Teresa, My name is Patricia Weiss and I wanted to thank you for posting to my surgery page. I read through your profile, I only entered info into mine once! I guess I have some catching up to do! I am 42 and am at 425 lbs., so I am more than 100 pounds ahead of you, but I hear all of your concerns and physical troubles! I was astounded to read that your approval took so long, I didn't realize that my approval was so swift! Here, though, you can't be scheduled for surgery until that approval has been received in writing, so I suppose it all works out in the end! My surgery is on Wednesday, July 17th, and I will pray for yours next month! Isn't fifty going to be great!!!! Keep up your fighting spirit, and best of luck to you!