I have been banded sence Aug. I didn't do enough research, decided in Aug and had it done right away. It is much harder than expected, I wanted a quick fix and it is not. I have lost 30lbs, love that part. But many times food gets stuck and it hurts! You have to learn to listen to your body and chew like crazy and eat slowly. Also I am exercising about 4x a week. The good news is my cholestrol is now at 168!! Because you have to think when you are eating it is a contant reminder, which is good. If I had known it was going to be like this I think I would have given dieting and exercising another shot. But so easy to slide. My Dr. says eat protein first and that means meat! Espically chicken and fish. Hope this helps. Good lucK!:biggrin2: