You guys are absolutely wonderful here. My husband has been a big encourager! I'm lucky to have run across this forum. I have just had it with all the insulin, and oral medication I am on. When I lost 50 lbs using Byetta, I felt great. My back did not hurt at all from standing, because all of my weight is in my tummy area! Well...I wanted to take that weight loss even further but the Byetta stopped working and thus, I HAD to find another way and I KNOW this is it. The person who told me that it is a cop out had me rethinking. But I figure it this way, if there were not people who needed the help, there would be no such thing as lap banding...so if it is there, then I'm going to use the tool. I'm sure I'll feel the difference immediately with the weight loss. Yes, I've considered if I can do the post-surgery diet, but hey, if I want to better my health, there should be no issues. I am so excited about meeting with my endocrinologist. As a matter of fact, she is the one who suggested it!