Greetings from Brazil.

congrats on a successful surgery......walking is so good for you!!! how close are you to New Orleans? It is one of my favorite cities to visit. I was there last summer and spent a wonderful 6 days in the Big Easy. At 187lbs lighter and over 200 since my highest ever it sure was easier to get around. We walked and walked everywhere. Since it was Hurricane season we were able to stay at the Royal Sonesta very very cheaply and enjoy the outdoor garden pool too. keep posting to us we want to live vicariously through all your triumphs...... gratitude is my attitude Amanda S VG-DS October 2001 highest >350/342 start of wls journey/156@goal and after ps

Hi Penny! Congratulations on a successful surgery. Say Hi to Dr M for me! I LOVE that man!!!!! Take care and good luck on your trip home. Robin G 10/26/04 with Dr M in Brazil 249/142/130ish

Hi. Today Mama and I walked to a little baby shop and bought several beautifully embroidered sheet and pillowcase sets and other things. I also walked to the pharmacy and a convenience store with another patient's mother, so I put in about a mile today, probably. No problems. Mama said that several people have remarked to her about how well I am doing. Thank the Lord! Amanda, Natchitoches is about 4 hours north of New Orleans. It is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, founded in 1714 by Jean Baptiste de St. Denis. Steele Magnolias was filmed there. The pink/orange stucco house during the credits where the little girl jumps off the porch was my grandma's house. It's now my brother's. There are many Bed & Breakfast houses and a many tourists, especially during the fall for the tour of historic homes and plantations. We have a famous (?) Christmas Festival the first Saturday in December, known for the huge parade with bands from far away states. It is probably not as famous since our town council outlawed liquor outside of restaurants during the Christmas Festival. It has made it more family-friendly. It had started to take on a New Orleans, party atmosphere with many visitors, and now it's like it was when I was a kid. That may be more than you wanted to know.

WOW , it sounds like you are doing so well maybe I could make it all the way to Brazil rather than just Mexico if I end up going out of country! What an inspiration you are! LeaAnn Preebie