Hey! Not from AZ,but banded on 7-7-08. Your year will certainly fly by my friend. I wold sit and wonder what each month would bring me! Loved it,loved it! The day I wore a size 10,well,I just could not believe my eyes! Then when my skinny friend gave me some of her size 10s...I had arrived! I went from an 18 to a 10 in appx. 9 months. It was effortless,but I had a few hurdles. I will say the first 3-4 months are the hardest. You have to learn why the rules of the Band are the rules. After you wrap your head around it,you will be just fine. If I can assist..feel free to write!