Hey...33 lbs is nothing to scoff about! I am sorry to hear that you have had some complications. Where they anything that might have been prevented or were they like the common ones that we read about on here, strictures and such? I went to a non-VA wls seminar last week but I am going to continue to persure this thru the VA. There is a wls seminar in Oct where I would have to go and I am hoping that I won't have to attend, it is like a 6 hour drive for me. I am supposed to call this place back a week from Fri and see what is going on. I have begun to lose the 10% of my excess weight by eating low carb. This is my third day and I am doing well with it. Since u are back I hope to be reading more about you on the boards. Take care!