I was banded in September of 2010. Before banding and right after, I was on this board several times daily. I read the negative and the positive. Since I have had great success with the band, I rarely come to the boards anymore. I know what is working for me and am just busy going on with my life. If I have questions, this is the first place that I think to come, but beyond that, I stay away because of the negative and the fact that I am just too busy. The journey is mine and mine alone. What works for me may not work for someone else. I don't like to spew my opinions and put people down, but I also don't like to hear people complain that the band doesn't work or that they can't afford a fill. If you couldn't afford to keep up with the maintenance of the band, why did you get it in the first place?
You don't see as much positive on here as you see negative and that is because many of us who are successful with it, have really just moved on. There are some really successful posters still here that are a wealth of knowledge and are so helpful. Get to know who they are and read what they have to say. They are motivators and are generally here to help.
Good luck on your journey. Remember that it is yours alone and only you can make your journey successful!