I say NO FAILURES - just challenges. Just think of the days when we wolfed cake, cookies and ice cream!!! I was banded on 8/18 and prior to that did the 2 week liver shrinking diet. It is a whole new world and every day is a challenge. I am down 23 lbs....31 since March. Even if I slip and eat something I should not - it is not the garbage I was packing in before - so in the long run it will work out. My surgeon told me to toss the scales for awhile and pay attention to how I feel.....