Hello! I will have my first dr appt on Jan.19,2010. I have survived the holidays pretty well..dont think I gained any weight..still dont have the "sipping only" down very well, or for that matter the "30 chews"..but working on it. I am "way over 50" lol..so this is a little scary..but this is such a great site..all of these posts..especially yours..make my surg decision a positive choice. Thanks for posting...HAPPY, HEALTHY, NEW YEAR!