Well...first step accomplished

Hi all, this is only my second posting. I am new to the site and after watching the boards and doing lots of research, I finally had a consultation with my PCP. She is a very tough Dr. and I know I am glad to have her because she is a "tell you straight" kinda girl. But I have been nervous about telling her I am considering WLS. She was recommended highly to me by my OBGYN and Chiropractor and others. She does not take new patients easily, so I know how hard it was to get her. Anywhoooo, when I met her the first time 1-1/2 yrs ago she took one look at me and said "you really have to get that weight off." That was such a slap (and wake up call) to the reality that I truly was heavier than I allowed myself to think. She is about 5' 6" and probably 110 lbs and told me that I needed to try Weigh****chers and get in at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day because she knows many patients it worked for and she also lost her "stubborn 5 lbs" after the birth of her second child. I just couldn't relate! After the initial thought of (I don't like her, she's cruel and doesn't know how hard I have tried for 20 yrs and my history with losing and gaining weight), I realized she was just trying to be realistic with me. At that first meeting she said to me: "I could okay WLS, but you need to know that 1 in 100 die and it should be a last resort and I don't recommend it." At that point I hadn't even considered surgery. I just wanted that magic program or pill and everyone I tried failed. Like I said, I did try WW (after 20 years and $10,000 worth of others beforehand) and after 25 weeks, lost 22 but went off it for only 2 weeks and gain 13 pounds back. I have been trying it again and 4 weeks later only less than a pound comes off here and there and now two weeks with no loss. I got so discouraged I just couldn't stand it and then my hair dresser and my chiropractor in the same week told me about local WLS clients they had that are doing so wonderfully. Also a couple months ago at a family reunion, a 3rd cousin was there who had the surgery and was so happy with her result and would never regret what she did. Soooo, all these scenarios planted "seeds" of consideration and ended up getting me in contact with my hairdresser's client *****commended me to take a look at this site. It has been such a comfort to me to see others like me and the "fear" of WLS isn't so prevalent and actually started looking "appealing." So, long story short (well obviously not), I decided to run the thought passed my PCP (the tough girl) and she said she looked at my history and the fact I have been trying for the past 7 months on WW and the many obesity-related health problems I have (Sleep apnea, acid reflus, carpul tunnel, back/knee problems, under-active thyroid and others), she feels I could be a viable candidate for WLS. That was a SHOCK. I just didn't expect it. I have to say that I have been praying all weekend for the Lord to clear the way if this is an option for me and he sure did open that door quickly. I was so excited that I had to let you all know before I even call the the referred Doctor (Dr. Caruana) to start the process. Wish me blessings and pray for me as I start my next step. Thanks for lending an ear. Take care and God Bless. -Diana-