I have had my band for almost 3 years. I started at 318 wnd now I am 238. I too have had to realize the commitment of changing eating habits to almost all vegan! I feel great! When I eat something that is loaded with sugar, carbs, calories, fat, or salt I feel awful! The food we eat really makes a difference in how we feel. Dr. Joe Fuhrman nutritional researcher and physician points out the toxic lifestyle we subject ourselves to. I am reading his book " Eat to Live" I am using it as a guide to break my habits of unhealthy eating. Exercise has become an everyday necessity. It is not an option. I have figured that out the hard way! For those of you that are limited with mobility for exercising try swimming! I started out doing that. I quit for a while but I have recently started back. I am excited to see what the future hold for me... And I wish you all the same journey! It's been hard, but I want to have good health and this is what must happen to get there! Discipline is a hard thing to learn when you have been out of control, especially when it comes to food and bad habits!! 1200 calories and maybe just a tad under is an awesome rule of thumb!