Kathy, from everything I've read and heard, lap-band may well be the safest way to go, especially because it can be adjusted. I know someone who had it done, and she's been happy so far with the results, a couple years now down the line, FWIW. She had plenty of counseling and dietary support all the way through, and I think that's key to making the experience a big success.

[OMG watch the video - this is seriously the most horrifying thing I have ever seen.]

Dear lord, that was hideous.

Good luck to you Kathy it sounds like you've thought it out and made a decision that is best for you.

wrt to sleep dep - mac is still not fully adjusted to the time change and so is up too early still, but nothing compared to infant/toddler sleep dep. This is where my brother would start suggesing baby benedryl or a quarter ambien.

ION - I had a panic attack this morning and am feeling all sorts of out of control - no real clear to me reason why. I think my brqain/body is lagging in adapting to the lack of crisis-mode in our house. Possibly I am just now processing the summer stuff. joy?

She had plenty of counseling and dietary support all the way through, and I think that's key to making the experience a big success.

Theodosia beat me to it Kathy...as has everyone else with the good thoughts.

My professional experience with a lap-band patient leads me to underscore the 'plenty of counseling and dietary support' portion of the program. In many ways, the actual surgery seems to be the easiest part...which for a needlephobe like me, seems amazing.

Wishes for great outcomes headed your way.

For Halloween, this guy used 3D mapping software to make a giant-sized paper copy of his own head.

Thanks, everyone! I'd been thinking about it all summer long, but, strangely enough, finally decided to do it while watching the Ken Burns national parks miniseries. I want to go to those places, but physically, I just can't do it. When my mom and I took a day trip to the Grand Canyon last year, not only did I have problems just walking to the rim from the parking lot, but I had to skip the helicopter ride Mom took because they had to weigh you beforehand to determine seating arrangements, and I wasn't going to humiliate myself that way.

Someday soon, I want to ride the river at the Grand Canyon, and I want to go hiking in Yosemite and see Old Faithful in Yellowstone, and I want to do it without having to stop every 300 steps to catch my breath.

For Halloween, this guy used 3D mapping software to make a giant-sized paper copy of his own head.

That is freaky and awesome.

We has krav here now!

We does? Must google. Now that I'm not dancing, I want to look into that and maybe Crossfit. Although I just renewed my gym membership, which was possibly stoopid...

From Kiba's link - they have cards with Jilli's Xmas tree! [link]

From the corset link - I really like this style/pattern. [link] Does anyone have experience with this shop? The prices strike me as very reasonable.

Do not taunt Happy Fun Hat:

Man, didn't these people watch Ren & Stimpy?

That's a big decision, Kathy, but I think you're making it for all the right reasons. Both Suzi and Herself had the surgery so you've got a couple people to talk about it with.

Good luck, Kathy.

Company I'm contracting for just got some big corporate news. I actually need to speak to some folks about project stuff, but I know no one's paying attention to their normal work right now.

I just hope none of it percolates to where it touches me. It's a shame my boss isn't in today.