crazycoolbutterfly

How long will you be there? There's a lot to do. Shopping on Ave Revolucion, at Plaza Rio, and in smaller cities like Ensendada and Rosarito. There are the playas, or beaches, in Tijuana and Rosarito. Lots of night clubs, spas, church and golfing. There is also, beautiful scenic roads to just drive along and intake the beautiful and wonderous scenic cities. It's all about what you want to do and logistics, there is Mexicoach which will take you to the beaches and of course, within the city there are taxis that will take you just about anywhere for about $5 per fare (make sure you tell them $5 is all you are willing to pay) And there is the hotel swimming pool, restaurants, and nearby shops and museums. The TJ cultural center, wax museum, and local bakeries are all also places to go. In the hotel you will find a book titled "the San Diegan" in that book you can find places to eat, shop, and visit using taxis, buses, or trains. If you have a rental car, even better, just get a good map from the local area. Or click here and you can look at it online right now,look into the Mexico section :San Diegan My family and I vacationed there in June and we followed this book like a Bible, it really has LOTS of information and the recommendations are all well supported. Good luck and have lots of fun!

Well today marks the 3rd month anniversary of my surgery. I can't believe it. I can actually begin to work on my abs and really work out hard! I signed up for my first 5k run EVER!!! So, I must say that I am pretty estatic about the whole new me. I have to admit, I do NOT like to run. I like to swim, walk, and watch tv. However, I am committed to this new lifestyle change and I hope that this run is the beginning of a lifetime, ANNUAL run. Of course, I would love to do a marathon or half marathon, but I don't have the courage, nor proper training for that YET. I even got my neighbors to run with me in January! Now I REALLY have to run It's been an interesting 3 months. My first fill was awesome, I had it done in TJ with Dr. Acosta and everything went smoothly. So far I do have restriction and feel pretty full most of the day. At night time is when hunger seems to kick in, NOT to worry, I have already started booking my second fill for sometime in August. I sometimes think it's all in my mind and feel that the night time hunger comes from "old habits" and tend to want to overpower me. Today was an interesting day, because for the first time in a really long time, I craved a chocolate mousse cake from the Cheesecake factory. So I indulged myself in some, AND boy did I regret it! Not because I felt guilty about eating it- although, I did a little- but it was how I physically felt afterward. I felt ANGRY, I had the shakes and I felt like I was on some kind of drugs? So I looked up what the hell was going on with me? And came across anger management issues on a forum and that lead to something called Hypoglycemia. Apparently, this is a pre-diabetic medical issue that is under the radar in the medical field and has many physical effects. Pretty interesting article, you guys must read it to understand a little more. However, I realized that I DO have an allergy to some foods. And one of those foods is CHOCOLATE! Can you believe it? Alas, yet ANOTHER food I am not able to eat anymore. I don't think that it has anything to do with my band, however, I think that the band actually help me realize it. I hadn't had chocolate in a very long time. So I thought a little wouldn't hurt, because I did have just a little, I was VERY wrong. This realization is an eye opener because I have not learned so much about myself in a long time. It's weird, but most parents can understand this part, but I know mostly everything about my kids and my husband. What they can eat, what they can't, what scares them, what they are interested in, what makes them tick...BUT when it comes to me- I draw a blank. Therefore, instead of waiting for New Years Day for new resolutions, I am starting NOW. No better time than the present. 1) I will find out more about ME- ex: what makes me tick? what am I allergic to? what am I afraid of? 2) I will run a 5k within the next 6 months, more than one if I can physically do so 3) I will eat healthy consistently, get a B12 shot at least every other month, and take my vitamins 4) I will show my family that I do love them by staying away from them -ex: mini vacation for me for a day, like at a spa, or at a movie theatre, etc. 5) I will NOT be intimidated by my old photos of myself Well, enough about me, HOW are ya'll doing? Please let me know how your journey is coming along. I know that some of post often, and some not so, but I would like to keep in touch with everyone. I hope that everyone's journey is fun "filled" and successful. Take care <' /> ~Julie Here's the links to the articles regarding Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia info What is Hypo? Quick and easy Hypo test Finding your food allergies Hypoglycemiac diet and nutrition

Hey Brook, good to hear from you! How ya been girl? Well 3 months as of today, July 10th!!!! Can you believe it? Well I'm glad that you are going to do your run, I hope all goes well. Hopefully this water comes with extra B12 and energy shots, because we are going to NEED it!!!LOL

WOW what a day for you, glad you recovered your car and hope you get a nice fill! You are all doing GREAT getting all those steps in BEFORE noon!! That's awesome!

I LOVE it, I too have thought of beginning a blog and staying consistent -but haven't started. Good for you. I am also a little envious of you receiving your band so early on! I sometimes think I waited too long, but on the bright side, I have done it and it's all down scale from here!

ALRIGHT, thanks for the reminder, I thought I was doing pretty good, considering I am losing weight, but as for the eating at night, I KNOW I can eat more than 4 oz, I just DON"T. So because I'm "mentally" hungry, I usually drink water or vitamin water - but according to this article I need another fill. So, working out the logistics as I type and hoping I can get in by first week of August. Good luck next week with your fill, hope it all goes well.

Aaaawwww, Thanks ya'll! I'm so happy for you too Michelle and Lynzz you are both taking on challenges for the first time with your new band, congrats to both of you! I can't wait for our band camp to finally see and share stories with everyone!

