Hi,
I just read your post and I'm here to tell you that your fears are very common. I was banded on Nov. 9, 2009, just one month ago, and I've lost 31.5 lbs so far.
I'll tell you the truth, as I see it. The first 2 days after surgery I felt like I'd been hit by a truck-I ached from my jaw to my knees-but it started to subside by the 3rd night and quickly improved after that.
I had gas but not so much passing gas as burping. I felt pressure between my breastbone but not pain. My dr. suggested that I take GAS-X and it seemed to help.
Having nothing but liquids for the first 2 weeks was no problem nor was the soft diet for the next 2 weeks. I am starting on a regular diet today but plan to eat sensibly. I've been doing fine without carbs so why start eating them now.
I know it's only been a month but I'm ecstatic with my results and still very happy that I did it. I don't come on the site too often but if you'd like to email me directly, here's my email address: myqueen80@gmail.com I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have. By the way, I'm 52 also. And I feel so much better, physically, already.
Good luck with whatever you decide:smile2: