Let's share!
I'm new to the site too. Have wanted to do surgery for YEARS but couldn't afford it and back then, my insurance didn't cover it. I'm on my way now!
Name: Laura
Age: 50
Start Wt: 355
Current Wt: 335
Status: pre-op. doing testing, losing before surgery.
Next meeting w/surgeon: Dec 3
Location: Washington State
Surgery: Not sure yet - hope sleeve or DS
Name: Sandra
Age: 47
Starting weight: 250
Current weight: 214
Status: 9 weeks 1 day (surgery 9-4-14)
Location: Philly, PA
Surgery: sleeve
I just want to say thank you to everyone on this site, especially the "vets"! (you guys are the best!!!) You have inspired me, taught me, & helped me in more ways than you can ever imagine. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't come here to read everyones helpful posts and try to retain as much information as possible to utilize throughout this wonderful journey that I am on...and I'm so grateful that I had the means & support to have my surgery.
Good luck to everyone out there who is just beginning their start to a new, healthy lifestyle & I will be here for support in any way I can!!
TOGETHER WE CAN ALL DO THIS!!! 
Name: Kat
Age: 42
starting weight: 256
surgery weight: 236
current weight: 225
location: Southern Cali
surgery: lap band in 2005, got down to 160, band developed a slow leak in 2008 which led to regain. Haven't had a fill since winter 2009. Doc wants me to get revision to sleeve but I'm horrified of having to go through wls all over again. Never being able to eat healthy foods was miserable! It's so nice to be able to eat salads and veggies again! Yet, due to med probs (PCOS insulin resistance syndrome thyroid disorder), I know I will never be successful with weight loss/maintaining weight loss without some form of medical intervention. At this time, however, I am not interested in revision surgery.
I see many people in Oregon and Washington. I have actually been contemplating relocating up that way. Nice to meet you all!!!
Greetings Kat!
I'm originally from Pennsylvania and hubby is from the SF Bay area. I like that winters here are not as cold as PA. Plus no dreadful summer humidity. The only drawback for me is the winter rainy season which triggers my SAD. You'll see us Pac NW people running outside on the days that the sun peeks through in the winter.
The people and culture are awesome. Plus summer = nearly constant sunshine.
I'm intrigued by many of the new research into weight control. Fecal transplants, hormone adjustments, meds ... so much possibility.
Best of luck to you. Oh, wait... MAKE your OWN luck!
Name: Lora
Age: 52
Starting Weight: 332
Current Weight: 152 (but I had been maintaining at 145 for 6 years until having both knees replaced...)
Status: 7 years post-op
Location: OH
Surgery: RNY (open)
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
