I was banded 1yr ago the 25th. I have done really great i am at my goal 122 from 204. I have had some issues but nothing that I wouldn't do over in heart beat for the same results. At one time or another you will probably suffer from sever acid reflux it will wake you up during the night with you feeling like you are drowning you will start to cough and cough. You can prevent this by taking an acid reducer, not eating or drinking ANYTHING at least 2 hours before sleep, and you can elevate the head of your bed. This started as I reached my goal weight and my band was a little to tight. I don't want to scare you but this scared me as I had not heard of anyone having experienced this. I can not stress eating slow slow slow, I am a very fast eater, always have been and this is a huge issue especially after banding you will throw up!!!!!!!!!! Your body reacts before your brain engages that you have reached full. Your new stomach is about the size of an egg by the time you take 3bites you're full but you don't realize it as quickly so be aware and chew slowly this can be especially embarrassing if you are out at a restaurant and you become projectile (been there ). That has been the worst of my experiences. That and if you are married your husband may feel that EVERY illness stomach upset is band related. My husband is very sweet and supportive but after my banding and 50 birthday I had some unrelated medical issues come up just after banding and he has felt that it is all because of the band. He doesn't fully get that maybe I might be getting older and falling apart partly because I look so darn good now . Good luck to you it is amazing how much better you will feel about yourself.