I'm a rookie, just decided a couple of months ago that I am interested in getting the surgery after batteling with weight most of my adult life. My biggest motivator is my mom, she had the surgery about 11 years ago. She weighed about 250 at the time, she's 5'2. About a year out of the surgery she went down to 130, she looked great. She now fluctuates between 140-150, but still looks great. Her type two diabetes is well managed still, she no longer takes/needs the meds and sleep apnea gone. So the fact that she has been so successful with this surgery is very encouraging. I hope her story encourages some others on here as well, when looking at the long term impacts of the surgery:) Like I said I'm a newbie just now starting the journey. I see my primary care physician tomorrow to talk about general health issues and I'm going to bring up surgery. I'm praying all goes well and I'll have a positive post to follow. My current stats: 35 years young 5'1 and weigh...226 (wow never have admitted that before). Also I have Kaiser Permanente So Cal (specifically San Diego) so I'm hoping that's not a bad thing? I'm so glad I found this place!!!