I like a challenge. SO, I signed up for the Houston 5K challenge scheduled for January 2009, BUT there is a kick off party 5K run scheduled in September. Kinda the challenge before the CHALLENGE!! So, I'm supposed to start this weekend on a 27 week training regimen. I NEVER in my wildest dreams would have thought I would be signing up to compete in a race. However, I am committed to my "new me" and I feel that accountablity is what makes me motivated and determined. Mind you, I am NOT a runner, I just re-started working out right before surgery in late March. So, I don't expect "record breaking" results, BUT I do intend to finish. I will be posting some pix and news through out training right up to and after the races. Wish me success and endurance and strength and ...well you get the idea

"In the quiet moments when the hurt is hard to bear, may love become your shelter and the beauty of precious memories be your comfort." My thoughts and prayers and God's blessings to you and your family.

I LOVE it! What I do is eat as a salad with the chili, no sour cream, no dressing, no chips -here in Texas it's called a Southwest Taco Salad. I eat this at least 3 times a week for lunch or dinner because it is satisfying and healthy. Normally though, I don't eat the whole thing, but I can eat about 1 cup of greens with tomotoes and cheese and the cup of chili. I ALWAYS ask for the chili on the side because sometimes i eat 1 1/2 cups of greens, tomotoe and cheese with 1/2 cup of chili which cuts my calorie intake by about HALF! BUT still satisfying. Southwest Taco Salad with Iceberg, Romaine, Tomatoes, Wendy’s Chili, Cheddar Cheese 438 weight (G) 400 Calories 200 Calories from fat 22.0 Total Fat (G) 12.0 saturated fat (G) 1.0 trans fatty acids 85 cholestrerol (MG) 1140 Sodium (MG) 720 Potassium (MG) 26 Carbohydrates (g) 7 Dietary Fiber (G) 9 Sugars (G) 27 Protein (G) 60% Vitamin A 25% Vitamin C 45% Calcium 15% Iron

I'm glad San Diego is winning and I still vote for February How about we start a poll of what month next year? If it turns out February, we REALLY need to start planning. Such as venues, logistics, speakers, invites... etc... we need a committee or planning coordinator. Anyone? Also, I call for ending the city location polls on July 10th, which has been open for two months at that time. I would suggest wrapping that up and moving on with the rest of the planning because this being our first annual event will take up some time coordinating and communicating with everyone.

Well Simego, I wish you all the best. I completely agree with Phoenix and the rest of the ladies! I also must mention, that I should have and could have done this two years ago, but waited- and in the mean time gained 45 more pounds! When I think back to when I was in the 30-35 range, I feel I waited too long. You are right in thinking of the future. I knew that my future was to gain weight, but for some reason, I HOPED that I was wrong. I knew this due to genetics, habits and yo-yo weight loss and dieting. I even bought an elliptical machine and a bow-flex, which incidentally, I didn't really begin to use consistently either, until after the surgery. As for details of the who is in the know, for me its 2 people. My husband and my best friend. My children and family and other friends, are completely unaware of my surgery. Yes, your eating patterns will change, and yes you will have to answer to some questions, BUT you can keep it to yourself as long as you want. As for your scars, they are minimal. Some people even refer them to scratch marks after a while. And besides, who would be you be showing your tummy to anytime soon, anyway? Certainly not your friends or other relatives. SO when they do ask, you can always be honest and say, "I'm trying a new way of eating" no harm done.

Erin, I would suggest getting your fill within the first or second day of your vacation, because if you do have problems, you can go right back without having to fly back and other unneccassary costs. I did that in June, we vacationed and although we were scheduled to fly out thursday, i got my fill on monday morning. dr. acosta was happy about that because you really get to make sure your fill is good. i know that being on the liquid phase may not be "fun", but I also know that flying back, sliming, or pbing or other problems is NOT fun either. It was more important for me to have a good fill which would allow me to have fun on my vacation, rather than waiting for the last minute and "hoping" all went well. As for San Diego hotels, there are plenty of them with reasonable rates. Depending on your family size and comfort level you will probably be able to find something on expedia.com or priceline.com to meet your needs. Sea World is AWESOME in SD, when we went a few years back we were able to see Cirque de Soleile perform oceanside off the Pacific!! It was beautiful. Oh, if you're military there are discounts for you and family. Also, on Continental there is a 5% discount for "compassion fares" regarding hospice stay which the fill qualifies you and your family for. Have fun:D

Well said, Michelle, I agree that it is all about accountability. The forum is a nice outlet, as well as inlet, because of the honest postings and positive support. Awesome on you weightloss!! Almost there!

I had a fill June 16th, at the OCC with Dr. Acosta and it was totally PAINLESS. I just felt the quick "sting" of the needle, once inserted and that's it. No pressure, no uncomfortability. It was a pleasant experience.

To Paula: 4 roses for 40 pounds loss!! and 1 special one for the next 10 to go! Keep it up, you are doing great!

Hi ya'll! I had my first fill with Dr. Acosta on June 16th and it was the easiest and fastest doctor visit, ever! He is totally awesome! He talks to you, listens to you, and gives you advise, as well as encouragement. Very minimal pain, actually, it's like a little mosquito bite and voila, you get to see yourself on TV! It was an excellent day for me. It's a pretty amazing experience overall, from the surgery to the fill, the OCC staff has been tremendously thorough and committed to helping me succeed in this journey. I hope that your fill and your trip goes well.

May your journey be successful and fun "filled"