Hi Gail, Thank you for welcoming me to the group,and for your support. We can all use a little support once in a while. This is a big step for anyone. I am also terrifed, but I think I am more terrifed of not living to see my grand daughter and grand niece grow up. I will be 51 by time I have my surgery. I have 2 wonderful kids 28 and 35 and a wonderful husband of 35 years,so I know how you feel about wanting to be around for them while they are growing up. That is why I finally made up my mind and I am going with the surgery. I have dieted forever starting at 9 years of age. I have figured out I am wasting my time sitting on my decision to have this done. So I am going for it. Gail whatever you decide to do, Best wishes and keep losing.:-)