I was banded on 7-2-08 and have lost 62 pounds. YES it was worth it. I love the fact that I can actually feel full without eating everything in the house. I have not felt deprived at all. Food has been my best friend almost my whole life. The decision to let this friend go was the hardest part of this journey. But, the rewards are well worth it. I was able to stop taking blood pressure medicine within the first month of the surgery. Try to stay away from sugar after the surgery. Make protein your priorty for eating. Protein will make you feel full and help you keep your strength up. Good Luck