Is eating the hardest part when you start orthodontic treatment?

I'm considering getting braces, and I've seen comments saying that eating becomes very uncomfortable once you start.

I've heard that you have to avoid hard or sticky foods; are they actually heavily restricted?

Some people say that getting food stuck and brushing is harder than the pain itself.

I'm also curious how long the initial adjustment period takes. ㅠㅠ

For those of you who have had braces, what was the most uncomfortable part for you?