To those who suggest that the band works as long as you do? Not always true and not entirely fair to those who experience the struggles. I have had the band for 8 years. Not only has the band caused significant issues (hiatal hernia, herniated disc x 2, etc.) but for the first 3 years, I threw up meals at least 3x daily and could only consume small portions of mashed potato. Recently doctors have identified that the original procedure was mishandled, there is slippage and some erosion. My removal procedure is scheduled for tomorrow! WooHoo! Get this out of me. I lost ZERO pounds with the band but have been successful on my own (50 and counting) and quite in spite of the having the band. Continued exercise and completely changing my nutritional habits cutting out totally - wheat, corn, soy, dairy, caffeine and sugar. Life changing and glad this chapter will be closed tomorrow. Agreed that deciding on the band takes a certain amount of willpower and dedication but my surgeon explains that he has removed more bands than he has installed. Go figure...good luck in your efforts moving forward.