Hey David. Surgery was a breeze for me too. My recovery was a little longer than expected, because the surgeon also repaired an umbilical hernia, but I was back to work in a little over a week. I have had only one fill, back in November. I definitely noticed a change in what I was able to eat. I have to make sure I chew everything very well. I also experienced (the day after the fill) my first "pain" from eating a little too much. I now try to be very careful and to eat slowly so that I can better recognize the "full" feeling and avoid the pain caused from eating a little too much.
I also was Realize banded by Dr. Ben-David at Shands. As of today, I am down 80 lbs. and am feeling great. I just finished a mile walk on my lunch break. I could not have done that 6 months ago.