Hi Brandi -
I was banded in December also (12/11). The pain from the CO2 lasted 2 weeks with me, but from what my support group tells me, it varies. Make sure you get up and walk around, that might help dissipate the gas.
3 days after surgery they took out the small out of Fluid already in my band due to dehydration. To be honest, I was pretty much in a bad state due to the dehydration and still swollen from surgery, so it was very unconfortable and somewhat painful.
I went back in on 1/3 to get filled and it was much, much better. It didn't hurt at all, and I have a low profile port.
As far as the procedure goes, my doctor had me lie flat & put a hard pillow under my left side. He manipulated my belly & found the port. The needle stings at first, but it wasn't painful. He filled me up all the way and then sat me up (with the needle in) to drink Water. We made some adjustments for about 5 minutes until I could swallow confortably. And then it was done!
Hope this helps - congrats on your weight loss!