I'll throw in my 2 cents worth.
I had a gastric bypass 15 years ago. I lost 128 lbs., and have stayed within that weight +/- 10 lbs. I weigh less during the summer when I'm more active than I do doing the winter.
I investigated all the surgeries available for weight loss before making the decision (there were around 60 of them at the time). When I decided on the procedure and surgeon, I attended support meetings and got a list of women to call and talk to about their experience. They were all very candid and honest.
It's a very evasive surgery, I religiously followed all the post-op instructions. I did have an "apron" after I lost all the weight and, because of hygenic issues, was able to have a tummy tuck covered by my insurance. Oddly enough, I thought the tummy tuck was far worse than the bypass.
I'm lactose intolerant, I crave sugar but it doesn't like me so I have to be careful, I will have vitamin deficiencies for the rest of my life so will always have to take supplements, I cannot eat hamburger, steak, or prime rib because I cannot break it down and digest it. I cannot eat rice because it "clumps" on me, I cannot eat dense fish either. I have kidney stones because of a calcium issue which is common in people with bypasses.
Am I thin. No. Do I look normal. Yes. Can I sit in a seat on a plane without an extension. Yes. Can I sit comfortably in a movie theater seat with room to spare. Yes. If I sit in a school desk, am I able to get up without taking the desk with me. Yes. (When I was in college I used to wait until everyone left the room before I tried to get out of my chair). Did I live to see my son graduate from high school when there was a real possibility I wouldn't. Yes. He's now 29 and I look forward to seeing him married and enjoying my grandchildren.
This is a real personal choice, it isn't for everyone. I know people that have been successful, and unsuccessful, with stomach stapling, gastric bypass, and lap band. None of these procedures should be taken lightly. It took me 6 months to make the decision, I pulled my mom and brother into the decision making process to get their opinions (my mother was all for it, my brother was scared to death I was going to die from it). I don't regret doing it but if I were to gain all the weight back, I would not do it again.