I started out at 347, banded at 333, and am now 320 as of my last weigh-in at the local postal scale.
I had never considered by-pass before, though I do have relatives who've been successful with that surgery.
I "have heard of" more people with success having the band. Friends of friends. "She's lost over a hundred pounds."
I personally know 3 women who've been banded and they are all doing well with their weight loss journey.
I'm one month out, just about healed up, had my first fill and am doing OK. I'm suffering through my first major PB as I type this and that's not fun, though I'd never go back.
Darr