Hi all - so I have never really blogged before but hoped to share my experience - in part to help others and in part to be a little cathartic. While my journey really started over a year ago (losing weight, researching plastic surgeons, going in for initial 'real' consult), it took me a while to save up the money so I could pay with a cashiers check, and find a temp who could cover for me at work (that's a whole different story that I won't bore you with). Anyway, today is Nov 1 and I went to my primary care doc to get cleared for surgery. My primary care doc is awesome and shared with me some of the 'work' his wife has been through - through the same PS I am going to - that made me feel even better about my choice! As the one who took care of her, he did agree that she had a lot of pain but in the end she was thrilled with the results... as were several others he knew of that have gone to the same PS - very good to hear!. All else went very well except I forgot to get a flu shot - I think it would be better to get that out of the way well before the surgery date. After doc's office (where they did blood work and an EKG) I went for a chest x-ray and then went for fast food - first time in 3 months and last time for who knows how long (I am so going to miss salty things!) Back to work tomorrow and then pre-op on Thursday. I am excited, nervous, and even a little curious. I'll try to get a 'before' photo if I can figure out how to do it. More after pre-op visit! I sure hope I am doing this in the correct place (forum as opposed to a review - which I plan to do at a later date) - if this is in the wrong place would one of the mods please move it? :)