hi grom
before my band i was just under 20st, the day of my 1st band op i was 19st 2 i got to my lowest weight in august 2007 which was 12st6, in the 12 months my band wasnt working i regained 2 stone i now currently weigh 14st 6. i personally chose a band as it was the right option for me as i was a volume eater i liked big portions on my meals, and the band has helped me to eat smaller meals and its stopped me eating certain foods altogether such as bread, when i gave up bread completley from my diet the weight seemed to just drop off. bands tend not to work so well for sweet eaters as cakes, sweets ice cream and chocolate will go through a band and some banders turn to that when they get stressed therefore hindering weight loss, you have to decide whats best for you for the type of eater you are.
good luck with your decision
liz x