I was supposed to be having my surgery January 2012, but due to money issues I had to postpone. I have to start my 6 month waiting and won't be having the surgery until May 2012. I've tried doing some diets on my own with Herbalife being the main one, but I found I'm spending just as much money if not more! I am anxious to start on this journey, but have a couple of questions for everyone who has had the Lap Band done. 1st, I'm 5'3 about 270lbs and I want to get down to 130lbs...is this realistic? If so, how long would it take to achieve this goal? 2nd, I have been told I will be out of work for about a week. Is it necessary to be out of work so long? I have a 2 year old at home and I think I would be doing more work at home, than I would be doing sitting in my chair at work all day. 3rd, how fast does the weight come off? I've been over weight pretty much my whole life and lost a lot of weight about 3 years ago...and then I had my son and I have not been able to lose this weight!! I feel so awful all the time, my back hurts, my feet and knees hurt, I'm always tired and I have no energy for anything. It's taken a toll on my life, but especially my marriage. My husband and I are separating. I want to be able to run and play with my son, and be able to keep up! I just want this done already!! Any help from you all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!