chris - i love a story with a happy ending. i'm still waiting for mine! i got my original band in may of 2006 and lost about 80lbs. in oct 2010, i had to have the band replaced and now have the realize band. i don't find it to be as effective and have gained close to 40 lbs. my band replacement was completely my fault - not following the right diet and throwing up when i ate too much caused the band to slip and was beyond repair. i have not had a fill since i got the new band because i am afraid to get it too tight and start the same cycle again. i don't feel i have ever learned the proper way to eat with the band, other than knowing what foods definitely send me running to the bathroom to get rid of it - like bread, pasta,steak. i really want to get a small fill, but just so concerned with getting back into the cycle of either over eating and/or eating foods i shouldn't and vomiting. it's an effective method of weight loss, but not one i would ever recommend! really unhealthy. i am really struggling - making an appointment with my doc to discuss. anyone out there experience anything similar?