chemo.. I can start taking weight off now... I still can't eat fresh fruits or veggies until after October 20th.. But I want to lose a ton of this weight like ummm yesterday...

[kristina]

pattie..u got this baby..the worst part is over..its time to kick the weights a@@..im right there with ya!!!

[503-250]

Donna is absolutely right, weight loss isn't a concern when you aren't eating solids. Your body needs to adjust to the surgical results...let your band settle, follow your doctors directions to a T and don't worry about weight. Worry about your water and protein intake, worry about healing that band correctly.

I absolutely promise that if you can get your water and protein numbers in line, once you get to solids you will be happy as can be. I will also offer the pinky swear, but we spit first and shake second in NY. LOL

[kristina]

got it Bear..i am already happy! i lost all my surgical weight plus 5 pounds! (13 total in 6 days) its so crazy to step on that scale now..whereas before it took me weeks sometimes a month to lose one stinkin pound..and i mean woooorking my butt off for every single ounce!!! and now its just going dooooowwwnnnnn. i know that will stop too eventually...but boy does it make all the surgical stuff worth it!!!

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Lol Bear.. you mean you don't spit in your hand then shake in NY? Wow.. you guys are wusses ;) (ducking now) lol

Kristina, it's so much fun when it falls off isn't it? You're melting away!! You GO girl :)

[Rini]

Hey my New York friends. How does everyone love the weather? Looks like Fall is definately here ..time to pick some apples, pumkins, fatten up the turkeys for thanksgiving....oh and buy candy for halloween first. Does anyone go trick ir treating with their kids i fyou have any? what costumes do they have this year..
My 3yr daughter will be Tinkerbell and my 6 month old son(as per my husband) will be Captain America.lol

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Just checking in on the Ny Gang. I can tell when it gets cold out we all go into our caves and waite for the spring. I for one am not going to hibernate this winter I am going to be active and look forward to spring when I can shed the heavy winter clothes and show the world the differnce the Lab-band had made in my life.

[wingsfly825]

Hey rich you are doing absolutely terrific...come spring alot of people you know are going to be shocked..you better get the smelling salts ready...

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Hey Teresa,
Great to hear from you. You are doing great also 34# in just 3 short months. :-)Would Have every thought you would be doing this well? not the mention the 17# before surgery.. You go girl keep it going down !! Thank you for for the complements It helps a lot

[503-250]

Trying to remain active these days despite the nuisance of weather. The biggest issue I seem to have right now is the whole raining thing....if it's going to be cold then it needs to snow!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Bear,
Be carefull what you ask for. We should get some where around a foot of snow by end of the day wed. What a nice New Years eve gift. I do not think we will be going out to our friends house as planned. I can understand you trying to stay active. Hang in there I know you can do it.

[Rini]

wow i just noticed people's weight ticklers. Rich you are doing amazing!!!! and so are you Teresa!!!!! Great job guys!!!! and congratulations Bear on hitting 100lbs lost in 2008 that is soooooooo amazing. You are all such an insipration. Keep rocking your bands in 2009! all my best. Rini

[wingsfly825]

Hey rini..thanks. sorry i missed your call. ill try and call you during the week. im starting a new job tomorrow so im not sure what my schedule is going to be like. Im glad your fill went well.. talk to you soon ..big hugs

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Thanks Rini,
I got a wII fir for Christmas and I like most of it. I have found out if I ever get stopped for DWI I better not do the one leg stand as i can not remain balanced. LOL
I do like that the fit gets me off my butt and up moving. I still can not get my pea brain around losing ANY weight let alone 60# in just 6 months. I keep waiting for it to stop.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Wow is there no body here in New York any more? I miss you guys. How are things going? It is getting nicer out and spring is here. I know I feel great and love my band and the loss. I have been asked to speak in the Dr's info meetings He like it when patients give there insite to new people. I like it that it reinforces what I am doing and helps the ego. I am off my blood pressure med’s and all the lab work has come back good.

[Laurel86]

ny in the HIZAY? HAHAH THAT MADE ME LAUGH =)

[KathyJ]

ny in the HIZAY? HAHAH THAT MADE ME LAUGH =)

Just sitting here on my spud truck in Idaho scratching my head and wondering what does NY in the HIZAY mean??? :noidea:

[wingsfly825]

Wow rich your doing awesome. Its such an honor to have your doctor ask you to speak. Let us know how it goes. Isnt it such a nice feeling facing spring 80 pounds lighter you must feel like a new man..congrats..

