Hello! I am from Michigan and just had my Lap-Band surgery on Dec 9, 2013 so I am a newbie to everything! I have been struggling with up and down weight ever since I had kids, my youngest is now 19. The process for me to be approved for surgery with my insurance company was a bit of a struggle. The first time through I was denied for lack of documentation although they didn't let me know prior just what they wanted. I started the six month process over again and was approved just after Thanksgiving. I was ready and opted for surgery now rather that wait until after the holidays. I am a week and a half into the clear liquid stage and for the most part, I am never hungry! Getting bored with broth and thinned greek yogurt, looking forward to next week and adding more food to my menu! Pain has been relatively mild considering, I usually only take Tylenol once a day. The biggest thing is remembering that I can't do everything just yet! I am a mom of 3 and have one grand-daughter. My oldest daughter graduated in the spring with her Masters Degree and just got her first "real" job. My son and youngest daughter are both in the Air Force, 4 years and 1 year respectively. My son has an 18-month old daughter that currently lives in Germany. This is my reason for wanting to change my life and lose the weight. I want to be healthy to be there for them and to travel the world visiting them. I look forward to "meeting" all of you, I have lots of friend in my online military support groups and know the importance of connecting with others who "get it". I know that I will find that here. No one knows just what you are going through unless they have been there themselves.