hi i would just like to start off by adopting myself into the Band family. I had the lapband this past monday the 14th of january and I couldnt be happier. The pain is well worth the satisfaction of a healthier you. here I am on day 4 no longer in pain and i can already see my clothes fitting differently. my start off weight before the journey was right at 283 and I always YO Yo my weight. After being denied by insurance the first time i decided to appeal the denail and the second go around they approved it. the pre op diet was a godsend i do have to say i went from 283 down to 260, granted i used the diet for a month rather than 2 weeks before the surgery. I have never been so excited about anything before. I have the loving support of my friends to help me accomplish my goals. For someone who has always been obese my entire life and suffered thru depression. food was my stress reliever to take away the pain. Not anymore. I have never accomplished anything in my life because of my low self confidence but that is gonna be the past and i look forward to what the future has in store for me. Im rambling on and this is my first official blog so im gonna leave it as this. Thank you so much for being a part of the Band Family ans i look forward to what tips and advice can be shared