I had the Plication done on the 5th of Dec. 2010. Today is January 25. Day of surgery I weighed 211 and now I weigh 190. I do wish the results were a little better but for the first few weeks, I was loosing 5 pounds a week. So I think your body just has to take a break and just heal, and relax. This is a big change. I eat pretty much whatever I want to eat, just in smaller amounts. I do try to stay away from the things I know are horrible for me. I believe dieting never worked for me because I would starve myself from the foods you crave sometimes...then when you grab it you really go to town and over eat. Now I treat myself to small portions and I'm satisfied. I origionally was going for the band and ended up choosing plication because of the fills. I live far away from any place that could fill and it would've been a ordeal to go back and forth. So I wanted a more permantent option...but the least complicatied. I had pain the first 24hrs, especially on my left side and that's common. I flew back 2 days after surgery...6hr flight and I wore jeans....I was fine. If you're concerned about discomfort ask the Doctors to give you something for your journey. My cuts never were an issue, didn't even really notice them . Go with your heart and do what you know you've wanted for years, there's nothing to be worrysome about. It was a wonderful experience and I would do it all over again. Hope this helps.....Tina