Hi, I had my band removed 2 weeks ago. I went to get my staples out of my incision today but have to wait till Monday. In all honesty I feel GREAT! The best I've felt in years. My initial stapling with vertical band was done 30 years ago. Over the last year I have had increased throwing up, less ability to get food in, down to 133 pounds, decreased muscle mass, night aspiration and dizziness, weakness, exhaustion and so on. For 2 weeks i can eat again. Just to eat a boiled egg, a piece of toast and a glass of milk feels heavenly. I find myself only wanting to injest that portion size. I also find me trying to fit at least that size in 4 times a day and it is extremely difficult. I can't seem to find time to overeat or as often as I should. So you are right. The band was a tool. A tool that has changed my eating habits as well as my food cravings. So I honestly think you all will do fine. I can say after 2 weeks I am excited to eat things like meat, raw veggies and fruit that I haven't really ate for 30 years. I certainly have lost the preoccupation with food i one had. Hopefully you will find this as well. Hugs