"Guiding Light" star Caitlin Van Zandt put speculation to rest last week when she appeared on "Entertainment Tonight" and confirmed her recent lap-band surgery. Until then, no one knew for sure whether her character Ashlee's onscreen procedure was meant to mirror Caitlin's real-life experience.

What's the lap-band system, you ask? It's an FDA-approved adjustable banding system that restricts the opening to the stomach to the size of a finger. "All that changes is your hunger goes away," Caitlin's doctor explained to "ET."

Caitlin allowed the "ET" camera crew to document the entire process, starting the day before her surgery two and half months ago. "I feel apprehension mixed predominantly with happiness," said the actress, 22, moments before going in for the 45-minute procedure. Amazingly, she was back to work in just a couple of weeks.

"Guiding Light" executive producer Ellen Wheeler shared her thoughts about weaving Caitlin's real-life situation with Ashlee's storyline with "ET," saying, "There's not a way for Caitlin to go on this journey without her character going on that journey."

We definitely think "Guiding Light" made the right choice in allowing art to imitate life, especially since the storyline has finally given Caitlin the opportunity to show off her seriously superb acting chops. (We could go on and on about what an extraordinary talent we think she is. Oh, wait ... we already did! Click here for that story. )

So, what's next for Caitlin? Well, she's already lost 30 pounds, which is a truly awesome accomplishment. She tells "ET" that her goal is to one day be a size 8, though "at the end of the day it's about being happy today with yourself."

Here, here, Caitlin! We think you're fabulous, inside and out, and wish you all the best as you continue on your journey.

Have you ever considered getting lap-band surgery?