Robert,
Terribly sorry about you having to be here.
Like NJGene and TPatti said, look into other places before going with Stenem and Dr. Ritter-Lang. There are some horror stories out there. Also, talk with others doctors. Just as every patient is different, so is every surgeon. Some are willing to take more risks with regards to weight, smoking, etc.
Feel free to drop me a PM about my ADR overseas experience.