I am getting banded on the 13th also. I started my liquid diet last Tuesday, Nov 29th. It hasn't been easy but it has not been terrible either. I actually started watching what I was eating the week before Thanksgiving. I have lost 17 lbs so far. This is encouraging to me. I am 50 years old and I have had my ups and downs with my weight. It really ballooned 4 years ago. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and had a bilateral mastectomy followed by chemo and radiation and aprox 12 reconstructive surgeries. I gained 30 lbs during chemo partially due to the steriods they give you during chemo and then packed on an additional 40 lbs just eating anything and everything because I could. I was happy to be alive and loving life. Then when I finally stopped and got a grip on it, I could not find any diet that I could follow for more than a few days. I could not get my appetite under control. I am soooo ready to get a grip on this and nip it in the but once and for all. I wish you much luck with your weight loss journey and I will be following your progress.