Hi Skizer,
I just joined the site today! Getting Banded 9-26-2007, I've been reading this site for weeks, great resource.
My sister did the Gastric, she lost her spleen, and had a few other issues, but would do it again in a heartbeat! It's been two years now, she looks great, and it did wonders for her self esteem. She lives in Roscommon, as do my parents, so I know right where Grayling is! We were Rival schools growing up!
38lbs, sounds like you're doing great!