I have 2 friends that had the gastric bypass and did great. My mom (age 66) had it done March 22 of this year. She had a problem with striction and they had to balloon her intestine. They say it happens once in a while. Also there is a higher risk of having gallbladder problems. My mom already had hers removed before her bypass. I can say all 3 have lost weight, diabetes and high bloodpressure are GONE. My mom takes less meds now than she did before. She feels so much better and is active now. I have heard the risks and I believe you need to be very committed to following the diet plan to help prevent any adverse effects. The lose skin is an issue but for the three I know, they say its worth losing the joint pain and health problems. Good luck and get all the info you can before you make your decision.