Hi, have looked here before, but really had no reason to chime in. Well now I do. I am having the proceedure on August 8th, 11. Have to pay for it myself, insurance is a ripoff to me. My wife is a school teacher, they get the least coverage at highest cost. I have beed a quitter before, stopped drinking alcohol June of 92, stopped smoking in 2004, now it is time to work on my wietht, hope all goes well. I don't see to many men doing this, they said about 25%, I hope I can relate to everyone. I am on my 2 week pre-op shake diet, not realy hungry, but shure would like to taste some meat already. Thank You all for being here...Greg