Well I have a surgeon and I have a date - Friday 16 March 2007.

Weighed in at 120.5kg when I saw Dr W.

He has asked me to lose a few kilo's prior to surgery. I reckon I could lose 5kg in 2 weeks. He seemed skeptical and said he didn't care how I lost weight, but that if I can lose a bit my liver will shrink and make the operation a bit easier (for him I guess, not me).

My goal is to get to 75kg.

I figure if I am only 115kg when I am banded, it's 5 less to lose later, plus it has given me the kick in the butt to cut out alcohol in the lead up and start walking again.

Have walked both days since I saw him. I am not too sore.

I am taking "Scorch" to try and increase metabolism and curb hunger. When Warren goes back to work on Tuesday I will start having a liquid dinner (protein drink). It makes me feel a bit woozy.

I feel this is a good prep time for the operation. Don't know how long it will be after the op before I can do some exercise.

Surgeon is adamant he won't operate on smokers due to smoking being a far for serious health issue than obesity.

I have always thought I need to tackle "one problem at a time" but can see that in taking such a dramatic step as obesity surgery, means that I can tackle my smoking and weight together. I plan to start nicotine replacement therapy on Tuesday (when Warren returns to mine site).

I have now doubt that I will be feeling shithouse for the first 6 weeks, so being a ex smoker at the same time may just see me feeling totally empowered.