My name is Michelle, I am a Registered Nurse who had my band done a year ago here in Batesville, Arkansas. I have been obese for about 14 years and have tried every diet on the market only to lose and then gain back the weight plus some. I suffered from sleep apnea and severe hypertension(requiring 3 pills a day) as well as back aches and leg aches constantly. I didn't want the gastric bypass for fear of malabsorption and malnutrition as well as the permanency of it. Knowing that the band didn't interrupt the GI tract at all and it was reversible if need be, I chose this route. I am so glad I did, if I had it all to do over again I would in a heartbeat. I have lost a total of 88 pounds so far, going from a size 2x (22/24W) to a Medium scrub and (12/14's) in clothes. I don't have any sleep apnea problems and I only take 1 blood pressure pill a day now, I am hoping to get off of it soon. I need to lose 28 more pounds to be at my goal and I am hoping to have it off by mid June when I am going to Mexico. I have had 4 fills so far on my journey and will most likely have one more to get to my goal. The band has been a very positive experience for me. I have had the occasional "clogging up" as I call it when I eat too fast or don't chew properly. And you learn that things that seem harmless such as rice just won't go down! But it passes on its own after some discomfort and you learn from it. I haven't had any complications and I just love it. :biggrin: