I've been banded and rebanded. It's been about 5 years. I have never reached my goal, despite low carbing, tracking every single calorie for 4.5 years straight, running a half marathon, training for one 4x, working out with a trainer for 2 years, becoming a trainer myself for 2 years and getting rebanded due to a leak.
Just as before the band, I still have to count all foods, no sugar, minimum carbs etc. I took about 6 months off of logging, had a tight band, stuck with my usual diet of whole grains and lean Protein, worked out 6 hours a week and gained 40lbs back.
So no, for me the diet mindset is CONSTANT! the moment i relax I gain wait. I've been losing about 2lbs a week since rebanding 10 weeks ago. I relaxed one weekend and ate 1800 calories one day due to having ice cream on a weekend get a way. And gained 4lbs back in one week. I even have a bodybugg and make sure i'm in a 1000 calorie deficit or more each day.
I often wonder is fat is my plight in life. I can't seem to shake it. I currently run 5 days a week and strength train 3 days with a trainer and still, can't seem to lose more than 2 lbs a week. So for me, I would have to say the diet mindset looks as though it's permanent , i'll never be "normal" and be able to have bday cake without gaining a lb that week.
I wonder if I sleep walk and eat fast food in the middle of the night!