Hi...... It seem like it's going to take forever but it's worth jumping through the hoops for. I had it done in 05 and I have lost 150lbs and at this point I forget I even have a band. If I can give any bit of advice it would be to do 100% of what the Dr tells you to do. That's how it works best. If you look at it as a lifestyle change and not an assisted diet you will do fantastic and feel better then you have in years. In the beginning it is all consuming and new but after a while it's like being reborn to a healthy life style. You will wonder why it took you so long to figure out that this is a good path to health. Be calm and good luck