Major Life changes Besides WLS?? Retirement, Anyone?

There are now very good reasons for me to retire several months earlier than I expected, and I am giving it very serious consideration. My concern is that I know WLS will be a major life change, and I am trying to look into my crystal ball as to what I can do so that retirement won't be one stress point too many, so to speak. Anyone here retire or make major job changes in close proximity to WLS? Comments?