Hi Im just starting also but I have been thru the process before. I just didnt have the surgery....anyways abt 3 yrs now Im decideing on having the lapband.I have my labs done,my phych eval done and going to a seminar next Friday I think I still like 5 mnths on my 6 mnth diet thing also.Im sure I like a nut.dr.to call to talk with or something,and the preop diet thing,by all this time hopefully my 6 mnth diet thing will be up so Im looking forward to abt June ish 2013.Im will be using a dr. with alot of experience.Better looking than my other dr.(I changed Dr.'s).I will be using a Baptist Hospital in LR.Dr.Mark Gibbs.he is in Little Rock AR.