I know several people whom have had this surgery. Some of them I just know had it and I've known them large most of their life but have only seen once or twice post surgery. My pastor had it and he has stayed thin all this time.
A coworker had the surgery. It wasn't long until I saw his lunches get larger and larger at work. Within a year, he was back to about half way to the size he was prior.
Unless you make major changes to your life, I don't think the surgery is very safe in my non-medical expert opinion.