This has been my personal experience with the band and why I am getting rid of it. I was banded 3 1/2 years ago. My band worked alright, although it was hard work for me to lose weight. I had to exercise five times a week and the way the band worked was frustrating. It was tight in the morning, but at night it was loose and I could eat whatever I wanted. Then I stopped having restriction altogether due to a leak. I was able to eat what I wanted and I gained much of the weight I lost back. Next, I started having SEVERE pain in my stomach area that migrated to my right side. I went to the ER after days of this pain. They did a scan and found that my lapband slipped and that the tubing broke off. Right now the tube is poking me all over causing pain and I am so thankful for my upcoming revision to get rid of the band. Look at the LONG TERM statistics of the band. I believe most have to have a secondary surgery to remove or fix the band within ten years. There is lots of maintance with the band for fills and other tests. I hope my experience can help you make the best decision for YOUrself! Good luck~