Hi folks - new and nervous!

BTW - I used to work in a bank, as well, doing equity lending, and if you're really serious about using your home equity, you'd be best off going with a HELOC - Home Equity Line Of Credit - rather than a HELOAN - Home Equity Loan. Two reasons - one, you can often get a deal where you pay no closing costs if you take out at least $10k at the time of closing, with a rate close to prime rate (or within a point or two) and two - you only pay interest on the money you've actually taken out. For example - let's say you self-pay in the US, and you are currently estimating your costs as $30k. If you take out a HELOAN for $30k, and it turns out to be $32k, you have to come up with the $2k somewhere else - you can't add to the loan you already have. But if you take out $35k or $40k, you're paying interest on $3-8k unnecessarily. If, on the other hand, you take out a HELOC for $50k, but only USE $32k, you are only paying interest on $32k.

Robin, Hello hun and welcome to the board ~hugs~ You have made a very big step in moving forwarfd and I wish you all the luck with this awesome tool that you will be getting. I really has changed my life for the better in so many ways. Yes there are dangers to this surgery but doing nothing about our weights has its own set of dangers so you really have to think about what it is you want, then go for it. You will do good hun if you follow your surgeon and nutrionist advise. Stick to the plan the best you can and just start to enjoy life. Well take care hun and please let is know how it is moving forward for you, post often ~Hugs~ Debra P 285/209/125??

Robin- Welcome! Having this surgery is a really tough decision, but it was the best decision I ever made. In addition to the health benefits (many of us have seen our diabetes come under control or dissappear, our blood pressure normalize, our joints feel better etc.). The freedom of movement that you get is amazing!!! Congratulations on your very brave decision, and let us know if you need anything! Andrea