I am inspired by your story. I will have my band on by Feb 1st. I have read so many different results on the internet but am hoping that my result it like yours. It seems that a lot of people say their only regret is not doing it sooner. You look great.
From my understanding, they will take 20% out of the total that you take out. 10% will go directly to the gov't and the other 10% is a penalty for early withdrawl. I am doing the same on Jan 1st. Waiting till then so that I may defer the taxes till next year.