5-07-01 thanks julie so much for your good luck email, it was very nice of you to take the time. i too have decided not to tell very many people about the type of surgery that i am have (my family and 4 very close friends)for the same reasons that you have. if you have never had a weight problem (struggle), then most people just don't understand and think we are taking the easy way out. if they truelt knew what we will have to go thru (surgery/post-op), they will know that this is not the easy way out. good luck to you and i will think of you on my surgery date. patg