Hi Buffy,
I am in the same situation right now. I just made my first appt with the surgeon here in NH. I am getting so anxious to see how the weight comes off and looking forward to a new lifestyle and look. My start weight was 291, I had to lose 5% so I am now down to 272. My goal is to loose another 120 to 130 lbs after all is said and done.
Good Luck with your journey!