Hi Kelly. Surgery was June 12, 2015. Had my last fill end of October so I'm now a 6.5 and I'm right where I want to be. I get very uncomfortable if I try to eat more than I should. Not entirely sure what you mean by average food if you mean what variety or amount. I do my best to stick to lean meats like chicken and turkey and fish and eat plenty of veggies. I only eat off a small plate so my brain sees a full plate and satisfies me more. I do exercise a lot and still need to fight off cravings. This band is a tool to use for success. Also when eating I always have my protein first because sometimes I can get to full before finishing what I served myself and that protein is super important