Hi kelly Can't tell you what you should decide but I was 5'7 and 353 when banded. That was in november and things are going well for me. Every ones weight loss seems to go at different rates depending on restriction and personal experiences. It still is my responsibility to make good food choices. The band is a tool to help not a quick fix and not easy. I urge you to learn as much as you can before having any type of surgery. Good luck.

Do your research on both, and then make a decision based upon what is right for you. For me..... a single mom with four kids...... the risks involved with banding were much less than bypass, which was important to me and could be different for you.

It is a difficult decision that you should make with your family and health care providers. yes, bypass is more invasive. However, based on what I have seen (3 of my aunts have had bypass), you drop the weight very quickly upfront. Now that may sound great, but that can be dangerous and cause other problems.

I am 7 months out with my band. I have lost 52 pounds. All of that was in the first 4 1/2 months, when I believed all I could eat was 6-8 ounces of food. Then I learned I could eat more...ugh. I also have been tightened very slowly due to acid reflux. So I really wasn't getting the restriction until recently. I started at 278, so my journey isn't as long, but I wouldn't have done it any other way. I chose lapband because it was reversable, less invasive and the thought of my anatomy being changed physically didn't set right. But bottom line, talk with your family and your doctor. You are doing the right thing by taking your time.