N.G.
Hi C., I have lap-band, I had it done in September of 2010. Not sure the exact amount you have to be over, but at 375 pounds I more than qualified! I went to Dr. Richard Carter in Arlington, Texas. The surgery was relatively easy, and I took two days off to recover, then I was back to work.
I've lost almost 100 pounds, but I"ve had to work my booty off for every pound! The lap-band is NOT quick fix of any sort. It is a tool only, the real work comes from you. You can eat junk food with the lap-band just like you could before. You can over-eat with the lap-band just like you could before. You can make bad choices just like you did before. Lots of people ask, "Why not just diet and exercise?" and that's actually a good question. For me, the lap-band gave me a sense of hope that I had never had, and I think that's what led to the good choices and weight loss. I don't regret my decision to do it at all.
Only choose lap-band if you are willing to commit to a healthy lifestyle and do that work that comes with it.