I was banded in 10/05. I did have lots of problems. Lots of slime. Also trouble with my food getting stuck in my throat. Also in the pouch, which was probably my fault. Eating too fast, etc. I did loose 57 lbs, then I stopped losing after a year almost to the anniversary of my surgery. I also started having the reflux. Get the fill, then an unfill. Finally got an upper GI, the doctor told me all was fine. Until about a month later after me still having problems, the doctor told me, oh by the way did you know you have a hiantle hernia. Of course I didn't. Now he is telling me its my esphongus. I now have no fill. Been to an ENT to get my esphongus checked. Going back in June to see if things are better. Needless to say, I can't get enough to eat. My doctor told me, "that if everyone was like me he would have to change professions." That really made me feel bad, like I was all alone and abnormal. This Forum has really enlighted me to so many things. So much of these things were not told to me, that could happen with this lap band. I do hope I don't have to have this band removed.