thanks so much, billie. I lost about 20 lbs with diet and exercise b/f my surgery. When is your surgery date? Best of luck to you also. I was so nervous b/f surgury b/c I had lost weight w/o the band, but my surgeon reminded me that with the skills I'd already incorporated and the use of the band as a tool, I will accomplish long term weight loss. That's what we all want. :thumbup: