Hi Julie, I have to tell you that I am crying right now reading your story, it is the same as mine if you only sub disney world for six flags, not only that but we are the same age and seem to have the same view about our weight. Now for the real topper...Dr Champion is going to be my surgeon too! I am so glad that I could read all good things about him (I havent met him yet). He is coming to Macon to work w/my surgeon (who is the professor of surg at mercer u in macon)to teach his students the lap technique. oh and did I mention I only live about an hour from you in a little town called Ellaville? Now I am not stalking you I am just excited to have found your story, now I dont feel like such an odd duck. Good Luck, I am still waiting for my date, I have to call the doc on May 10th, 1 day after your surg. and hopefully they will schedule me.