Teri-
I really hope you make it. I am looking forward to catching up. I got my first fill today--ouch! It really hurt. 2ccs in. We'll see if it helps!

Lisa-
Enjoy New Orleans. Let me know what kind of info you want, i.e. activities, sights, hotels, restaurants, etc. Tell me where you will be staying and I'll give you some info.

Erika

OK, We are staying at the Sheraton, it is the conference hotel. What should we be sure not to miss during the down time? Restaurant, nightlife, local flair off the beaten path....

Depending what you like to do...
Pat O'Briens(in the quarter) has a nice piano bar and patio area to hang out and have a drink. They are famous for their hurricane drinks. Be careful, as they sneak up on you!

If you like jazz, check out preservation hall.

Walk down Bourbon street for a feel of the music and people.

If you like gambling, there is Harrah's. Inside Harrah's there is an open club called Mascarade right in the middle of the casino.

As far as restaurants,
Emeril is very famous for his restaurants. My favorite is called Delmonico's.
Other good restaurants to try are:
Muriel's, Bacco, RedFish Grill, Palace Cafe.

Jackson Square is a fun place to hang out. They have palm/tarot card readers if you like that kind of thing.

There is also a great farmer's market, if you enjoy those.

Those are just a few ideas. New Orleans should be steamy and humid this time of year, so be prepared. Let me know if you have any questions, and if I think of anything else I'll let you know.

Anyone have any info to share from last week's support group? I was out of town, and would love to hear about what the topic was...thanks! Lisa

Hey, I was at the meeting and we had a guest speaker from Dr. Sabapathy's office. She was great. She talked about the cycles that we put ourselves thru when it comes to our relationships with food. How even if we don't think we are some of us are perfectionists and set these goals that are unrealistic and then we go into a depressed state for not making that goal and put ourselves down. Then we set another more impossible goal and the cycle starts all over. It was very eye opening for me and so true.
I hope this was a good explanation. See you soon.
Jeanette

How is everyone's summer going? I just wanted to invite all my support friends to my upcoming wedding. It is Oct 12th 2008. I am needing RSVP's by Aug 17th. You can go to our website www.unionofjnj.com and it has all the details.

Can't wait to see you there and to see you all at the next meeting.
Jeanette Santucci

Jeanette, Thanks for the recap on last month's meeting. I wish I had been there, but will be there for sure this month.

I just RSVP'd to the Oct. Wedding! Sounds like much fun, and it is the day before my own 2 year anniversary. I think I have my hubby convinced to attend with me.

Update on my surgery progress: after several mishaps, my request for approval is finally in the hands of the right department at Cigna, and is currently being reviewed! I am just waiting on the decision letter to arrive in the mail.

I heard from Cigna today, and they gave me medical approval for my surgery!

YIPPEE!

I will find out Monday when my date will be.

See you next week for the support group.

Lisa, congrats on your insurance approval, it shouldn't be long now before you get a surgery date, provided you've been cleared by Dr. Sabapathy's office. I'm planning on being at the support group meeting Thursday night, so hope to see you there.

Great news, Lisa. I'm so happy for you. I'll look forward to catching up Thursday night!

Hi Guys. I just realized that I have to miss tomorrow night's meeting. My kids have school function that overlaps with our meeting. Please let me know what I miss, and I will see you guys for the August meeting.

Thanks,
Erika

August 20th, woop-dee-do-and-wow-wee! I have to jump through an additional hoop because my insurance is through JC Penney. I have to do some phone coaching pre and post surgery. My 1st phone session is next Tues., so I'll know more then how big this new hoop is.

Erika, we'll miss you tomorrow...I'll take some notes and give you an update.

Erika,

The meeting was about exercise, and the program was presented by three people who are post surgery. They shared what has worked for them to incorporate exercise into their lifestyle, and how they stay motivated. They also brought resources and equipment that they use on a regular basis and did some demonstrations. They allowed group members to try out the items they bought. The most interesting thing for me was a thing called a tryke. It was a cross between cross country skiing and roller blading. I tried it in the parking lot, and it seems like a real fun and different way to get in a great workout. They also gave us an exercise band and a catalogue for ordering some of the equipment they brought, like the exercise ball and exercise tubes.

We were done by 6:45 PM and most people were gone by shortly after 7 PM. If I missed anything, others who attended feel free to add to my description!

Thanks for the update. I am sorry I missed it. I look forward to next month's meeting. By the way, Lisa, how was New Orleans?

New Orleans was so much fun! And the conference was good too. We went to Emeril's restaurant, plus several local non-touristy restaurants. We did a carriage tour through the French Quarter. We went to the Mardi Gras museum. Walked all over town...ahhh, good times!