I think you need to research all types of weight loss surgery before making a decision. Personally, I would recommend you look into the sleeve over the lap band. Similar restriction without the maintenance of the band.

I had gastric bypass and love my RNY, but i know the malabsorption scares people. I would have WLS again in a heartbeat. I love having my life back. I also did not want my kids constantly teased for having a fat mom. Kids are cruel enough without us adding to their struggle.

If you are not comfortable with surgery then do not let them push you into it. I had lap bad surgery on Jan 3 2012. I do not regret it but it was my decision. I did not go through my insurance as I had no medical condition other than I was over weight, so I understand the money thing. If you are not ready for surgery then I say do not do it. Research you doctors and the surgeries if you are thinking about it.

I would speak directly to your insurance company and find out exactly which types of surgery are covered and how much coverage. Also I would get a second opinion for a different doctor. Intimidation is never a good thing from a doctor or staff. You need to find someone your comfortable with and who will actually hear your concerns about having surgery.
I had an open R-N-Y on March 13, 2012, at the time I had 24 co-morbidities that qualified me for surgery. Like everyone else death was one of my biggest fears, but my surgeon actually put me at ease.
I went on a 1200 calorie diet before hand and had to meet all the requirements before getting approval. I had a $1000.00 copay up front that was required just before surgery. The diet I was on was just food you would normally eat, nothing special, and I did have to meet with the nutritionist, but usually your PCP can consul you on this also.
The reason I chose this surgery over the lapband is mainly I felt it wouldn't work for me and the numerous fills. Now with the type of surgery I had, has gotten me off all but three medications. I no longer take any diabetic medications at all and I am down to 10 mg on my blood pressure and cholesterol medications. The only other one I take is to help me sleep at night. Since surgery I have lost close to 30lbs and almost 60 lbs altogether.
Please see if your PCP can refer you to someone else or attend a seminar where they will explain all surgical options in order to give you more information.

It does sound like the doctor is pushing you a bit and using scare tactics. Sounds more like a used car salesman than a concerned doctor. Research the different types of surgery. Many people have absolutely no complications and others have issues..and yes, people have died. Research your doctor and the hospital for mortality rates. If you aren't comfortable with this particular doctor...find one that will discuss all options with you and not try to sell you the first clunker on the lot.

I used to have a doctor who thought that I wasn't taking the dangers of my comorbidities seriously enough. Like you, I was hypertensive, pre-diabetic and a few other things that were more of annoyances to me at the time.. and I got the scare tactics, too. He never once talked to me about any kind of WLS, though.. and two years later, after I'd had it and was miles healthier,I went back to him and he actually apologized for NOT recommending it to me. For the record, initially, I was planning to get the lap band, too.. but after a TON of research, I decided to have laporoscopic RNY instead. I know how I am and if there is a way around something that keeps me from what I love, I'll find it and use it a LOT.. I thought the permanent option was better for me and I was right.

HOWEVER.. surgery is NOT the answer for everyone. I had to finally come to the realization and admission that I was down to life or death. If I didn't lose a VOLUME of weight, I would be dead within five years. The numbers and projections for doing it "the old fashioned way" weren't promising and I had to be honest with myself. Either I was going to die slowly and painfully over five years.. or I was going to go out fighting to save my own life.

Harsh? maybe.. but that's the conclusion I came to for me.

I would do it again in a minute. I'd have done it ten years earlier if my fear hadn't talked me out of it. I'm nowhere near my goal weight but my life is so much better now. I have control over things I didn't before.. and now I know I have a fighting chance if I do try to keep going "the old fashioned way" because the tool never stops working.

Do more research. There are a TON of really great bariatric surgeons in the Phoenix area. I also recommend a website called obesityhelp.com -- they have search engines that will give you doctors in your area along with real life recommendations and you can see their schooling and everything.

In the end, you have to make this decision yourself or you will never be able to succeed. It's NOT the easy way. It's JUST as hard but in a different way.. and it requires soul searching and honesty about your situation.

Good luck!
Stefanie

Any Doctor that is pushing an elective procedure, especially on a reluctant patient should be reported to his governing body. The Dr. seems to be more interested in his pocket than your health. Run, and run as fast as you can. There are, as others have suggested, many other options. Do your research. I recommend reading "The Real Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery", by Janeway, Sparks, & Baker. The book is extremely well written, easy to read, there are other books as well, but this one was recommended by my pre-surgery doctor.

Basically, you need to find a multi-disciplinary practice that will offer you options... and extrodinary post surgical support. AFTER you do your homework, then decide what is right for you, and when is right for you! This is ONLY about you, so be stubborn, be strong and if you can't get the answers did your heels in until you do.

God Bless, and much love.

In the end, no one can make you get on the table. You have to make that choice.

You need to be in a comfortable place, both emotionally and financially and it sounds like you are not for either of these.

12 pounds in a month is a fantastic loss. Don't discount it at all. If you also start making small changes in your eating you will continue to see good results.