Hi Caz
Im due my gastric band surgery just before you on the 17th April 2012.
I had a little fright like you, thinking the same thing....But after looking around on here, and seeing a few people I know who have had the band -do so well....I KNOW they work.
But as ive found out...the best way to describe a band is as a 'TOOL'....it can help you, if you can help yourself.....if you stick to low fat cooking, and eat like your meant too...as the band will make you realise if you can or cannot overdo it or digest it....then it is possible....but its a life choice your making...its surgery....once you have it, yes there is an option to reverse it, but why would you want to put yourself through so much if you didnt have the passion to change your life by using the band as its intended.