I will be completely honest here - I LOVE my band. I cannot imagine life without it. I was a total carb-addict. I love bread (still do), Cookies, pastries, etc. But, I don't crave them like I used to because I can't eat them with the band. For instance, if we were to go to a steakhouse before where they had bread, I'd easily eat 1/2 the loaf. (or more!) Now, I might have a tiny slice off of the end (crust) and am completely satisfied with that.
I haven't had a soda since March 7th and it hasn't really bothered me at all. I do know plenty of bandsters that drink diet sodas. For me, I'm just not a big soda drinker anyway, so it's not as big of an issue. My husband is considering the band but that is one of the things that is holding him back but I swear - you will grow to love how the band helps you make choices. At least, that is how I feel. I pick Proteins and pick better foods but do I do that every day? Honestly - no. There are some days where I'll have a small piece of brownie but the band helps me stay with 1 piece versus 5 or 6. That's the difference.
I have lost weight before with weight watchers only to give up and start gaining it back. I don't feel like I'm on a "diet" with the band. It's more of a new lifestyle that doesn't even really bother me. It's so different how my mindset is.
I would talk to other bandsters, check out some blogs, etc. I did a lot of research before getting mine and going into it completely knowledgeable is huge. You're doing the right thing by checking it all out.
Good luck to you and I'm always available if you have any questions.