My wife has this surgery 5 years ago, lost 160 pounds (over half her body weight), and has pretty much kept it off. Judging from the support group she attended for several years afterwards and the results of others we know that had this surgery, that puts her in the <10% of those that have KEPT the weight off. Yes, I'm proud of her... it's just that I also would advise anyone considering this to seriously consider the consequences. The first year or so was NOT fun as her eating habits changed drastically and not all by choice. Foods she loved caused her to become violently ill. This is NOT a magic bullet that automatically causes you to lose weight. Yes, it restricts food intake but only at one time - you can still stuff yourself all day long and eat high calorie foods. It requires a lifestyle change and if you have the the drive to make the commitment then maybe you should apply that same drive to working out and diet. I would only recommend this surgery to someone with medical issues for which their doctor agrees that the surgery is the only way to lose weight. If not, odds are that you'll be spending a lot of money and pain for nothing.
Anyone who has any questions about this surgery from my wife or me are welcome to contact me. As I said, my wife is considered a "success" but from what I've seen, that's very rare in the long term. If nothing else, talk to someone else who has actually been through it for a few years - NOT the people advertising it.
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