I had my first visit with the Nutritionist and doctor at Geisinger on July 11, 2007. My weight was 340 lbs with BMI of 53.3. 

It is now February 15, 2008. I have completed the p[rogram of testing, support groups, etc and just received my approval from my  insurance  yesterday. I have an appointment with the surgeon scheduled for March 28, 2008. I wanted to wait until spring to have the surgery as our weather (and driving conditions) can be tricky. My weight today is 270 lbs.and my BMI is 43.6. I have been able to lose a lot of weight prior to surgery, as was suggested by Dr Still, by stopping all simple carbohydrates and using portion control with all foods. 

I also go to the pool at the YMCA here in town and do water aerobics 3 
x's weekly and exercise in the water another 2 or 3 days per week.