There's a lot of good info and support in this thread. I got my band in Feb 2009. As long as I followed the rules the band worked great. I gradually started eating things that I shouldn't eat, started drinking soft drinks, and snacking all the time. I ended up with a stretched pouch with inflammation of the banded area and a lot of heartburn. I had all my fluid removed from my band in Nov 2011, and have been eating everything in sight! I've gained about 35 pounds since then and feel miserable. I'm going tomorrow, April 26, to start getting my fills again. I am excited, almost like I was when I was going in for my surgery. I hope and pray that I can stick to the rules this time and can be a successful bandster! Wish me luck and I'm sure I will be back on here looking for support and advice.