I am 56 and was banded 10/15.
Lovethenewme told you what to expect from the band, so I'll tell you my experience with the surgery. I can't say I was in a lot of pain from the surgery itself, but the gas they pump into you has your stomach so distended, it is uncomfortable, but not unbearable.
They give you a liquid pain med , which helps and puts you to sleep.
The best thing you can do from get go is get up and walk, walk, walk. That gets rid of that gas. I never had the shoulder gas pain ppl talk about.
I was able to swallow my b/p, prilosec& arthritis medicine whole after 1 wk. I cut them up before then.
Like LTNM said, read everything you can and be prepared.
I wish you the best on your journey!