I've decided to create a web site so people could take the journey with me through WLS (Weight Loss Surgery).  My name is Howard Rubin. I've been married for a little over 5 years to my beautiful wife ToniAnn. We do not have any children yet, although we do have a very spoiled dog named Bonnie Boo Bakley Rubin (yes that is her full name). I started researching gastric bypass surgery around December of 2003. I have been a big guy all my life. I have really put on most of my weight in the last 4 years or so. As of right now I really don't have any health issues (knock on wood) but of course Im in very high risk. I have tried many different diets and medications to loose weight and nothing has really helped. My decision to consider WLS was not rash. My wife being a nurse would not let that happen. We have done many months of research on the subject. I will meet with the surgeon on April 29, 2004. I hope to have surgery in May. My thinking is this will be the day my life begins.