Hi, my name is Julie. I am a newbie to LapBand Talk. I have done all of my preliminary doctor visits and I am now scheduled to have surgery on April 2, 07. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I am supposed to lose 25 lbs before surgery and that is a challenge. The best part of this is that I have a wonderful support system. My family and most of my friends are in full support of my decision to have the LapBand done. When I first told my fiance about it he equated it with gastric bypass. However, since then he has taken the time to learn more about LapBand and is in full support. I have spent time reading posts here on LapBand Talk prior to registering. Thanks to everyone for answering many of the questions that I have had. I know this will be a good help for me in the future.