Hi! I’m from the NE, too. Albany, NY to be exact. You can do this! I will be having a hiatal hernia repaired with my bypass surgery, too. It is pretty common from what I hear. I have anxiety, too— and I’ve definitely have a few panic attacks over going through with this. But I’ve told myself that this is my best chance at a healthy, long life... You may get gallstones, you may get them even without the surgery. I had them years ago. They are uncomfortable, but not... end of the world bad. The gallbladder removal surgery is quite simple for most people. As someone who has been through the gallstone thing, it wasn’t as bad as some of the things I may experience if l don’t address my weight- so I wouldn’t let the possibility of it deter you. Best of luck to you and welcome!