How do I put my picture beside my post? I would be most grateful for you help! Thanks, Susan

Wow..what an acheivement! Have a great trip up. You're coming at the best time of year and will love it here. Welcome to Alaska and be sure to look us up once you get here. I am in Fairbanks. Sherry

Congrats on making it to the Century Club, Ash. And in 4.5 months. That's great. And, welcome to Alaska. Great country and people up here. Cheri

Where are you getting the lap band done? In Anchorage? I thought they didn't do it here. I'm just 14 days post op from gastric bypass (big incision). At 55, I figured it didn't matter because I don't think I'll ever feel comfortable in a two piece swim suit no matter how much I lose. I don't know about the lap band, but the day after gastric bypass surgery if you're diabetic, you probably won't need your meds anymore. I had been on high blood pressure medications for over 10 years, and I didn't need to resume them after the surgery. Wierd, huh? I understand that a bunch of WLS patients do the H20 Oasis water walking thing. I'm not able to do that for a few weeks, but it's M/W/F , I think 7 am - 9 am. I had my surgery done with Dr. Snyder's office, and there is a monthly support group thing. Do you want details? Good luck with your surgery. Even though it's been only 2 weeks, I wish I'd done this 15 years ago! Linda Q

Today is the first outing since surgery on April 20th. I went with my mother to a luncheon for ARC at a fancy hotel downtown. I figured there would be something edible, and if not, I'd just drink water. The lunch was a chunk of blackened cajun halibut on a bed of romaine, rolls, and a chocolate mousse dessert. So I just picked around on the halibut and had water. The halibut was delicious! I would have not drank water with it, but it was really hot seasoning. So after a bite or two, went for the innards to avoid the heat. The dessert didn't seem as appealing as the bread... but I have to say it is 100 times easier passing over that stuff when you don't feel hungry. So way easier than any diet I've ever been on. Then later this afternoon, I had an appointment with my gynocologist. My WLS surgeon isn't too good at positive strokes, but she more than made up for him. Marveled at how great I was moving around for only being 2 weeks post op and having the belly opened up. I am tired this evening from all the running around. Soup sounds good. Linda Q p.s. so no chips next week with the refried beans. I'm not that into them anyway. It's just that on the possible foods list to resume next week, my doctor has crackers, pasta, and some other carb stuff. So don't do that...