Well welcome, I myself have been a member since October or 2007 but usually just read. but your story sounds familiar and so I thought I would say Hello.
I had my band in 10/07 so I am coming up on my bandaversary and am very excited to say that I am down 104 lbs. I started in a size 26 and am wearing a wonderful size 12 today. Still have a lot of work left to go, but loving every minute of it.
Glad your hear - GOOD LUCK