Hi Julie, I haven't personally tried it but my hair dresser has gone twice and was very successful each time in losing weight (both times gained it back). It's expensive and time consuming (both good reasons to behave while on program). For me, weight loss surgery was my only option to keep my weight off. I'm 4 years since RNY surgery and maintaining my weight for first time in my life.

 I went to Kaiser South San Francisco and I thought all was lost when they told me that I had to lose weight before surgery.  I was like "What?  If I could lose weight, why the hell would I WANT surgery!?!"  Thankfully, I followed the diet they gave me and lost 27 lbs in about 3 weeks.  
  I believe the rational behind the pre-op diet is 1. to see if you are serious about committing to losing weight.. the surgery doesn't do all the work for you.  You have to change eating habits and really commit to a lifestyle change. and 2. To shrink your liver.   Do I think a LIQUID diet is required?  No.  Not at all.  I never had to suffer through a liquid diet.. not before surgery or after.  My pre-op diet was high protein, low carb, no sugar, no caffeine.  I was never hungry.  
  I am in no way defending Kaiser, I am just saying that for *me* the pre-op diet was an eye opener and great preparation for what was to come.  If your eating habits are the issue, then it might be a good idea to confront those before surgery.  If it's a medical issue (metabolic problems or whatever) then it is completely unreasonable for them to expect you to be able to lose the weight and you should definitely fight it.  
  Either way, I wish you luck!!

 I was a Black Friday virgin.. so, I decided to give it a try.  I did get some nifty stuff dirt cheap, but I probably won't do it again.  =]  Walmart had single cup coffee makers for $4, waflle irons for $2 and mini food processors for $2.  I got  really cool wall decorating kit (several picture frames and the word "Family" carved out of wood with some decorative pieces for $12 and a smaller version that said "Love" for $6.  I got a 50 piece (I think) Rubbermaid set for $7 and a memory foam mattress pad for my queen sized bed for $28.  Several Blu-ray movies for $3 and $5.  It was crowded and miserable, but I love the stuff we bought.  I am giving each of my girls one of the little coffee makers for a stocking stuffer.  

Other than that, our Thanksgiving was less than perfect.  Someone broke into our car and stole a bunch of stuff.  Maybe they needed it worse than we did.  

Tanya,

We welcome you to come gather with our group each month.  We are not a formal support group but rather a group of friends who rallies each month to support each other, laugh and have a great time.  We've been going strong for almost 3 years now.  Our next gathering is a Potluck a week from Sat.  See my post a few lines under this thread.

Come join us, a great group!

Barb

A group of Socal WLSers do some informal get togethers (Tom's Farms, Temecula, etc.). I usually post them here but always for sure on my blog. Here's a peek the last bigger event:

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2011/08/5037-pounds-lost-with-weight-loss.html

Email me on the blog and I'll be sure to add you to the contact list for the next one :)

~Michelle "Shelly"