Hello all, I was banded Jan 14, 2010, since then have lost 53 lbs and I am so glad that I had it done. As for the gas and shoulder pains it lasted about a month and that was it, I still belch a lot but that is expected. The amazing thing to me is that food went from being my life to just eating food because I have to and that change in my thought process happened so gradually that I didn't even notice the change till a couple of days ago. Now I am actually enjoying life and doing things I haven't been able to do in years. Oh believe me, it is worth it. Good luck and God Bless to all of you.