Diana, thanks for the so nice message. Its funny, I have never been a twitter, facebook kind of guy. Kind of ironic b/c I work in technology. None of my siblings (of course my wife does) except my brother who is a Dr. knows of my escapade to Mexico. I have never met anybody on this web site but I feel an incredible closeness to people I correspond with like yourself. We all are in the same boat and have all heard the snide remarks, unusual looks,etc. It hurts. Four years ago I went to my 30 year High School reunion and got quite a few remarks like boy you changed more than anybody!! I knew what they meant. Well, I am going to my 35th in September and I cant wait. Hopefully will be down quite a bit. But most importantly this is for me. My wife has been incredibly supportive too.

Anyways, I will tell Dr. A hello. I started my liquid diet today. And congrats on your weight loss. You are almost at your goal. You and your husband or significant other make a a very good looking couple.

Dear mstrigs, Bon Voyage! And good vibes being sent your way! I've always believed that MOST of what we experience is what we BELIEVE we will experience. All of this is definitely a HEAD game and you can definitely make it good or bad . Yes, there's some gas pain...but in compoaring it to um, say child birth...it's like having hiccups - ha! Honestly it just felt like I'd done about 500 sit ups! I had my surgery on a Thursday, spent one night at Jerusalem Hospital, then moved to Ticuan Hotel with my hubby. Flew home on Sunday, went back to work (secretary) on Monday and Thursday cooked Tahksgiving dinner for my family! And I've never looked back! 80 lbs. gone! High BP gone!, Leg and ankle edema gone!, Sleep apnea gone!, Energy...through the roof! You'll do great and you'll be one of us that yell from the rooftops that this is the best thing we've ever done for ourselves! By the way...tell Dr. Almanza hello from Diana Walker. He sees so many patients he won't have a clue who I am but I'll remember and be thankful for him for eternity!!! Write me when you get back and let me know how you're doing. ChaiDi

PS you look FANTASTIC too!!!

Thank you Chai!!! I leave Wednesday for my surgery with Dr. A. I havent been even the bit nervous until I read that post. Thanks for putting it in perspective. I am ready, willing and able. Tomorrow I start the liquid diet so my wife and I are going out for Mexican food tonight. No irony there it is just what we both agree on!!! THANKS AGAIN!!!!