A Smaller Target

Oscar Blog Post 2: More Good Times

Current passing thought:  I'm sad that PL didn't win Best Foreign Language, but Clive Owen is smoking hot.  And so is Penelope Cruz.  Stunning!

Yesterday afternoon was the SCADS February lunch.  It was amazing fun as Sandy wrote here with 20 people showing up for delicious Cuban food and fantastic company.  I don't think anyone flaked (an amazing thing in itself) and we were quite a rowdy crowd.  I was just sorry not to have had more time to talk to everyone. 

Lunch was wonderful.  Lisa R and I split a pork and chicken combo with extra garlic sauce.  There was plenty, even given that the breast part of the chicken was too dry for either of us.  The waiter who took care of us did an excellent job despite much moving around and many special orders.  He even did separate checks for everyone (!!!) for which he won many extra credit points from me.

Laurie and her husband took pictures during and after (carefully avoiding those who were camera shy).  Can't wait to see how I managed to smirk at the camera this time!

 

There seemed to be a general feeling that the next lunch should be in Orange County.  It might be a bit tricky for me to get there (though I seem to be lucking out on kind people being willing to drive me) but I can see the point.  Besides, word about our noisy crew may be getting around!

All About SCADS

SCADS -- stands for "Southern California Duodenal Switch" or something like that.  Anyway, what it means isn't important and we don't really have members.  Anyone who happens to be in SoCal and is interested in or has had the DS can come to any events.  Partners are welcome too.

The last event, as you may recall from this entry, was a January lunch at Claim Jumper.  This weekend will be at Versailles Cuban Food located at:

10319 Venice Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034 (CULVER CITY)
(310) 558-3168

Map / Directions can be found here.

Since celebrating is such a fun thing to do we will be celebrating Leslie being a post-op (Her surgery was Jan. 26.) and Sandy's  upcoming surgery. (March 9, 2007).  With so many of us showing up at the January lunch (Yay!) it was a really good thing we had reservations.  If you plan to attend this luncheon - and who wouldn't? - please leave a comment here or on the SCADS site so that a good head count can be obtained.  As always, pre-ops, post-ops, those considering DS, partners and interested friends are welcomed.  You do not have to be from Southern California or had your surgery in Southern California to attend.

See you there!

And A Good Time Was Had By All

The lunch at Claim Jumper this past Saturday was such a blast!

I'm so glad I got to go and so grateful to StefanieP from the DS OH board for giving me a ride. Thanks too to Jennifer who both gave me an update on her sister (yay, Michelle sounds like she's recovering nicely from her lower body lift) and who split lunch and dessert with me.

It was wonderful seeing old friends, meeting new ones and getting to know folks in person who before this I'd only known from on-line.  I also really enjoyed hearing from Maria what life was like working for UCLA's Bariatric Program and to be invited to attend her new support group (see here for more information).  She's such a star -- those patients are very lucky to have her.  And don't think they won't be told. 

A special shout-out to Leslie who is having her duodenal switch surgery on Friday with Dr. Crooke at USC Hospital!  Go Leslie, go!

As we parted (after much picture taking), there was total agreement that this must happen again and soon.  Houston's and Versailles were both mentioned.  (I'd go for Versailles because their garlic chicken makes me swoon, but Rocke and StefanieP made the hamburgers at Houston's sound amazing). 

They're Out!

The PA at Dr. Soo's office decided yesterday that she could yank both my remaining drains.  That's four drains gone!  Sooo happy.  I had no idea how much the drains were making me feel gross and icky until they were gone.  Now to ditch the binder ASAP....

Getting them out also means I was cleared to fly to Portland this morning.  We're on a 6.50 am flight.  Christmas here I come!

Yesterday was also very cool because I got a chance to meet two wonderful pre-ops before my appointment (they were going to see Dr. Crookes).  Leslie, who I'd met before and is always awesome to see and Sandy, who I met for the first time and is the most amazing lady.  God only knows what they thought of me as because of the drugs I chattered non-stop for 45 minutes, but they felt like old friends I was seeing after too long.

And then I got to meet two grad school friends for tofu soup.  Mmmm...

It felt so good to have a busy day after so long just sitting in the chair.