Hi Melissa, I wanted to wish you the best of luck with your band. I had my band put on Jan 3, 2003 by Dr. Rod. I am down 35 pounds and am really proud of that. That is an average of 6 pounds a month. I am really satisfied with that. Some people say that the band they don't loose as fast like the other type of surgery, but I do not want to loose it too fast. Your body has a chance to keep toned up and not have so much excess fat hanging. Try to remember to keep toned up with lifting barbells or something like that with your arms. I use 2 20 oz. pepsi bottles filled with sand as my barbells and it is cheaper. They work really well. I do sit ups when my back allows me. I at least try to get in 20 every day. I am now down to a size 18 from a 22 and really proud. My hair has not fallen out with a slower weight loss either. I wish you the best.