I really needs some help

[Bonnie_Lass 1]

I just want to second some of the other people's advice here with my story. My family doctor suggested gastric bypass to me, he hasn't had a lot of patients do weight loss surgery. He did have one recent one who had the Roux en y gastric bypass and had success. I told him later that I thought the gastric band looked good to me. He researched it, called me in to the office and told me that was the way to go - less risk, slower weight loss (safer), no malabsorbtion, and the same results as gastric bypass 5 years out statistically. I think he'll be recommending the band, rather than bypass to other patients now. The only disadvantage where I live is that gastric bypass is covered by provincial insurance and banding is not - self pay unless you have really good private insurance.

Anyway, when I seen costs - bypass costs more than banding - perhaps your surgeon is steering you to the more profitable surgery for him/her. I'd check that info you're getting because it doesn't match with what I've seen. I don't get the part about the band not being permanent - it will still be there indefinately. It has the advantage of being reversable, but I can't even imagine choosing that. I felt I needed the surgery because I know I would regain the weight otherwise.

Only you can judge what might work best for you, but I have no regrets about choosing the band for me. I could eat more at a meal than many others around me, so I figured Portion Control would be a big help. And I do love my sweets too - just have to keep them portion controlled too.

[fishy09 0]

Thanks to everyone and all of their support. I am now waiting on insurance!!!

[JoJo1 0]

I chose the band because I wanted to have a non invasive procedure. I could not be off work long enough to do an extensive one. Also I have read a lot about the Gastric Sleeve which can also be an option for some. It is more invasive than the band but less than the Bypass. As far as the sucess rate, from my perspective, and I have researched this a lot, the Gastric Bypass is not very effective at all with 10 times the side effects. If we go into this with the idea that the surgery will keep us from eating, it is the wrong reason. A hammer won't do the work for us, we have to do it and the hammer makes it easier. The people who post here and on other forums don't all realize this. If you need to talk to a professional before you start, I highly recommend this, because having the right expectations is crucial. Keep up the good work!!!

[Dannah_K 0]

I can tell you what I know about gastric bypass surgery. My friend has has this procedure twice within a four year span. To date she has almost regained all of her weight back for the second time. Ultimately, success depends on the efforts of the individual. I chose lap band surgery as a weight loss method because there is less down time and I didn't want the atrocious scar on my stomach. I believe either of the procedures demand commitment.