After many days/weeks of reviewing this website, I have finally decided to to do. I called the Bariatric Surgery Center (at UT Southwester in Dallas) on Friday (10/27) to make an appointment. They asked me if I were interested in the by-pass or the lap band. I told them that I was interested in both. They are supposed to call me back next week for my first appointment. I have be trying to decide which surgery is the best option for me. Then yesterday, my best friend, Steph (who is considering the same thing) told me about a lady at our office who had recently been banded. She had it on a Thursday, and was back on work the following Monday. Our insurance paid for it, even though she doesn't have very many health issues (other than being over 100lbs and a high BMI (38). Steph and I spent all day Saturday shopping and talking about the surgery. Her husband is getting the by-pass surgery. While I like the idea of the by-pass surgery (quicker weight loss), I don't like the idea of it being permanent. Also, I've heard that if you develop stomach cancer, they can't scope you with a by-pass surgery.

My fears are that once banded, what if there are complications? Slippage, erosions, leakage. Will I know when that happens? What if I over eat, or eat too fast (while in public) and start throwing up, or whatever?

I'm so sick and tired of being fat. I've been seriously overweight since I was 22. At my current age of 44 I know that I have a very small window left to lose weight before I start seeing some serious long term health consequences. Currently, my health issues are relatively small, and are weight related. Joint pain, border-line diabetes, snooring, and a general feeling of just not feeling good.

Bottom line - I've decided to go with the lap-band. I will update as soon as I hear back from the Doctor's office.

You have taken a big step even thinking about the surgery. I too will be going the UT Soutwestern I made an appt for the 11 of November so I will be sure to tell you how it goes. Which doctor are you looking at to do the procedure? What insurance do you have?

you sounded like me - I am also 44 and know that its just a matter of time before my weight really starts to affect my health. I quit smoking a year ago because with heart disease in our family I knew that being over weight and a smoker was a heart attack waiting to happen. I have made the decision, gotten past all my pre-op tests and consults and just waiting to hear the ok from insurance co. and get my date. Best of luck to you and Steph (btw.. what a great name! lol )