Hi Linda. Welcome. I am also Linda and have lived on every side of MN. (SD, WI, IA, Now in IN & OH). I'm also 5'2" & we were about the same weight when we had surgery. I'm close to a year out now (3/1/06) & have found the people on this forum to be my greatest friends & source of knowledge as I've gone through this wonderful journey. We're always glad to welcome one more.