Congratulations on your decision to get control of your life at an early age. I'm sorry to hear about your loss, ut making this decision will change your life for the better. I was banded on Dec. 28,2007 and am now down from 259 lbs. to 202 lbs. The band is not a mirracle!! You still have to eat sensibly, but the band makes it a lot easier to do that.
Best wishes!!
PJ' Newlife