You should research all 4 options: lap band, sleeve, gastric bypass, and DS. Personally from all my years in the WLS world, the lap band has the MOST complications.

for me the band wasn't an option because you have to have fills which are separate insurance issues and it didn't give the weight or health benefits that the others did. I also found in my research that the sleeve is getting similar results to the bypass but as it's not as well studies because it's newer I went with the tried and true bypass. Your surgeon will help with the research but a lot is available online, look at how your health issues are impacted and go with whatever gives you the best and most sustainable results for you.

Personally, I chose the RNY gastric bypass). It was the best option for me. Any WLS is going to be some amount of trouble. I just had to decide what was more trouble...dealing with whatever I needed to do for surgery...or dealing with my declining health and the years that me co-morbidities were surely robbing my life of. I do not regret my decision one bit and I would do it again My hubs is actually planning surgery in December of this year. He is going to have the sleeve done. Feel free to add me as a friend. My diary is open and I log everything everyday, so you can see at least what I am able to eat as a 2.5 month out post-op. We are all different, but you can see an example of life in *my* pouch Best of luck to you!

I wanted the sleeve so I could still take NSAID's but insurance wouldnt cover it so I had RNY. I am still very happy with my decision it just stinks that i cant have nsaids but you make do! I didn't want the lapband because I heard it had the most complications and it was the slowest at weight loss. I joined obesityhelp.com when I was thinking about wls and many people there had bands but were getting them out for the bypass, ds or sleeve. Good luck with your decision!

Every single procedure can have complications and varied results. All of them are simply tools to help you lose weight, not a solution in and of itself. I chose the band and if I could do it over again, I would make the same decision. I didn't like the how invasive gastric-bypass was. My friend had it and lost 150lbs really fast, but gained it back really fast as well, which she then had the lap-band put in. I looked at the sleeve, but didn't like that it wasn't adjustable and that there's not a lot of solid, long-term data on it like there is the band and RNY. Guys typically lose weight more quickly than women (with or without WLS) so the gradual weight loss with the band seemed like a good fit for me and when used right, the weight loss is more rapid than gradual. But as I mentioned, it's only a tool. You can easily gain weight back if you don't change your habits and lifestyle. The adjustments (fills) associated with the band a very easy and painless. They literally take about 10 seconds. I only go once, maybe twice a year for adjustments and I pay $75 (without health insurance). For the first year after surgery my weight loss center did the adjustments for free. Before my gall bladder surgery a month ago they removed the fluid from my band and I was back to "normal" as if I never had it in, so I got to see just how reversible the band is. In fact, the band can be completely removed, if needed/wanted, which was another reason I chose it. Good luck with your decision...it's not an easy one...but feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.

I had the lap band March 12 2012 and I have lost 40lbs. My BMI was just at 35 and my surgeon only wanted me to lose about seventy pounds total. The nurse at the office said I was a good fit for the band because I didnt have that much to lose. She said in her experience people with a BMI over 40 had the least success with the band. I am over half way there and my surgeon could not be happier! I really love the band-I was skeptical the first few weeks..

i had a bypass. rny. i have had a few minor issues, mostly resulting in having my gallbladder removed and having monthly shots of b12 and the occasional b1 shot and iron infusion. (i have trouble absorbing iron now) i also have become extrememly lactose intolerant and i do miss being able to take nsaids as they worked best on my migraines. however i lost more that what doc wanted me to weigh so weight wise it was a huge success, i also got real lucky in that i didnt get real saggy skin, tiny stomach flapiness but nothin that would qualify me for more surgery. someday tho i would love to tummy tuck tho since i know that will permanently remove a few inches n pounds!
i would do it again. rny,
i did not choose lappand just cuz the idea of some object left in me freaked me out! idea of fills did too....

I had the sleeve done on March 12, 2012 and have lost 80 lbs so far. It's the best decision I ever made. I think it's better than Lap-Band, because you don't have to mess with all the fills, and better than gastric bypass and all of the malabsorbtion issues.

I had RNY on 6/22/11. I have lost 100lb since surgery and 130 total. Make sure you really do your home work when selecting your surgeon and the procedure. Luckily I have Bariatric surgery center of excellence in my area. After reviewing many of the questions others have asked on sites like "thinner times" I was amazed at how unprepared many people for the surgery. It is also critical to have a support system. I have been attending monthy group meetings and I belive that is a key element to success.