First of of all I just have to say you all are awesome.. I've been monitoring this site for quite awhile and to those of you who have opened your hearts and shared your story.. I thank you... In my book you are all heros... (or maybe losers?)

I went down the lap band road back in 2006, and have felt like a failure for quite some time.. You all heard the story before "did very well in the beginning days but slowly slipped back into old habits".. About a month ago my primary doctor suggested looking into another option and meet with with a Dr. friend of his who specializes in bariatrics. As I met with the bariatric group I began to understand that there maybe hope after all.. After much research I decided the gastric sleeve be be my best bet.. It became clear after my first visit that the reason for my feelings of failure was due impart to the world in-which I work. As a research engineer I need to understand my challenge so I can control the outcome. In this case I could not control the outcome......by myself..... I realize now that if I'm going make this work I will need the help and the support of others.

Now this where you guys come in... Fallenangel2904, Jenny12 and Missmac you along with hundreds of other have shared, coached and gavin folks like me the support and reassurance to continue this journey and to know that there is hope... For this I thank you?.. Today I went for a stress test which means about 3 weeks until the big day.. As the date is set and the time grows near I'll be looking to you for continued support and prayers. Many blessings.. And thank you..

Good luck to you!! Im being converted from the band to sleeve on the 10th of Feb and I'm so excited to finally have a working tool to get this weight off for good

Everyone's journey is so different, starting with your bariatric team's requirements, but some things stay the same......the Dreaded Week Three Stall, for one. My surgeon said he had never heard of it.....so guess what? It hit me right in the middle of week three.

You have already found many nuggets of advice and fair warning here, so visit us often and let us know how you are doing. It won't be long before you can help someone following in your footsteps.

Thanks guys.. I'll be sure to keep you posted....

One more step closer.. I met with my primary doctor one more time to for a physical and review my stress teat.. all systems are go....

I am ready!

Again, thank you all for sharing your experience, knowing what to expect form real people who have been down this road makes this journey much easier.