Aloha from Hawaii. Like a lot of you has said in this thread, I have been overweight since high school. I have tried, suceeded or failed, lost, gained and gained more from every diet plan/program/drug known or unknown. I have considered GB and LB for a few years now. On this trip to Hawaii something clicked. I have spent the last 16 hours (really) on my lap top researching LB surgery. I have read everything -- FDA research, every US and MX surgeons' website -- even watched the actual LB surgery from a Hartford CT website! I planned on calling it a night a few hours ago -- but clicked on "Just for Guys" for one more thread. This has been the thread that I needed. All of you are an inspiration -- Jack and Neal rock. All of you do. My journey started Sunday morning -- tomorrow I make my first "real" calls. I live in Malibu -- so I am seriously considering Dr. Ortiz in TJ. Nothing else to say now -- just wanted to get involved. Thanks again.:notagree