Just thought I'd pop in and give my 2 cents on the procedure that I had almost 18 years ago, though I'm going to make it brief...
I had the stomach stapling done and yes, I lost weight, about 140 pounds if i remember correctly and then gained all but 40 back (mind you I'm 5 1 1/2" tall and was 284 when I had the surgery). Back then it's not like it's done today, not only that the surgery is different, but back then there was no support at all, once your surgery was done, adios. I am an emotional eater and when things get tough, I eat. If you are an ice cream lover, or a chocolate lover like I am, I can tell you, it slides down really easily. You can and you will gain if you eat crap like this, if you don't deal with issues that cause you to over eat, or eat the wrong things this surgery you aren't going to be successful. I don't care how small they make your stomach, it can stretch and you can easily gain weight from eating the wrong things.
I finally figured it out, took me almost 39yrs to do it, but I did. I went on SUGAR BUSTERS over 2 1/2 years ago and that's how I not only lost my weight but was at a weight that I hadn't seen since I was in elementary school.
Would I do it again, if it was back then, yes, but if I knew back then what I know today then it would be no because I know I can do it on my own. Once again, this is just my 2 cents and you have to do what's right for you.
BTW, Big Orange Babe aka BOB is a great person!!!! I met her a few years ago through our board and have seen her a few times over the past couple years. Will be seeing her in January in Orlando if not before and we gab on the phone quite often. There are definitely some wonderful people on these boards and I've been lucky enough to meet not only BOB but 18 other members from our board
GOOD LUCK!
Debbie
194/127/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01