My story is somewhat typical I guess.  I was a chubby child, an obese adolescent, and got skinny in my late teens. ( BOYS!!!) But in my early twenties I had ovarian cancer (sort of) and a hysterectomy. After that the weight piled on.  I drowned my anger and resentment and sorrow in food.  After dozens of attempted and failed diets and diet products I found myself with a tremendous amount of weight to lose and the inability to do so on my own.  I have been interested in wls for several years.  For the last few years I tried to get ins. to cover the lap band, with no success. I'm so glad that didn't happen because I'm certain that vsg is the surgery for me.  I gave up the battle with my insurance.  They win - in not having to cover me any way but I got tired of waiting and decided to self pay in Mexico.  So on the 24th of Sept.  I will board a train bound for San Antonio TX.  It's a 30 hour trip (I've never flown and with the stress of surgery I don't think now is a good time to try :) !)   I will be riding in a private car with 2 chairs and 2 beds and a big window to see the sights.  My surgery is Sept. 26th with Dr. Alvarez.  I am terrified, nervous, and excited.  I've always been one of those people that saw the glass as half empty ( with a slow leak) but I keep telling my self it will be worth it. I'm working on the part where I make myself believe that I'M worth it - but that's another chapter!!       HAH