Sorry I haven't checked in for a while, & thanks for all the positive comments

The band is only a tool to make you feel full on small portions, but it's up to the owner to make the most of that by eating healthier foods & exercising. Icecream, milkshakes, chocolate & other liquid kilojoules will pass through the band easily. I still eat/drink all those things occasionally, but have found that the intense cravings I had for them pre-band have lessened considerably.
Ali76 - It hasn't been all smooth sailing. Late last year I had a very painful 'band slip' which required some time in hospital, & all my saline removed for a couple of months (over Christmas!) which was just like being unbanded again. Despite this, I'd do it all again for the results I've had.
Moomoo - Saline is injected into an invisible port (painless 30 second procedure at the dr), which goes through a tube into a 'balloon' around the inside of the band,gradually tightening it. As you lose, you are able to eat a little more, so more saline is added. Once goal is reached, or you become pregnant or any other reason that more food is required, some/all saline may be removed to loosen the band. I am basically at a maintenance level now.
Good luck to you all, i know just how hard it is, having lost countless times the traditional way

. I wish you all success, & I love seeing all the before after pics!