I was banded on Oct.21, 2011. As of today, I've lost 13 lbs since surgery. Did not have to do any special diet before. Lost those 13lbs during the 1st 6 wks after surgery. Gained some over holidays. Back at the 13lb total loss now. I'm eating so much less than I used to. And yes I'm very aware of protein, water, fat, salt intake...Making good food choices. I know exercise is where my shortfall is & I know HOW to do it. I was a longtime gym rat. Had lost 70lbs 8 yrs ago & kept it off until pregnancies & debilitating arthritis hindered my workouts. I have started back walking & doing some yoga, but I feel like I'm right where I've always been. My fat likes me. It wants to stay. It fights to stay. I have 3 friends who have been banded for over a year. one has lost 50lbs. the other two have lost 70lbs. They have not worked out. They have eaten pretty much whatever they wanted but in very small portions. I have 3 cc's in my band & i have good restriction. I can barely eat dinner b/c my band is so tight at night, so that forces me to "behave" during my worst snacking time (after the kids go to bed). I have more vomiting episodes trying to shove dinner down my throat while feeding the husband & 2 kids, so I've backed off of trying to eat dinner "just because it's dinnertime".....and here I am still weighing 254lbs......totally discouraged......