I am new to this website and new with everything that is about to happen in my life. I am to be banded on July 7th in Salt Lake City, UT. I have to travel 2 hours from Wyoming to get my surgery. My Dr. has fast tracked me because of some clerical errors that caused me to be in a holding pattern for a month. My scheduling actually came yesterday and caught me off guard. I have been mentally preparing for a year but I am still in shock. I know I will do well with this surgery but I certainly don't take it lightly. I have many reasons to have this surgery. One of the most important is the fact that I am a 2 1/2 yr breast cancer survivor and part of cancer survival is controlling your weight and exercising. I gained a lot of weight after radiation treatments because of the inflammation it causes. I have fibromyalgia and have been almost bedridden since my treatments because the inflammation made my condition intolerable. My journey started 27 years ago when I developed a thyroid disease called Graves disease. After radiation treatments to kill my thyroid my weight issues started. One of the things that is very important to me is to lose weight so I am able to take my cancer meds. I am unable to now because they cause so much pain in my muscles and bones. I also need to take my life back. I need to control my future the best that I can. As hard as the next months will be it can't compare to the fact that I might be able to have some control over my life. I have so many health issues that may be resolved that I feel like this surgery may be my lifeline. Hopefully soon I may see some light at the end of the tunnel. I also have a lot of beautiful clothes that I will be able to wear!!!! Frankly I'm tired of sweat pants. Well that is part of my story. Now I need to lighten up so that I can feel the joy of a new beginning. Those that believe in prayer please pray for me. Thanks for listening to my much too longwinded story. I'm very glad to be in your community. Sheryl:thumbup: