10/2/2011 7:02:41 PM: Greetings all, I had my surgery & everything went perfectly well. No issues or complications. The clear liquid & full liquid diets were hell, but from 9/1 (when I started the 2 week 50 carbs or less per day, pre-op diet) to 10/2, I have lost 30.6 lbs. Since my surgery on 9/15 I've lost 23.6 lbs. So in total since 9/1 I have lost 10% of my full body weight. Only another 40% to go. The biggest thing that I've noticed is my ankles (especially my left one) are no longer swollen at all WOOHOO! I will say this, learning how to eat all over again is NOT an easy task, especially when you're only able to eat 3 - 4 ozs of food at a sitting & constantly getting the hiccups after eating doesn't help either. Otherwise things really are fantastic, honest! Also, as you all see, no issues with going to Mexico either! Oh & 1 final note...10/1 has been 1 1/2 years since I have quit smoking as well. I'm well on my way to learning what it feels like to feel good. Lauri

9/12/2011 12:30:30 AM: Well, I'm down to the final count down. I deliver in Sumner (just outside of Seattle) around 6am Wed, then I get on a plane at 1:45pm & fly to San Diego, CA. A driver picks a bunch of us up & takes us to Tijuana, Mexico. I have my Gastric Sleeve surgery on Thurs, then fly back to Seattle on 9/17 and sit in a hotel for a week healing up. If you're going to be in the area & want to share a cup of chicken or beef broth or an ice pop let me know. I'm sure the boredom will set in pretty quick! And this shouldn't have to be said, but if you're looking for more than a totally vanilla, NON SEXUAL meet & greet, you're looking in the wrong place. You won't even be gong past the lobby. Lauri P.S. For those concerned about me having my surgery in Mexico. I personally know & have talked to 5 people who went through the same organization, hospital & Dr. I have thoroughly researched everything. All is good, I promise! Any & all prayers are always welcome! LTD Lauri

7/16/2011 1:23:51 AM: Just thought I'd let everyone know, I have decided to give myself a belated birthday present, my birthday is 7/18 & I'm going to make an appointment for Sept or Oct to give myself the gift of life. I'm going to Mexico for weight loss surgery. I have gained a lot of weight since quitting smoking, sitting home for 2 months, etc & its been taking a toll on my health & body. I see a better, healthier life & a brighter future ahead of me! Lauri

5/6/2011 9:40:57 PM: Looks like I'll be spending more time in the Woodridge, IL & the Tacoma, WA areas & of course I'm still back in Scranton, PA every 10 - 12 days. I will now be on a dedicated run, I leave Harrisburg, PA around 3pm every other Friday, I get to Woodridge, IL around noon on Saturday, leave Woodridge around 3pm Sunday, deliver in Fife, WA on Wednesday around 6am and leave again Friday morning to head back to PA. Anyone in those areas let me know. Would love to find some friends in both areas. I'm so thrilled to be spending time in the Northwest again! Lauri

4/24/2011 1:26:49 PM: Hi ho, hi ho, back up to Washington State (near Seattle) I go! I've missed running up there. I'll deliver 6am Wed & (hopefully) leave Thursday or Friday. Hotel & relaxation time again! Hope everyone had a wonderful & blessed Easter. I worked, but it was my decision to do so. Lauri