Samantha, I am soooooooo with you on the comment you made about knowing all the bad stuff that can happen but having a hard time thinking that the good stuff will happen to me. After all, when you have been fat all your life, it is hard to think of yourself as any other way. BUT, with this surgery miracles can happen! I have seen the success stories (with pictures!) and everyday I tell myself it can happen to me too! My surgery is Dec. 11, just a little after yours, so we will be making this journey together. Good luck! I hope your surgery is ordinary and your recovery is extraordinary!