I know what you mean about being completely self-absorbed. I am doing the same thing here in NY. I am 4 days after you on the 5th for my surgery. I am nervous but so excited to think that in a year we will be half of ourselves as we are now. Just think, you will be able to go into any dept. store and pick something off of the rack to wear. Miracles do still happen. Best of luck and Congratulations. Sharon Joy

Thanks for all your responses from u wonderful people. I wish everyone success with the WLS. Dorothy

Hi Jessica!! My name is Shelly and I am also having surgery on the 12th, don't know times yet. I have an appointment with the surgeons nurse on Friday, so I am sure that I will get all of the details then. I too am 33 and weigh right around 250 lbs. Do you have any children? I have 3 and am more scared for them than I am myself. The pain........well, after 2 natural deliveries, I think I can take just about anything! Just remember that it is temporary and the end result is a whole new you Have faith in the nurses that take care of you, they will not let you suffer. One thing that I know from having past surgeries is to get up and moving ASAP. I know that it will be scary and painfull, but I swear it will help and you will feel better, sooner. Do you have a support group close by? If so, that is a GREAT place to get information and ideas. Email me if I can answer any other questions and maybe we can join together for support. With warm thoughts~~~Shelly

Hello--I am a 23rder too!!!!!!! We are on the downhill side now 29 days to go.

JESSICA IS ONE SCARED LADY BUT PUSHING FORWARD WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANY ONE AT ALL IM GETTING THE FIRST TIME JITTERS ANY ADVICE B4 SURGERY WOULD HELP AND AFTER SURGERY FOR THE PAIN HELP?! I KNOW, I KNOW IM A BIG BABY BUT AFTER ALL THIS IS MAJOR YOU KNOW... HELP JESS, IN PHX AZ. WWW.SWEETBLUERAIN@AOL.COM GOD BLESS YOU ALL