Hi Reliza, I am from Houston, and had my life changing surgery on 12/19/01. I have gone from 475 lbs to 185. :-) I am 5'10 1/2 so I am within 10 lbs of goal weight. It's awesome! I wish you the very best in your journey to a new you, and just wanted to say I think you are brave, wonderful and on the path a new life. God bless and take care, always!