paankadu

I am 46 years old and have struggled with weight since I was a child.  I lose 40 gain 30, lose 60 gain 70.  I did Nutri System a couple of years ago and lost 65 lbs - couldn't afford the plan anymore and kept it off for awhile and then it slowly crept back on.  I have gained back about 30 of it.  I am so sick of feeling like this but if I don't exercise about 15 hours a week and restrict my calories to minimum it doesn't budge.  I am tired of feeling like crap and who wants to walk into a gym at 275?I am looking for information - we have a clinic not to far so I will be looking into the seminar but looking to have a few questions answered first.How is this different than gastric bypass?My insurance is one of the providers listed on the website so I don't think I will have a problem with that aspect.  What are some of the pre visits that you have to do?How long are you off work?  I have a desk job - no lifting required.  I don't want to miss too much work because if we are gone over a certain period of time we have to go thru a program to be released back to work.What are some of the nutritional aspects?Any other information or advice?I know I can find most of it if I peruse the boards but I don't have the time to sift thru the thousands of messages on here.  Would some one be able to offer a concise explanation of what to expect pre - and post-op?  When going thru the boards I am seeing so many messages of disappointment, frustration and feeling that everything was not explained to them so i am trying to gather as much as I can.I appreciate any information and advice.I will be back over the weekend to spend some more time researching.