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Teresa,
Thank you for your very kind words. I do feel much better but there are some down sides of losing this weight. I can fee the bones in my butt when I sit on a stool @ work lol. I even asked my Dr what this "lump or bone" in the center of my rib cage was. He did not even laughed when he explained what it was.
Now Tereas what about you??? hunnnn??? you are rocking your world with your loss also. Congrats... over 67 pounds gone forever. YEA !!!!!!!!!! I was on your profile looking at your progress picts. WOW what a difference. You are doing so great. Keep it up or in our case down lol. Spring is here and we have the joy of facing THIS spring with a new found energy. Go for it .

[wingsfly825]

omg too funny with the bone thing in the center of your chest. I felt mine last week and at first was wth is this then i kinda figured out sorta what it is lol. Cant say i can feel the bone in my butt when i sit yet. lol But i do have a vague resembelense of hip bones which is way kewl. Obviously only when im laying down lol. Im real happy your doing so well. Stop by more often to say hi and let us know how your doing..

[Greenbaypackerfan]

ok stopping by and saying HI.......lol.... As you can tell things are going well. Better then I could ever dream. I am going to go buy a basketball just so I can do more when i get home from work then just siting on the couch. Or weight loss group is going to be involved in the Walk from Obesity taking place in Sept. It should be fun. I am looking forward to it.

[wingsfly825]

hey rich your just melting away..how many sets of clothes have you gone through already? The walk for obesity is a great cause..Buying a basketball is a great idea..isnt awesome having more energy? Im leaving for vacation saturday morning..have a great week..................

[christie]

Rich, I really hope that in 7 months, I have as much success as you have enjoyed! Thanks for checking in!!!

[jttaurus]

Hello from WNY - I became a NY'er again yesterday. The confinscated my NC drivers license. So many great things are happening for me. However, I'm worried. The NC Board is extintct, like NC broke off into the ocean or something. Maybe they got spring fever.


So one gripe - what is this Governor Doing? It's killing us to hear about all these proposed taxes. I guess that's why NC is in bad shape and not issuing tax refunds yet. Ofcourse, if yOu owe, they demand that by april 15th.

I am well on my way to a new life and it feels great!!! ANyone coming to Niagara Falls this summer? Don't forget your spiffy new drivers licenses. Wooooo....

I am RNy not Lapbad, but I am fearful of those chocolate bunnies, I wanna eat one so stinkin bad. I am not a great WLS role model, but I am normal and living a good life now I dropped the 250lb jerk I married. What a weight loss!!!!! Meow....

My daughter wants to hop a train to NYC to go to Build a Bear and American Girl Store. Yeah right...

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Ok I'm not from NY but I just told Max I'd like a basketball and hoop so I can do something like that.. and I think Max would play with me too. What a great idea.. :) Thanks for saying it out loud. Great job on your weight loss too Green.. you're doing so well! :)

[Tinakris]

JT, if you head into the city, I am 20 min away!! We were in Niagara last summer..LOVE it there!!!!

[jttaurus]

I'd love to come to NYC - I've never been. My daughter (8 years) keeps asking if $200 would be enough to come to NYC. I keep telling her more like $2,000. Who knows if I can dump these wedding rings and get some cashola I might plan a trip....

Wish me luck...

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Rich, I really hope that in 7 months, I have as much success as you have enjoyed! Thanks for checking in!!!


You are doing GREAT keep it up/down. just the 15 miles you have walked is a wonderful trip. You will be very sucessfull I am sure of it.

Thank you for your kind words to me it helps alot

[Greenbaypackerfan]

hey rich your just melting away..how many sets of clothes have you gone through already? The walk for obesity is a great cause..Buying a basketball is a great idea..isnt awesome having more energy? Im leaving for vacation saturday morning..have a great week..................


Vacation with out me??/ umm something is wrong her, but I am sure my wife wil not allow me to go with a slimming down women as lovely as your self. Oh well

Yes clothing is an issue. i have lost over 10" around my middle. i do not think i have been this thin in 16 years. I just wished I had done it years ago, but then maybe if i had tried I would not have been ready to do it. So it is what it is...
Enjoy your vacation even if as i type this it is SNOWING here in Ny,, go figure.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Ok I'm not from NY but I just told Max I'd like a basketball and hoop so I can do something like that.. and I think Max would play with me too. What a great idea.. :) Thanks for saying it out loud. Great job on your weight loss too Green.. you're doing so well! :)
Thank you for being so kind with your words and encouragement towards to me. Hope you and Max enjoy the basketball and hoop.
It is snowing here today so nope no way no how am i going out today.

[Rini]

HI guys. I'm tremendously bored today at work which is a very rare occasion so i thought i would swing on by to show love to my fellow new yorkers. How is everyone doing?

