Hi WE201,
I had my band put in 2/4/08 and it took me a while to get a fill where I was not hungry. I had my consult two months before surgery and lost 30lbs between by consult and surgery then I only lost an additional 30 lbs in the next 6 months just by following the diet and being hungry. But I knew the band would kick in eventually. Most of us heavy people are good at dieting for 6 months or more, it's keeping the motivation up and keeping the weight off. After the first 6 months my restriction was good and I lost 40lbs by my one year anniversary and had reached my goal of 150. I started out at consultation at 250. Now I'm a month away from two years and down to 138. It is totally worth it! I had a lot of health issues that are either resolved or much lessened. I also love shopping for 8s instead of 26s.
I feel the real benefit of the band is the tool effect. You practice good eating but also are much less tempted because your not that hungry all the time. Do I cheat? Sometimes but not that often and when I do it might be 2 or three Cookies and then I don't want anymore. Before I could sit down and eat a whole box or batch of homemade in a sitting or a day. I also think the slow approach lets you get your head around the whole process and adjust to your changing body.
My surgeon also said he prefers bypasses, but feels that bands are successful if they don't eat a lot of liquid or soft calories.