I just begun myself last week,, I have my inital class/consultation 9/2, my regular dr gave me a "heads up" to start early losing the weight so I'm shooting for 15-20lbs off by 9/2, He put me on 1200/day calorie diet and work out 50min a day routine biking and swimming , was told Surgeon asks for 10% weight lose, for me that 42 lbs, So far not really hungry, and have a slight bit more energy, sure the cravings will it soon, just have to get through it, luckily my wife is also trying to lose weight, not through surgery but we are watching what we eat and no more junk food, sodas, juices. Best of luck to you