Hi everybody. I have been reading this forum for days and days so I thought I would finally write something. I am in the stages of getting a surgery date. I have to have an upper endoscopy on 6-3-2012. After that then they will submit everything to my insurance. Then I'll just have to wait for their approval. I was diagnosed as a pre-diabetic in May so I have cut out all caffeine, all soda's, and all sweets. I am happy to report that I have already lost 15 pounds!! I wasn't told to cut out all the caffeine just yet, but I thought that I may as well start early!! I'm excited to get my band and get to my weight loss goal. Thank you everyone for your post. I have enjoyed reading them and I've learned quite a few things that I think will help me!!