I was banded December 9th also, and by Monday I had my first meltdown. Going from 39 years of eating what I wanted, when I wanted, and how I wanted to a few sips of liquid, a couple spoonfuls of broth and diet Jello for an entire week was rough . I did have very bad gas the first few days but the nurse told me to try some chewable Gas X and to walk a little and that did get the old trumpet to blowing!! :-)
I still have pain when I hiccup and an awful pain in my left shoulder that seems to deepen when I breathe in but otherwise each day has gotten easier and easier with much prayer and dedication and I truly thank God! I am down 11lbs so far. Just think how much healthier we will be and how great we are all going to look on the beach next summer!