Charelle-
This is a really good question and about the only question I did not ask. I did an incredible amount of research prior to selecting this procedure and Dr. Ortiz. So far, I am very pleased with my decision. I was banded July 31st, have been on food for almost a week. I have lost 30.5 lbs since I made the decision to get banded in June - 11 on preop, 11.5 postop. I selected #2 preop diet and did it for 2 weeks. It was a nice step before the liquid diet and helping me make better decisions now. I'm glad I did it and didn't cheat. The 2 things I was not prepared for were the extreme bloating after and the mental hunger - it's been a roller coaster. I was a bit depressed the 1st week, which I hear is normal. I'm fine now. Being on liquids for 3 weeks is very difficult mentally. The mind is a powerful thing, so I opted to see a therapist who specializes in WLS. The feeling 2-10 days after surgery for me was one of hunger, yet extreme fullness (from the bloating), and a sore belly, all at the same time. It was frustrating and the only thing that got me through it was knowing it was temporary.
So far so good. Congrats!