I had the lap band put in place just over 13 months ago. I have lost 68 of my 112 pounds lost since then, which, according to my surgeon, is already almost twice what I was projected to lose since surgery. And I am not nearly finished yet.

I have no experience with gastric bypass, obviously, and I know that both methods require lifestyle changes, but I really feel that if you go for the lap band, you MUST start to make those changes NOW, before you even have the surgery. You HAVE to learn how to listen to your body, and you must absolutely make regular appointments with your surgeon, whether you need a fill or not, and learn when you need an unfill, as well (I have learned this the hard way), and not feel like a failure if you need an unfill and then gain a pound or two while you are adjusting. It can be VERY subtle, and involves a LOT of trial and error, and can get frustrating, and maybe people give up, and this is why it fails them, I don't know. I have been lucky enough that my insurance paid for my surgery and all of my follow-up visits, so I am very grateful I can make this work for me.

Also, no matter what you choose, never ever let yourself fall into the trap of eating "easy" or "slider" foods just because they go down more easily, because that is the surest way to regain. Really educate yourself on the best things to eat/ways to eat that correlate to the kind of surgery you have had. You also really should start exercising, even walking is better than nothing.

My weight loss has slowed down a lot lately, but that is to be expected. Patience is a valuable skill. LoL. I am actually only 14 pounds from my original goal of 150 pounds, and if it takes me another year to get there, I am totally fine with that, because slow progress is still progress, Quick does not always equal better, no matter which surgery you ultimately choose.

It is up to you to make the right choice for yourself. There are a lot of naysayers out there that tend to shout louder than the ones for whom these things have worked. Success stories exist.

Regardless of which you choose, or even if you choose not to have surgery at all, I wish you the best of luck! :flowerforyou:

I forgot to mention with any of the WLS you won't be in bed long for any of them. I was up 4 hours after my sleeve surgery and every 4 hours after that night and day in the hospital. When I got home I never laid in bed except to sleep at night. I would sit in the recliner some but not all day. They don't want you laying around all the time due to blood clot risks. You gotta sip, walk and rest some then repeat.
Good luck with your decision!

thanks soo much ladies!!! Im not that scared anymore..its nice to have people to talk to who already went through it. So went to the dr's yesterday and im a good candidate. So i decided on bypass and they are scheduling my upper endoscopy and then once i pay the $500 fee (ouch) i will start 3 months with the dietician and like skills workshop and nutritionist..getting excited for a new me :]

Yeah...$500 at once is an ouch. I had to pay $360 for 6 visits with my dietitian, $250 for my psychologist appointment, and $525 for the supplies they required me to have pre op and post op. Not to mention the money it took for the dozens of 3 hour out of town trips to Houston...but it was well worth it and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat! It was a struggle too, as I live on ssi--my sons were a blessing to me and still are....

I had gastric bypass and could not be happier. I have had no complications. Will be 1 year out on March 30th.