Thanks everyone for sharing! It's too funny because I was just having the first official consult today and when I left the eating and not being able to drink thing has really been on my mind. I am just thinking about eating out socially and without wanting to tell everyone that I have a band - it could be a bit awkward. Not a showstopper, just a bit awkward to be eating and not drinking anything at all. Will take some adjustment.
Also, curious about the long term/lifelong comment. Everything I have read is that this life long as well. Yes, no one has had it that long because it hasn't been around that long, but there is no evidence for it needing to be removed at a given point. It's just like any other implant in your body I would expect.
Thanks again!