Hi,
I had my lap band placed just this morning, and I know exactly the type of thoughts you are having because I've had them too. I additionally suffer from anxiety problems, and dealt with that this morning. The whole process went by quickly, though, and honestly, the worst part for me was the waiting this morning for my surgery, and even that wasn't too bad.
I had my husband there in the pre-surgery area and found that him continually talking and joking with me distracted me enough so that I wasn't as anxious as I thought. The nurses were great and continually checked on me, making me feel better. I got lidocaine to numb the top of my hand before they put in the IV, and for some reason not feeling the IV there made me feel better. Then as soon as they wheeled me in to the OR, they gave me a sedative which completely knocked me out, so I didn't even have to stay awake in the OR for more than a minute. The next thing I knew I woke up with a little discomfort, but it wasn't by any means unbearable.
Since I got home, I've been able to drink Water, juice and broth, get up and walk around, and play around on my computer. My discomfort has changed from gas to a little muscle pain, but the pain medication makes me feel better. I haven't been hungry yet, although I expect to be! I know my experience is not a long term one, but if I knew before hand what I know now, I wouldn't have been so anxious going in.
I am going to have faith that what others say about adjusting to a changed relationship with food is true. On my way home I passed all my favorite fast food places. I thought to myself that it may be a hard journey, but that I am worth it, and so are you!
My suggestion was to bring bottled water with you for the car ride home. I was so thirsty!