i had it done in 2002, lost 135lbs, gained back about 40 from some meds i was taking, once i figured that out, i've lost it again (back down to 125) and have kept it off for the last 8 years. i can eat 1/2 sand for lunch meat and veg for dinner, slimfast for breakfast and i'm stuffed. it worked for me, my doc is jealous of my blood work, my bones aren't too happy, but for 55, its not too bad a trade off considering the trade off. each person needs to make their own decision with their doctor. don't let strangers tell you what to do, let the people who take care of you who know you best help you decide and go from there. it might work for you, it might not. it did for me.