I lost 130 lbs since 2009 but after 2 revisions and years of struggle had it removed before yesterday. The band started eroting in my stomach, created a hole which was repaired. YAY! I'm now ready for a new beginning. It'll be so strange not throwing up all the time, no stomach pains or acid reflux. I developed anemia through my journey due to lock of iron. It was difficult to even swallow a pill at times...ANYWAY even after all that I'm still thankful for the lab band, it helped me loose so much weight...I now just have to work hard at maintaining. I'm very excited to start a new healthy chapter of my life. From size 24 to size 2-4 goodluck everybody