Howdey yall for texas!! I have been banded since may 28 2011 and have went from 238 ti 185 when i started back in nov i weighed in at 239 lbs and now im done to 185 and three sizes lower i now can shop in the jr section for the large sizes and 15 instead of a size 20 wow it was great shopping in the reg size clothes. I have done great with the band and had very lil problems with it the last visit i had a fill and it has kept me on the straight and narrow now i can tell when to stop eating before i felt like i was eating still to much and then after the fill i can tell right away that im done. the only problem i have is that i got a rash a few days after surgury and it will not go away i have went to my reg doctor and she does not know what it is and so now i have to go see a specialist to find out what is going on, in hopes it is not a problem with the band. any how glad to read all the comments im sure it will help!!!