Since my surgery in 11/16/07, I have lost 116 lbs. Now I cant say that I was true to the diet all the way. Because I ate fried fish, fired chicken, ice cream and coffee. Now dont get me wrong, I did not do wrong all the time except coffee. I just cant give up that. Now I dont drink soda at all. In fact the only thing I drink is water (with crystal light of course). The one thing I did consistently is exercise 3 to 4 days a week. This past summer, I was able to plant all my flowers in my yard (1st time) and this last weekend, I helped my husband rake the yard (and we have a huge yard - 1/2 acre with lots of trees). Lap band surgery has changed my life. I no longer have sleep apnea and am no longer borderline hyper tension. I realize that I have to be more concious of my eating and I am scheduled to go in for a tightening next week and have vowed to do better and wondered has anyone else been in my shoes???? I still have a 138 lbs to go. But coming from 434 lbs to 318 is a nice feeling.