November 2008, I had lapband surgery. I was at a weight of 232. Not that heavy, but with lots of health issues.

Shortly afterwards, I came off of most of my medications and my numbers are still coming back good.

Diabetes - A1C score dropped from 6.9 on meds, to 5.5 without meds.
Cholesterol - Dropped from the 230 range on meds, to the 190 range (still on meds)
Triglicerides - can't tell you the exact score, but my doctor is happier
Blood Pressure - under control with no meds. Doctor keeps me on a light med to keep my BP low due to the diabetes.

I've only lost down to around 180, but now I'm back up to 200. Yes, I know it's only 32 lbs lost, but the health benefits out weight the weight loss.