[wingsfly825]

Oh rini your so sweet...hows the restriction going girl? Hope your feeling better

[Rini]

restriction is going great...better than its ever been...thank god i can eat a little now...last week i could barely get a thing down...did manage to drop 5 pounds though so at least something good came out of it..
i am so jealous you met bear or that bear met YOU. :( maybe next time we can make it a trio. :)

[wingsfly825]

You got it rini..is there a weeknite you can get out?

[503-250]

Pick a date and I will clear my schedule.
What do you chicas eat? Drink? do?

If you want to get dinner i'm great with that, drinks also good...workout, walk the mall, drink gallons of coffee...all good plans.

[Rini]

Weeknights are tough for me bc i don't get home till 7 and then i have the kiddies to contend with..but maybe on a weekend? This whole m onth is terrible i'm away this weekend and the weekends after that we are renovating the bathroom in the apartment that i rent at my house so it will have to be in june sometime....We will def make plans...i know this really good greek restaurant...hee hee

[503-250]

Whenever you can make it is a good time for me...

[Greenbaypackerfan]

I just posted this in the men's form but I needed my New Yorkers to see so i am pasting it here also.
Hello All,
Just getting the chance to up date you all on where I am at. It was May of 2008, and during a normal Dr Visit that my cholesterol was in the danger; zone and he wanted to put me on meds to lower it. I was on two different meds for high blood pressure. I told my Dr. no way was I going on cholesterol meds when the only reason it was high is because I am over weight. This was the last straw broke Rich’s back. I asked my Dr for a referral to our local weight loss clinic. I remember that info day it was the last wed of May 2008.

So, I am coming up on my 1st year anniversary of taking control of my weight loss.
I cannot believe it I am down over 100 pounds. Yes Rich has lost over 100 pounds within the 1st year. As I am typing this, if you could see me, I am shaking my head back and forth back and forth in total disbelief that it is working out so well. Even though I went into to this understand what is normal and how other’s had done I felt in my heart that I would be the exception to the rule and not lose any weight or only a little. Yet the scale does not lie. DAMN unbelievable.!!! I could go on and on and on and on but I will not bore you all with my typing. I just had to share my joy with my friends.

[Rini]

Hey Rich you and i have not had much of an opportunity to interact but i have read many of your posts and i just want to say that you have done an amazing job! You are rocking that band New York style. You go boy! We are all so proud of you and thanks for sharing your success with us!

[wingsfly825]

Hey rini...............welcome back..how was your trip?

[Rini]

Yea T i'm back..florida was amazing. I had a really nice time and took some nice pics with hubby..i'll have to dl them to post a few for you guys. I actually enjoyed taking pics with hubby this trip..didn't look bad either. I can def tell the difference from my september trip.I guess 40 pounds will do that to you.:) The weather was awesome 90 degrees sunny skies no rain and best of all no humidity. it really sucked coming back to ny. It was so cold and rainy i was tready to get back on that plane! How was your weekend?

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Hey Rich you and i have not had much of an opportunity to interact but i have read many of your posts and i just want to say that you have done an amazing job! You are rocking that band New York style. You go boy! We are all so proud of you and thanks for sharing your success with us!

Thanks Rini,
For what ever reason I have not "banded" pun intended with many people on here. I read a lot of what is posted and follow the treads that people post so I feel close to you and a lot of the other people here. Thank you for your encoragement, it means a lot to me when very sucessfull band people support and encourage me.

[Rini]

I totally know what you mean Rich..its good that you read the threads and track people and what they say. I get a lot of benefit just from reading. I don't always feel inclined to commet unless i'm inthe mood or really have something to say.lol. I like to chekc back on this thread on occasion to see how my ny bandsters are doing and like i said you are doing such a great job! Most people don't understand how hard it is to struggle with your weight so its good tocome on here and get support from people who are or have been in your shoes.

[PattiDi07]

Hey.... another New Yorker here!!! I'm upstate near Binghamton. Glad I found you guys here! Rinni, love the newest pics on your profile page. You look amazing! You are all inspirations to me as I am just beginning my journey. :)

[Patrick]

HEY RICH!!!! CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done. That is amazing success. I have been banded for almost two years, but am only 60 lbs net down. I don't feel even close to a failure, but your success is totally awesome. BTW, former NY'er, from Rochester before I slid down the map to NC.

[Rini]

we neglect this thread way too much! patrick its good to see you coming back to your roots!lol.60 pounds is nothing to laugh at its amazing! i have lost 54 pounds so far and im thrilled i think that even if i didnt lose another pound i still would be soooo happy with where i am. its really not about the number for me as much as how i feel and look..although i would love to hit onederland before my 1 yr band anniversary...10 pounds to go!!!!

