Hey, just checking in to see how you've been. It's so cold here, I could just curl up nad DIE! LOL I've got 5 weeks until my surgery, and I just think about it every second. I'm not really scared yet, just excited. I guess the "nervous nellie's" will come later. Take care! Elizabeth

Obesity is one of the major contributing factors in the dilema with Diabetes, among everyone who suffers with it, Native Americans according to documentaries, and studies that I have seen have a higher intolerance to carbohydrates, and this leads to more diabetes among our people, I did not have a banded operation, I opted for the RNY, in my cir****tance this has saved my life. While others take the option of having the Lap Band. Whatever we do in order to help us lose the weight is a major step in the right direction. With the RNY I can no longer tolerate foods that have lots of sugar in them. I congratulate you on your surgery, and I know that it will help tremendously. Weight loss for all of us come at different levels, some lose faster than others, the main thing to remember is the weight loss, and not the rate in which you lose it. I am hoping in the near future to start having conferences for people in my area to talk to them about weight loss and alternatives to this situation. These operations aren't for everyone but it saved my life. Thanks for your reply.

Halito there my sisters, great to see your posts. I am Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Creek AND also live in California. Lots of us ended up here due to the relocation programs of the past, didn't we! I had my surgery in September and am going for another fill next week. OKAY--------I'll admit it--------for our New Year Day Feast yesterday I made and ate full-calorie fry-bread and our traditional dish of Pashofa. Also I ordered some pecans from Oklahoma and made pecan pie. Didn't eat much of that though. The difference is that this year I only ate small amounts. Lets talk some more, ok? Darla

Halito, I am also a Choctaw woman. How is your surgery results been? I got the lapband 3 months ago and have not done well at all. I have no health problems but have not lost much weight either. I keep hearing a voice say "bininili, impat" "sitdown, eat" . LOL! I know I need to get the band tightened and will next week. I am in Southern CA. My family is mostly in Oklahoma. I made a trip a while back to Nanih Waiya in Mississippi. Hope to hear from you! Darla

Geeez, maybe the better question is: Is there anyone here besides myself who isn't "Cherokee"?