Hi Debbie!
Welcome to lapband talk! I too am new to this and also just received my approval to get the surgery done! I had a battle with Tricare for about 2 years trying to get approved. The first time I was denied they said it was because I was 18lbs to lite and needed to gain the weight in order to get the surgery done. I was crushed! But I know in my heart that this is something I need as I too have had quite the battle with food and a struggle with my weight for 17 years now. So I kept fighting and ended up having to do the 6 month nutritional counseling with my surgeon and am now getting the surgery :-) I want you to know that I wish you the very best of luck on your new journey with the lap-band and if there is ever any way I can be there for you let me know!