I had the lap band placed on June 8 2009, it was out August 30,2009. I was totally miserable and was having esphogheal spasms. I lost 30 pounds of the needed 70, I am working out, and acting as if I still have the band ie;no soda, no alcohol,little if any bread, eat first drink after,proteins first and I have lost 6 additional pounds. lap bands are not a universal cure for all...