Was acquainted with a lady who was 400+ lbs and had the band done. She was emotionally damaged before the surgery, and she became severely anorexic following, thus the remains of her stomach didn't expand as it was intended to. She was having to eat every hour, day and night and drink supplement drinks as her stomach wouldn't hold more than a couple tablespoons of food at a time. She also had an alcohol problem which was a bigger concern, and she ultimately died of the combo.

Conversely, I have a friend who was and has been in very solid frame of mind from before her surgery till now, several years later. She uses portion control, exercises and is quite active after losing a ! lot ! of weight. She will be fine long term. So much depends on the individual and their mental state.