Hey guys...I am 23 yrs old and have been obese for 8 yrs now. I am tired of being disgusted by myself, so I have decided to band; however, I do have some concerns. Are there any lower bmi patients? I am 5'6" and 220 with a 35 BMI. I want to get the band done by Labor Day, but since my initial seminar isn't until aug 10th I have a feeling that it won't happen. I have an event coming up Sep 29th and I am reuniting with my old college buddies. I am not a heavy drinker, maybe once a month if that; however, will it be too soon to drink if I am banded labor day weekend? I also have a wedding coming up on December 1, is it plausible for me to be down my first 2 10%'s?? Thanks for your help, I am still pretty nervous about getting the surgery done. I feel likeI should be able to do this without the aid of surgery.