Hi All,

I don't have first hand experience, but have seen a few people around me go thru it.

A very close friend of mine had it done. She looks beyond unbelievable, down from around 90kg to 56-58kg and now size 8. She did as she was told and exercised a lot. She is not having any problem with any food. She has to chew very carefully but is able to down anything....I know this is not the circumstance for a lot of 'banders'.

Another woman I know had it done and didnt lose too much weight till her band was tightened. She threw up a lot later. Basically her body got used to it and couldnt keep down food. Thankfully that got it all adjusted and has also lost around 30-35kg.

Then I met someone in LA last week. I last saw him when he was huge. He had gastric bypass surgery - this is much more prominent in the states then here. Yes it's bigger surgery and more dangerous, but he did explain that long term it has far less risks. He did go into explanation but I wont go into that now. What I can say is WOW - he looks incredible. He can eat anything at all - but small portions...and doesnt have the constant throwing up problem - unless he over eats. With banding I believe just not chewing properly (think about when we are starving) can make the food get stuck so you either throw it up naturally or have to make yourself throw up because its causing so much pain being stuck ontop of the band.

Me - well I am lucky to have seen great results with it. I say go girl. Just remember...its not a magic cure - there is still work and will-power involved...

Please keep me posted - would love to know how your are doing...