I was banded june 23, 2005 so i have over a year under my "band" but at first i was like everyone else. i watched the clocked after every meal and waited exactly one hour before drinking. it really consumed my life at first. after about 4 or 5 month everything was like second nature. when going out to eat i dont even order a drink and i dont tempt my self with it. i usually go about my routine after my meal and i have become familiar with the feeling of my stomach being empty. after you can easily recognize that feeling you think you will figure everything out for yourself. hope this helps.