Yes the doctor wants me to lose 10% of my weight before the surgery. Being on the national health service, I guess they want to take extra precautions to make the surgery approved by their boards and directors.
12 weeks seems a really long time, but I've had weight problems for over 30 years so in the grand scheme of things, it's no time at all.
Thanks for the suggestion about ways to celebrate my birthday! I've made plans to get my nails done with a friend so that will be great!