I lost about 40 pounds with the band, and gained and lost and gained and lost. It was very hard for me to eat the things I should be eating and too easy to eat the things I shouldn't eat. It was so frustrating. I felt like such a failure. Sometimes I could eat anything, and sometimes almost nothing. I couldn't predict either. I just wanted to eat a chicken breast or salad, but forget it, I had the hardest time with healthy food. Long story short....I was banded almost 5 yrs ago. I weigh almost as much now as before the band. I am getting my band removed and converting to VSG, I just got my date too, Jan 12! I am beyond excited. I look forward to meeting others in my same situation. I finally decided to quit feeling like a failure and take action. I too have felt like a failure or felt judged about the failure of the lap band. VSG here I come, I don't care what anyone thinks anymore.