Hello Elaine - Welcome to the Virginia Board and congratulations on your upcoming surgery!! What a happy and important day for you - One that you so well deserve. I look forward to reading all the wonderful and exciting changes that you will be blessed with as you begin to make your journey to the healthier side! It is time to start living life for YOU, and this surgery is just the first step of many to come that will lead you in that direction. Embrace life, meet it head on, keep your head held high and a smile on your face. My prayers and best wishes are with you. This surgery has been nothing short of a miracle for me and I will be forever grateful. I've lost 230 lbs and have been at goal and in maintenance for over a year now. I'll leave you with one of my FAVORITE quotes...... <i>"To grow, you must be willing to let your present and future be totally <u>unlike</u> your past. Your history is not your destiny." -- Alan Cohen </i> ..... <b>So very true! : )</b>