Happy daze is where I am right now. Was banded at Runneymede Mr J Horner. 4/01/12 and despite all the fear and worry prior to banding I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I have ever been. I finally did something about my weight. I told my brain that my little frame, at 5 feet 2 couldn't cope with being 14 stone 8 and that was after a year long struggle to get from 15 and a half stone. My heaviest being 17 stone 12. I had enough. I needed a jump start and that is what I have. I was scared but excited. I actually enjoyed the checking in to my nice room, clean quiet, time to myself. New Vera Wang nightie, a present from one of my lovely sisters, new Christmas slippers and my iPad of course and I was away. Only thing that was missing was a nice big box of Thorntons. But that was another life away. The first night wasn't easy but the staff were so attentive, I never felt alone. I actually felt like I was in a nice hotel, the primary difference being that people got up close and personal and gave me controlled drugs! Can't be all bad then. I was only in overnight and can't say it has been painful, uncomfortable yes but what else would you expect if you let someone fiddle with your insides as if you were one of those end of pier machines where people put money in and try and grab a nice fluffy bear. I found the Nurofen Melts on your Tongue were nice. Taste good and easy to take. Took them as per the box for 4 days and then found I was fine. No pain from the little wound sites but huge bruise on my tummy which honestly doesn't hurt at all. It looks hideous and changes colour every day. Good for sympathy and show and tell! So now 2 weeks on. Do I regret it ....not a bit of it. Have lost 19 pounds since the pre op diet which was 3 weeks of fat free. Highly commended is the new 0% fat free Greek yoghurt with honey from Waitrose. Funny I can't bear the texture of it now post-op. Also their tomato and basil essentials cup of soup. Very low 0.1% fat. I now love Rowntrees sugar free jelly, although the first day it felt like an octopus wriggling in my tummy, I hadn't got hold of the slow thing. I am also using Slimfast for breakfast some days to keep my protein intake up. I have spent my recuperation time becoming obsessed with E Bay and buying next size down clothes as my 18 clothes are already hanging. I can't imagine being a size 14 but hoping that I get this right. I am inspired by peoples stories here and was delighted to have made a friend in hospital, she recommended this site and I am grateful to her. Good luck to you all. You are brave and inspirational. I hope my little blog helps you.