[wingsfly825]

oh rini you will definitely hit onderland by your year ...way before that girl..how many days till greece ? lol wanna see pics

[Rini]

i hope so t...23 days!!!!! i can't wait!!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

hello all. I took a week of vacation to putter around the house and got some new picts to post. Hope all is going well with everybody.

[Rini]

where are the pics rich?????

[Patrick]

Had a great time back in the old homeland. Got to watch a LOT of 'YES' tv (and all from NY know what I mean), which included great victories and even a sweep (oh yeah, those other NYers might not be sooo happy).

[Greenbaypackerfan]

i could not figure out how to post them here, so i posted them on my profile page under the album "more of me"

[503-250]

RINI!
Dinner...with me and T?
We're waiting with baited breath, loaded cameras and affidavits from witnesses who will be our cover story with the cops.

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

We were driving back from Lansing Saturday night, and there was a billboard saying that Allegient Air is offering flights from Lansing to NY for $9.00.. I told Max.. maybe I should give someone a call and ask if I could visit for a day or 2.. lol He said.. "Ya know Dear.. those seats are probably on the wing".. lol Anyway.. if you guys wanna come to Lansing from NY, give me a shout :)

[MoOrLess]

We were driving back from Lansing Saturday night, and there was a billboard saying that Allegient Air is offering flights from Lansing to NY for $9.00.. I told Max.. maybe I should give someone a call and ask if I could visit for a day or 2.. lol He said.. "Ya know Dear.. those seats are probably on the wing".. lol Anyway.. if you guys wanna come to Lansing from NY, give me a shout :)

dang...$9? That must mean $18 from Chicago ROFL

seriously - maybe I better check it out and we could meet in NY Donna! :pound:

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Sounds like a good idea to me Mo.. does Allegient fly out of Chicago?

[MoOrLess]

of course they don't -- life couldn't be that easy lol

From what I looked at they fly out of Rockford but don't fly into NY rofl...at least not from Rockford or Chicago -- go figure

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

Rats.. dang it.. patoooieee :(

[Patrick]

Ain't life funny like that? Sometimes you just wonder......

[MoOrLess]

I wonder ALL the time why things cost so much more in Chicago -- truly, the cost of living is NOT any different and most of us are just as poor as those in lower income areas...kind of a joke.....

Donna is flying from Michigan to Midway Airport in Chicago - and we will meet and fly from Chicago to Boise -- and it costs ME more money! what? it's cheaper to fly people for FREE from Michigan to Chicago? I definitely don't get it lol

[Nick N Ava's Grammy]

I don't get it either.. like some can get cheaper tickets in another state flying in to Michigan, but if I were to fly from Michigan to that same state, it would cost more money. Doesn't make sense.

[Rini]

RINI!
Dinner...with me and T?
We're waiting with baited breath, loaded cameras and affidavits from witnesses who will be our cover story with the cops.

okay so i'm leaving for greece july 17. next weekend got birthday party for kids in am and rooftop party for adult in pm. sunday bbq with god daughter then we hit the week and im out on the 17th. hmmmmmmm kind of tough to swing before i leave....maybe friday night for coffee??

[Rini]

where are my ny peeps? Everyone in hiding? Its not winter yet! no time to hybernate come out come out whereever you are!lol

[MoOrLess]

hey Rini...Bear is off to Iraq and surrounding area for a bit....don't know if you caught that or not....not sure where the rest of the NYers are at .....welcome back girl!

[Rini]

oh wow i rememebr he mentioned that to me a couple of months ago but i didn't know it was a done deal. any idea when he returns? The rest of the new yawkas are bound to show up some time i think.lol

[MoOrLess]

no - not sure - I know he was hopping from one country to another....

[TamiS72]

Hello! I'm from Binghamton.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Well,
Rich is here.... Enjoying lifel like i never thought I would. Riding the motorcycle when I can, working on the house during the down time, Turning the big 50 but for the 1time in ages feeling better and younger then ever before My band anv is the 27 th of this month. I can not beleive that a whole year is almost here. WOW I am so happy to be banded.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Hello! I'm from Binghamton.


Hello Tami, I do not think I have had the pleasure of saying hi..... so...

Hi from upstate ny. Skaneatels

[Rini]

oh so ahppy to see eveyone checking in! Glad to hear everyone is doing great..Rich you are doing so awesome and i totally agree with your sentiments about the band...life altering experience....the next 20 years will be amazing for you! 50 is the new 20!

