This is meant to be an introduction. I am Pat in Olympia, Washington. I have been on Medifast for a week. I am looking forward to surgery 4/28. My insurance would only do gastric bypass and only after a one year preparation period. I chose to do lap band on my own nickle. I can hardly wait for this to be done. I have changed to only water and herbal teas. I am okay with the Medifast, like some things better than others. It's great to be able to read your positive posts and how much everyone has lost. I am not weighing myself constantly but can tell I must be losing some, as I am not so out of breath, walk taller and straighter. Can't wait to ditch the handicapped parking zones and be able to walk more and better. I have diabetes, am on a CPAP machine, high blood pressure meds. Looking forward to downsizing my meds one day. I need to start going to the doctor's support groups. One of the persons who had lost weight and spoke at an informational session said she was delighted to get rid of the plus size catalogues. I can relate to that one. Pat in Olympia, WA:unsure: