Eric: Just wanted to thank you for posting to my page, and letting me know about the local support group. I will definitely consider it, and will let my son know, too. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery - and yes, you are right, we are in good hands. Those surgeons at UPMC are fantastic - they have definitely got it all together! I think this is the main reason I'm not overly nervous about my son's surgery with Dr. Schauer. I believe he and his colleagues are among the very elite in WLS. Please let me know how it all goes for you!