Hi, have looked here before, but really had no reason to chime in. Well now I do. I am having the proceedure on August 8th, 11. Have to pay for it myself, insurance is a ripoff to me. My wife is a school teacher, they get the least coverage at highest cost. I have beed a quitter before, stopped drinking alcohol June of 92, stopped smoking in 2004, now it is time to work on my wietht, hope all goes well. I don't see to many men doing this, they said about 25%, I hope I can relate to everyone. I am on my 2 week pre-op shake diet, not realy hungry, but shure would like to taste some meat already. Thank You all for being here...Greg

Go for it, Greg. You've given up drinking and smoking, you will go great with the band.