[Rini]

wow Rich i jsut realized you've lost 100lbs! Kudos kiddo!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Thanks Rini,
I can honestly say I do not believe this is working. When I started, I thought I would never be down this much or that my goal is within reach and in only a year’s time. WOW !!!!
But I just was kicked down today. I was laid off today. I had been looking for over a year but I wanted to leave on my terms not this way. Keep my family and me in your prayers. God is good all the time and I just now get to see where He is leading me.
PSSSTTTT… anybody what to hire me?

[Rini]

oh Rich i am so sorry to hear about your job! That is just aweful. Thsi economy is so terrible and here i am i have a secure job and i'm looking around....shame on me! Welli wish i could offer you some words of encouragement...i don't know what field you are in or how the market is for you but let me tell you the LEGAl field sucks big time down here in nyc. there are so many lawyers out there and their are slim pickings. don't forget to apply to unemployment benefits they run about 18months now..i hope you have health coverage..lots of prayers your way my friend God is Good!

[MoOrLess]

Rich - so sorry to hear about your layoff. Big hugs! Make sure to keep busy and stay on track with banded life...it's easy to veer off from our good habits during times of stress. Hopefully you'll be able to get unemployment, retain some insurance, and find a new job. Sounds like you were heading in the direction of something new - hopefully this will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

[redgrldj]

Rich sorry about your job... But dayummmm you are rockin that band.. awesome job...

umm what type of job are you looking for??? My DH has alot of connections in the NY area...

[Patrick]

Rich, congratulations on the great weight loss. My prayers are with you looing for a new job. My job is, like yours was, hanging by a thread. I can really empathize with you. Remember, God never gives us more than we can handle.

[wingsfly825]

Sorry to hear about losing your job rich. sening prayers your way. On a positive note and even though i hate to admit this about people. Your chances of getting a job when you were a hundred pounds heavier would have been slim. Now the new you is confident so put it out there something will come your way...keep us posted

[jttaurus]

Hello from Western NY. IT has been so darn hot and humid up here. I'm greatful that the weather has finally broken. I have felt like I was still in NC these past two weeks.

I moved back here in Feb and finally landed a permenant job in May - I just got health insurance this month. I am greatful for my new life an how it's going. The lifestyle change to divorced and single parent is hard. I'm optismitic though that my future will just get better and better. I make it look easy, even though some days i'm dying on the inside.

Rich - good Luck. It' weird how thing work out and I'm glad yoru band has been such a sucess.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

I have been in the retail side of home improvements for over 18 year. Working in companies from the big box to the family owned. I guess you can say I am a jack-of-all-trades. So I can use my skills in most retail jobs that are out there. The problem is the pay scale kind of stinks right now.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Mo,
I do not think I will get side tracked and have weight gain problems. I lost 5 pounds this week. It is some stress but mostly the change in my normal rotuine and doing more work around the house. If I keep this up I will be at goal in no time. LOL

[MyGenesis]

Hi Rich...I lost my job last week as well...Retail is such a tough place to be right now. I have been 25 years in some sort of retail...however, at 52 not sure I can even begin to think about an alternative career. aghh.

Prayers for you as well...But, just think how much easier the job search will be now that you are 128+ lbs thinner!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Bonnie,
I am so sorry for you also. Like you it is not easy to look at a job change when "matue" hehehe I just turned 50 last month. I do truly thank you all for your prayers and support. I have a strong faith that God will provide and things will work out. I do feel much better trying to find a job being thinner today then I was just a year ago. Who knows today could be just the day that God had planned for me years ago and all I need to do if see it.
Tomorrow is my ONE year Dr appt. I am looking forward to it. It is sad but I like the eggo bost.

[redgrldj]

Rich you have done an awesome job in the last year.. So close to goal..KUTGW

[MoOrLess]

Mo,
I do not think I will get side tracked and have weight gain problems. I lost 5 pounds this week. It is some stress but mostly the change in my normal rotuine and doing more work around the house. If I keep this up I will be at goal in no time. LOL

I'll bet you are more relaxed in some ways and have TIME to think about doing things that keep you active and moving...perhaps even more than on the job. That's definitely a positive outcome from a rough situation -- great job Rich!

[Rini]

Woo hoo rich 2 more days to your band anniversary!!!!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Ok I had my yearly check up and I have a serious question. I do not see myself as "thinner" I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around it. So much in fact the Dr suggested I go to a counseling shrink. I did make an appointment for today. I don't think i am strange or crazy I realy don't. So why the recommendation to go? How do you all feel? how do you deal with the new you? I see the progress. I know I have lost weight but I still see me as morbidly obese.
Btw in the 1st year I lost 131 pounds and have 6cc in a 13 cc band. last fill was in January and I am still dropping an average of 2 pounds a week. What is wrong with me?

[redgrldj]

Rich.. Still seeing yourself as you were is common... It takes a while for your mind to catch up and realize that you are that thin person you catch a glimpse of in the mirror or in a window while walking down the street..

