I just had placed a french band in wide use in Europe. www.midband.fr I had a choice of three bands and went along with this one because it was very elastic and not as rigid as the other two in the market. I was banded on Sept.20 and on Sept. 22 I am already at work. I feel great and very excited to getting my health back. I presently weigh 431 lbs. and I want to get down to 220lbs. God Bless you all !!!