I know one person that had the lap band. They lost some weight, but not all that they wanted. My neighbors (wife & husband) both had the by pass and they lost about 100 each. On the subject of excess skin...I have a cousin that lost a little over 100 lbs by dieting and exercise. She was even featured in a magazine for the weight loss. I think it was called Self Magazine. Nowhere in the article did it mention that she had a 10 hour surgery to remove skin, tighten muscles and breast implants. Although, she sure did look good, but I felt it would have been better to tell the whole story. Anyway, it is a tough decision. I wish you the best!