[remmi]

we have been playing head games with ourselves for a long time...so getting your mind to accept your current size is no shock.

self-esteem...positive self-image...you deserve nothing but the best after all your hard work. it never hurts to talk about it.

[Rini]

Hey Rich! Happy band anniversary buddy! 131lbs!!! wooooooooooo hooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!1 screw the doctor i say. i mean you lost a whole person in a year man how in Gods name are you supposed to realize all this in such a short period of time when you have been living this way(morbid obesity) for so long? Give yourself a break and tell the doctor to keep his shrink.Give yourself time and you will come around! I have a word for it which i have seen thrown around this site here and there its called BODY DISMORPHIA...i.e. the concept of not really seeing yourself as thin(or fat) as you really are. You don't need a shrink for THAT! Now if you are a L and are trying to wear 3xl's then maybe you do need a shrink but otherwise i think you are just normal. Time is all you need buddy! Again happy Band Anniversary!!!!! You rock that band New Yawk style!lol

[MoOrLess]

everyone is so right - it is NORMAL and yes, body dysmorphia is talked about quite often on the boards....do a search and catch some of those threads....

Congrats Rich! You have done a phenomenal job - if you feel you need to talk to a shrink then go for it - I think it's a personal decision that only you can make.

Otherwise - pull out your "before banded" clothes - put them on - have a laugh - and take some pictures of the NEW you and post them all over the house!!!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Thanks everybody. it is good to know i am normal and i will read up on body dysmorphia. i do know and realize that i have low self esteem and have built up a fat wall to hide in and not face my real issue. So with the new Rich come dealing with the low self esteem and it will make a difference in my life for the better.

[Patrick]

Rich, not only is there a new you emerging, and very successfully I must say, but Rodgers is actually acting like a QB. What else can you ask for in life? Just give yourself time to let you head get used to the new you. You are going to learn to love yourself, which is important to self-esteem. The new you is worthy of praise.

[jttaurus]

Rich and other friends, i just want to share. I'm 3 years post RNY. I have lost over 100lbs, I have had complications and such too. Now, I will tell you this. I still see a fat girl in the mirror. I still shop as if I'm obese. I wear a size 8-10 in misses, if I worked out I'd be smaller. However, I still don't see myself as a small person.

I have worked with therapists on and off due to my mothers death and my wls. I'm getting ready to dive back in because the life stress is grande right now. I would love a tummy tuck and breast lift too, but that will jsut fix the outside.

Right now, I'd love more then anything to eat my stress away. I can't eat because I have the pouch and for that reason I'm greatful. We all have our days and we will be sucessful no matter what!

[remmi]

well said! thank you!

Rich...I'll say it again, you look great and you own it! Keep it up :)

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Well all just updating...
I am still looking for work. i have nothing that is close to happening. I am thinking of going back to college for a Retail appraiser's or a insurance property adjuster's certificate. i have a meeting with a career adviser on Monday. Also i am trying to get into an excel class. otherwise then that i am still dropping some weight picked up a head cold and am doing fiine. What else is everybody up to ?

[jttaurus]

Good Luck fellow 'loosers'. Things in upstate are moving right alone. It's been super chilly here in the mornings. Kinda like a cold day in NC is a warm day in Buffalo.


I'm in an ultra stressful job, but the checks won't bounce. Take Care.

[Rini]

Hey guys just wanted to check in and see how you guys were doing..rich still looking for work eh? i can't tellyou how rough this market is...you know how bad it is already. Its a great time to think about going back to school and getting a license or certificate in an other career ifyou can afford to do that so kudos to you for looking into that.Im still here fighting the fight...although the Bronx is not burning its keeping me pretty busy. My band anniversary is Friday!!!! I fell like i should go to the doctor just to get weighed.lol

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Rini,
Did you go for your one year follow up? When I went the Dr took a pict that is now on his wall showing befoe and now pict. His office has been very productive there is like 15 or so of us on his wall. lol We meet weekly for support meetings and I think that helps a lot.
Still looking for work feeling like I am on a roller- coaster Some days good some days bad. Don't get me wrong we are doing good here and making ends meet day to day.
I see you are getting closer to goal.. That is great in no time you will be there and look so good. Keep up the great work

[Rini]

