Hi there and welcome!!!
I will tell you honestly, it no walk in the park, but the rewards outweight the negative. If you are ready for a complete lifestyle change, you are ready for lapband surgery.
I researched all WLS options and even though gastric bypass and duodenal switch surgery are covered by our Provincial healthcare, I chose to pay on my own for Lapband surgery and it was the BEST decision I have ever made for my health.
I was banded in Ontario, Canada on June 10th. I started my pre-op diet on May 27th for two weeks and it was difficult, but it's temporary and we have all done it or are about to. Post op recovery was not unusual. Major surgery takes time to recover from, there was some discomfort in my port area for about 4 weeks, nothing major, I returned to work 6 days after surgery and I was fine. The liquid post-op diet is fine, make sure you have lots of choices and do not count calories or quantities during this time, you are healing and need nutrition.
Once you start on solids, you do need to count calories and portions until your first fill. I lost 12 lbs pre-op, 20 lbs post op before my first fill 5 weeks after surgery. So if you add that up, I lost 32 lbs in 7 weeks, not too shabby!!
I am down 43 lbs now in three months and I am thrilled at how great I feel, I have about 100 to go and believe me this is the most exciting time of my life!!
I wish you much luck with your decision and if you have any other questions, just ask. This forum is amazing, the people will be become your family and provide you with a kick in the butt when you need one and full support always!!
Take care!