morganclan

I am so glad you asked this question since it's been one that has burning in my brain for a while now...I have a choice of either lapband or gastric bypass...completely up to me. I was very comfortable with the lapband until several well meaning people started me doubting my decision. Obviously they all think bypass is the better choice (most especially those who had it of course) and the only people (other than my husband who really wants the higher safety surgery rating of the band) to say they prefer lapband are the ones on the internet who have had it done. Big topic being debated in my head on a daily basis and I really feel I need support to stand by my decision.

I agree too...would like to have sleeve but ins. only covers banding and rny so of the two choices, I chose banding and I plan to make it work. If I do end up with problems with the band that I can't live with, I may end up doing self pay for the sleeve but my hope is that I will be able to make the band work for me without medical issues such as erosion, port pain, etc.

I think it depends on your insurance company and their requirements. Many ins. companies require 6 months of supervised diet from a doctor or nutritionist. I don't know how it would work if your weight kept going up each month. If you are self pay, it would just depend on the surgeon's willingness to perform the surgery on someone with lower BMI