Thanks Rich. Good to hear you are surviving what an awesome blessing in these tough times. I am close to goal although i can't even think about it. Someone at work keeps telling me to stop losing weight.lol. So funny to hear that after feeling fat for so long. I still feel fat and know that i can stand to lose another 20lbs but who knows what will be when i get there. Its kind of a scary proposition. I've lost 71 pounds so far..im 193 and 5'7". I would like to get to my goal which is 160..hwoever i almost feel like that may be unreachable. I haven't gone for a one year folllwo up yet. My doctor never mentioned it to me. I did email his assistant the other day asking her about this so i'm waiting for her to get back to me on that.I would like to go just so that he can note my progress. I feel recently that i may need a fill but i'm waiting it out this month to see if i drop any pounds.I'll keep you guys posted!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

well it has be over a month since anybody was here and posted. I will do the post update i guess... lol
I have uploaded my newest pict taken yesterday. It is official i am no longer obese i am only overweight now :-)
Still looking for work. Have a good feeling on maybe landing with a nationial store that is not wal-mart. Keep me and my family in your prayers this may be a good fit.
take care and come on New York lets here from you.

[503-250]

Holy crap dude...kicking ass! Five pounds until goal..please tell me you have something planned for that huge event.

[Rini]

HI sorry i haven been neglecting this thread! I forget its here sometimes! :(
What's up with the job rich???
bear WHEN are you coming home dude!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Well I guess i have good and bad news... lol... I did take a job it starts this Monday. I will be working for direct buy. The good news is they give a draw against commission one of the bad parts are the draw is over $80.00 per week less then I make sitting at home collecting unemployment. If the commission works like expected it would be ok.
The biggest worst bad part is I will no longer be able to make the weekly support and information meetings. I am fearful that I will not do as well with out these meetings. I do not have a strong support here at home and the weekly meetings have been such a blessing and support to me.
Oh well we all make daily choices as to what we are going to do and for the time being this means me accepting this good solid job offer and working the best I can at local support groups......
Now please don't take me to task about the support here. You guys mean the world to me and have helped me in so many ways some of which you will never know but I know Rich and I need the face-to-face accountability.
Bear Thank you for noticing I am close to the 200-pound mark. I will hit the 199 before the end of this year. It is a goal and I will make it. I still cannot believe that I will have lost 150 pounds in a year and 4 months. I was told only 50-75 pounds per year, which would have taken me 3 years, and I was comfortable with that.
Again Thank you for you support I know it is because of knowing you and your words and encouragements over the year that has mad me so successful.

[MoOrLess]

well it's good you have a new job - bad you can't get to your support groups - and bad it is LESS than on unemployment -- what a crazy world we live in!

Congrats on the awesome weight loss in such a short time -- you will definitely hit your goal!!!

[Rini]

Congratulations on the new job Rich. I'm sure you are doing what you think is best for you. and your weightloss is amazing. It just goes to show you that with the band there are no constants when it comes to how much you can lose.Congratulations. Happy thanksgiving to you all.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Happy Thanksgivings everybody

I have to report that the job was not what I expected it to be and there were "some" things that did not add up. So tomorrow I will be telling them I and no longer interested in working with them. I do feel like such a failure for my family. They are so wonderful in supporting me through all this and yet I feel I am letting them down.
I am thankful for them and for all of you here you help me so much... I am going to post a fill/unfill guestion on a different thread as not to hijack this one and any imput will be appreacited.

[Rini]

oh boy Rich. Sorry to hear about the new job not working out for you. Did you tell them you are quiting? You shouldn't feel like a failure because you are not. You just have to find the right fit for you. Wishing you lots of luck and sending you prayers.....:)

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Hi Rini,
Yes I did tell them that I quit. I got "lucky" and the person I was to report to @ 9 am was not in yet so I got to tell it to voice mail. I did leave my phone number incase they wanted to talk to me but...lol surprise surprise I did not get a phone call.
Thank you for your support and prayers they are near and dear to my heart. I will do the best I can in all ways I can everyday I can but there are those days that doubt weighs heavy on my heart.
Now for some good news I was just asked if I would be willing to give my testiononial and have my picture posted on the hospital web site that did my surgery. It is not updated yet but here is the link. http://www.fingerlakesweightloss.com/ I will let you all know when I am there lol....

[Rini]

While I would not agree on leaving a message to tell an employer that you are quiting what is even worse is that they didn't even call you back to get the story from you. they just don't care I suppose so you are better off without them. ON a lighter note....its wonderful that they want to put your testimonial on their site...can't wait to see the end result of that. Lots of luck to you as you begin your job hunt again..keep us posted!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

While I would not agree on leaving a message to tell an employer that you are quiting what is even worse is that they didn't even call you back to get the story from you.

I understand what you mean. Leaving a message on voice mail is not the best thing to do.
I would have spoken to them if they were there on time ready to work and they were not. I do feel that it is their loss not mine.

