I am new here, but I have had my band since last January, and have lost approx 75lbs, I agree with you! I had this done so that I wouldn't have to diet. And I don't! I eat whatever I want as long as I can, my theory is that I was eating a TON of food, now since my portions are so much smaller, I eat only what I want, that I can get down. It is a learning process, as far as what you can get down, and what you can't...Ex. I cannot eat bread, french fries, etc, but boy I can eat Icecream! Eventually it just becomes second nature, you just have to figure out what works for you. I am probably the worst lapband patient, I don't really exercise regularly my dinner is often tomato soup and icecream... But I feel great, and look great, and am in a size 12 for the first time in my life... BUT I also have mine pretty tight, so again... It is a learning process that only you can figure out... I think I rambled... But no, I wouldn't say it is hard work like Weight Watchers or Slim Fast or something like that... Just learning what you can eat and what you can't