I was banded on Dec. 3, 2008. Boy there is a lot of misinformation out there. I've met with two different surgeons and both gave different info.
I have applied what works best for me. No drinking 15 minutes before, during and 1 hour after eating. I don't like the Protein shakes so I eat a Protein Bar for Breakfast - Snickers Marathon Bars. I usually eat whatever for lunch and dinner with a focus on protein - chicken, fish and even a sandwich now and then. I tear some of the bread off. 3 oz of protein and fill in with cooked veggies. I try to get at least 65g of protein. drinks include Crystal Light and water/lemon Water, minimum of 64 oz. a day. I will snack on cheese, vegies or nuts between meals but I usually don't get hungry enough to care. I eat about 1000-1200 calories a day. No candy, ice cream or general junk food.
Exercies...walk, anything. Just keep moving. It burns calories. More calories burned...more weight lost.
Surgery was for the most part easy. Struggled with the Protein Shakes but I got through it. Recovery softs were Soups and mashed potatoes, egg salad. I was fine with it. I had some pain a day or so after surgery. It was from the gas they used during surgery. Gas-X fixed that.
Oh...I'm down 80 lbs. I would do it again in a second. I feel great. I went from size 46 to 38 pants and 3x to large shirts. It's nice to buy clothes at Old Navy and Aero that fit and are stylish.
If you have any questions I will more then happy to answer. Good luck!
Brian