Now for the good news!! I will be starting a job Monday the 7th It is with a company that I had interviewed with in the spring, and at that time things were not right but now they are. (Difference of being employed VS unemployed) This is a very good fit and should work out well. Thank you for keeping track of me and wishing me the best. IT WORKED !!

[Rini]

wooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooooo!!!! I knew something would turn up for you! Awesome. So glad you are going to be back in the workforce. I myself and starting a new job Jan 4 and i really excited about learning new things. All the best for 2010!!!!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Rini,
Is this with a differnet compay or something totaly new? It is your turn to keep me posted to I can send you well wishes. I was so pooped last night. It has been months since I had to be on my feet for 8 hours with only a 1/2 hour for lunch. And here I thought loosing all the weight would make thing easy... It does but I was still pooped lol

[Rini]

Yea its a new job. I'm leavnig my job as a prosecutor and going to a private firm to make more money. I can't live paycheck to paycheck anymore.It was a good opportunity so i decided to take it even though i love my current job. its always tough when you start a new job but losing weight is a good benefit!

[wingsfly825]

congrats to both of you....heres to a awesome 2010

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Yea its a new job. I'm leavnig my job as a prosecutor and going to a private firm to make more money. I can't live paycheck to paycheck anymore.It was a good opportunity so i decided to take it even though i love my current job. its always tough when you start a new job but losing weight is a good benefit!
Rini,
Good for you, In a private firm I would think you would have more freedom and choices on what you want to handle. I will be praying for you on your first day and new work week. You are so right that losing the weight is such a plus when starting a new job. I am sure they are honred to have you join them.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

congrats to both of you....heres to a awesome 2010
Thank you very much...

I see you are only a few short pounds away from slipping under the 200 mark forever.. YEA !!! It may not be a lot but there is such a mental differnece with that number. I think we should have some kind of friendly bet here for which one of us hits the 199 first... ummmm lets see.....

If I hit it first you should send me a paid plane ticket to Mexico,
and if you hit it first I will send you a post card from Mexico.
Sounds fair to me. hehehe...

[wingsfly825]

your funny rich.. i was so close to onderland i was 203 and now i am 210 ugh...i think rini should send us both tickets with hitting onderland first and landing a job to make more money..only seems fair to me lol

[Rini]

you guys are both too funny!in all fairness my journey to onederalnd is owed in part to my wonderful motherinlaw who watches my kids. Since she too over in June she has been giving both my kids dinner as well as my hubby b4 i get home so not much for me to do when i get home as far as cooking. Im too lazy to cook inhtricate meals for myself alone so i get by with soups and salads for dinner! but jeez i still need a little something sweet after dinner but not much :) Yuo can't think about onederalnd i think,it just kind of has to creep up on you...i haven't weighted myself much this month but i will soon.i think i may have dropped a couple.lets hope.have a great day guys!

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Teresa,
I see that I get to pick on Rini. In a very smart way she replied to us but in no way no how said anyhting about our plane tickets to Mexico. I guess she just missed that part of the deal and was focused on us hitting Wonderland. What do you think Teresa? should we let her off the hook so easy or keep pushing. I mean it is Christmas time after all and wishes and dreams do come true, So if we wish hard enough and dream long enough it will come true??? :-)
The hardest part of going to Mexico would be trying to explain it to my wife why I am going with you and not her. I don't think she would buy into that. LOL.

[Rini]

uh yea i totally missed the Mexico thing but you guys do your thing!lol. wishing all my ny peeps a wonderful holiday!

[Patrick]

Hey guys, Mexico this time or year sounds great. All who have are now in onderland should buy tickets to Mexico for the rest of us as a way of encouraging us to pursue the magical goal. C'mon all you skinny peeps, chip in your money to help us succeed.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

Patrick,
I think it is wonderful that Rinin is funding the trip to Mexico for all of us.. lol. It is such a nice present from her. Lets make sure to thank her .... She is so sweet...

(Rich is ducking behing a snowman so he does not get hit by Rini)

[Rini]

lo. you gusy are toooooooo funny. i wish i had money to fund my own trip!lol. have you guys seen how expensive holiday travel is?? I was trying to book a flight for dec 26-jan3 and they flights were like 500 bucks to florida, the islands ANYWHERE! I even thought of europe but that's even crazier!!!!!!!

[503-250]

We're going to Mexico?
I've checked the mail several times, my tickets haven't arrived yet.

[Greenbaypackerfan]

It must be that time of year. The mail gets backed up Bear but I am sure we all will have out gifts and tickets from Rini soon... See she has been checking out the prices for us. And now with the Christmas thing people will not be flying as much so the prices will drop even farther. hint hint...... just wondering if we are going to Mexice by your way Bear or are you just going to met us there?