I am new to this too, I was banded the 14th of October. I think that we are so use to failure in dieting that it is hard to have faith that this will work for us. I am feeling the same pressures and fears you are. I lost until I started eating again now I am standing still. I fear the scales will never budge, and I get on them each morning (bad Idea, I know but I can't help it) I am trying to increase my exercise and walking on the treadmill. I feel like everyone is watching every bite I put in my mouth. I have not had any fills yet , I felt restriction at first from the swelling I guess, but not now. I do not yet know when I will get my first fill. But I think it needs to be soon. Good luck and keep your head up, you will succeed.