Hi I'm a newbie also. I don't have a surgery date yet. I see the doctor for the first visit July 18th. I've been to the seminar and have been cleared by a Pullminologyst. I know my insurance will cover the surgery. I've been at this weight loss stuff my whole life, I'm now 57. I'm ready for my next tool and have the need, drive, desire, experience, etc. to get through this and finally on to my new life.