I was just banded Dec. 14, 2011, and looking forward to seeing my weight loss continue. The hardest thing for me being 2 days into my new life, is not being able to eat "real" food. lol Liquid diet and tomorrow I can start blended food (yeah) lol. I lost over 30 lbs pre-op so I just keep thinking positive. I understand your situation, but at least you have a source of income. I am unemployed and have been for over a year. It can be stressful and hard, but use exercise as a stress release rather then food. Comfort food was in our past lives, post-op we are new people with new goals and new habits.