I was banded 1/25/08. The first couple of weeks I wondered what I had done to myself. My port hurt like all get out and I couldn't find liquids that would make my stomach feel comfortable. It took a little time to heal, and once I was on soft foodsI felt much better. The first couple of weeks were the worst. But I really doubted the while thing there for a bit. Now - I love it. I can eat almost anything as long as I chew, chew chew. But I get full so much faster and am losing about 2 lbs a week. hold on -it will get better.