Hi, I live in NYC too en Queens.

I already got banded last week on 08/17.

If u want to try a diet i can tell u what i did.

I was on a diet and working out 5 days a week, what i did was replacing breakfast for a protein shake (Myoplex regular Strawberry mixed with orange juice Tropicana 50 cal) for lunch i choose a very healhty meal, try some meat or chiken, some potatoes or platain or even a little wheat pasta) avoid fried food , rice , bread and calories drinks. dont drink while u get lunch wait at least 15min. and for dinner i got a smothie 1/3 pound of strawberrys,1 banana, 1 egg(protein) and add like 8 onz of apple juice (Motts Light) u can mixed with the (Tropicana 50) i u get tired of the apple juice. Dont need to add sugar or splenda is already sweet for the juice.

This diet plus working out at the Gym 5 days a week, doing 1 hour on the treadmill burning from (1100 to 1300) calories a day and another 20 to 30 min of mixed machines.

With this routine and diet i lost 48 pounds in 4 months.

Of course u need to start the Gym slowly and then keep increasing.

Heaviest weight 5 months ago 325

Weight Before Pre op liq Diet 277

Weight Before Surgery 262

Weight 1 week after Surgery 252

I feel so happy with my weight loss so far, and just got banded 1 week ago.:thumbup: