i found him on the internet...he has done a ton of these surgeries everywhere...yes, it is laproscopic....yes they recommend the pre-op diet to help you get adjusted, but really it's to shrink your liver and pancreas so he can fit the band in....if you don't do it...it's not a huuuuge deal but he may have to open you up to fit the band in then, which means more recovery time. i do know people that have had bypass from synergy but not lap-band. there was a couple pre-op for lap-band like me at the support group meeting so i'm hoping next time i can talk to someone that has had it. yes, you can just show up to the meetings. i'm going to the next one as well on the 21st. i'm not really scared, i've done my research and i'm ready. i've talked to people who know people with the lap-band and so far everyone has done well. my mom did say she talked to someone who had it done, and she said she would never do it again, because she had some hair loss (which is normal but it grows back plus you can take biotin) so yeah, she didn't like that or not being able to eat certain things so she had it taken out. however, this says to me that maybe she wasn't ready, or didn't have the support, or was not taking her vitamins...i don't know, i know not everyone has a great experience, but i know i'm ready. and if all else fails, it CAN be removed y'know?:wink2: