Hi. I am kinda new here so forgive me if I did this wrong. First, congrats on the banding! I was banded 11/24/08 and trust me, the bowels will start to work right again and you will start to feel pain relief after a week or so. At least that was my experience. I am having a hard time feeling restricted but the fills should be taking care of that soon.(ihope!). I am on facebook (tammie chappell oregon) and myspace (TLC Portland,or) if you all want to see photos since I am not sure how to add them on here. Feel free to message me there as well