Hi! Well, I can only speak from my experience.... but, I think I am MORE fun!
I cook more - I want to try more things... I enjoy trying more things. I eat far less than my husband and children - however I eat very slowly.... so it's not like I finish quickly and just sit there. I take my time. I finish my small bit in the time they eat their normal portion. Husband gets the big plate and my daughter and I get the smaller plates. It's fun.
As for the soda - I know all doctor's are different... but I know plenty of banded people who drink soda still. (diet) My surgeon told me to let it sit out for a bit so the bulk of the carbonation is gone... then sip slowly if I really want some. Personally, I've found that I don't even crave it anymore.
The band is awesome....