As I've discussed this decision with my friends and family, I've gotten a lot of questions about it and encountered a few misperceptions.  My mom, for example, thought it was a much more extreme procedure, like gastric bypass.  The official Lap-Band website has a short animation about the procedure.  It's totally G-rated and is actually very informative.  If you have any questions about it, please take five minutes to watch this and I guarantee you'll have a much better understanding of what it is and what it does.

As the date draws closer, I'm a little nervous.  Make no mistake:  I'm not particularly crazy about this whole idea.  But as I consider my age and the long-term complications of type 2 diabetes, and the horrible health problems my dad suffered before he finally died at the relatively young age of 58, I see this as my best chance at maintaining a relatively normal life.  I actually compare my feelings on the subject to those who have to consider pre-emptive surgery because they are at high risk of cancer.  I'm not comparing diabetes to cancer; I'm just saying I feel like this is a pre-emptive action that will require short-term cost to provide the best long-term outcome.

Besides, as I told my friend Todd, it'll be nice to fit in my favorite suit again.  :)