revision in TX

meledl,
Do NOT be discouraged at all!!! I only lost a few pounds right after surgery too; but, I kept losing steadily (sometimes 1 lb/wk, sometimes 4 lb/wk, sometimes no change!) but, overall...I have lost 75 pounds and am at my (1st) goal weight, at a year-and-a-half out! I think I have less sagging skin and other signs of "dramatic" weight loss than many people I have seen.
Make sure to get Protein, Vitamins, Water. Follow doctor's orders - which they usually don't care if you lose for 3-6 months while you're healing....the weight will come off. Slow and steady wins the race!!!! LOL

You are NOT alone...you have ALL the WLS folks on this site to complain to, ask questions of, brag to....we all have (or had) our "situations" throughout the journey...some, like yours, more difficult than others, to be sure....but we "keep on keeping on", day by day!!!
You always have an outlet here on-line. Although it's not the same as having a (local) support system, it's a pretty good back-up, so feel free to use it as much as you need to!!
Congrats on a surgery date! Take care of yourself - pre & post op - and you will be on your way to a happier, healthier YOU...for your son, your parents and, most importantly, YOURSELF!

You are NOT alone...you have ALL the WLS folks on this site to complain to, ask questions of, brag to....we all have (or had) our "situations" throughout the journey...some, like yours, more difficult than others, to be sure....but we "keep on keeping on", day by day!!!
You always have an outlet here on-line. Although it's not the same as having a (local) support system, it's a pretty good back-up, so feel free to use it as much as you need to!!
Congrats on a surgery date! Take care of yourself - pre & post op - and you will be on your way to a happier, healthier YOU...for your son, your parents and, most importantly, YOURSELF!

You probably WILL be able to eat a bite of pizza, sure!! As others have said, you just have to keep from going back to bad habits. You will also need to eat EVEN LESS than you think, because it expands and can make you really uncomfortable. This also assumes you have no lactose intolerance after surgery, which some do.
I can eat 1 piece of cheese pizza and be "full as a tick". When I get that craving, I'm able to dash it quickly, rather than eating everything ELSE in sight to satisfy the craving!
You don't have to give up EVERY good food FOREVER; however, the surgery alone will not do it for you magically, so you have to put forth effort on your part too.

MrsB: Only YOU can decide what is best for you and your body/health/situation!!! Things to also consider...how motivated are you? What are your "weaknesses" in losing weight? What are your family supports, influences? What are your health issues?
I had a Lap-Band, precisely because it was less invasive, had good (at that time) results and seemed like a great option. Wrong...I didn't lose much (only 40 #), had severe reflux and feel that I "wasted" that time and money, based on incomplete/incorrect "guidance" from bariatric surgeons.
I had a revision to RNY bypass in November 2014 and I only wish I had done it sooner. I have a healthier BMI, move easier, have no sleep issues, etc. etc. I eat basically anything I want, just in much lesser quantities. I have had a FEW episodes of overeating and/or too much sugar/fat/carbs, which made me sweat, feel faint and nauseous...miserable, but a good behavior modification!! I have kept off 76 pounds for almost 2 years without "excessive" effort. I eat much better; I move more and I feel great!!
I chose the bypass instead of the sleeve because it HAS stood the test of time and is the GOLD standard for a reason! The sleeve SEEMS to be the "next big thing" but, as you noted, there aren't long-term studies yet to confirm or deny it. I did not want to risk having to pay for another surgery, more anesthesia and (psychologically) another "failure". I was self-pay both times, because my insurance has no bariatric coverage...that made a difference in my decision as well.
I personally NEED both the restriction AND the malabsorption; however, I apparently have a very "adaptable" GI system, because I have VERY LITTLE dumping, lactose intolerance, etc. that some others have discussed on this board. Again...everyone is different and there are no hard-and-fast guarantees, so you just have to evaluate every facet and then go with what feels right FOR YOU!
Don't let your MD bully you just because she has done well. Her situation(s) may not be the same...her metabolism/nutrition, etc. may be totally different.
Either option you end up with....best wishes for a successful journey to a lighter, healthier life ahead of you!!! Please keep us posted on your progress.

Oops...date was November 2012, not 2014....DUH!!!

MrsB: Only YOU can decide what is best for you and your body/health/situation!!! Things to also consider...how motivated are you? What are your "weaknesses" in losing weight? What are your family supports, influences? What are your health issues?
I had a Lap-Band, precisely because it was less invasive, had good (at that time) results and seemed like a great option. Wrong...I didn't lose much (only 40 #), had severe reflux and feel that I "wasted" that time and money, based on incomplete/incorrect "guidance" from bariatric surgeons.
I had a revision to RNY bypass in November 2014 and I only wish I had done it sooner. I have a healthier BMI, move easier, have no sleep issues, etc. etc. I eat basically anything I want, just in much lesser quantities. I have had a FEW episodes of overeating and/or too much sugar/fat/carbs, which made me sweat, feel faint and nauseous...miserable, but a good behavior modification!! I have kept off 76 pounds for almost 2 years without "excessive" effort. I eat much better; I move more and I feel great!!
I chose the bypass instead of the sleeve because it HAS stood the test of time and is the GOLD standard for a reason! The sleeve SEEMS to be the "next big thing" but, as you noted, there aren't long-term studies yet to confirm or deny it. I did not want to risk having to pay for another surgery, more anesthesia and (psychologically) another "failure". I was self-pay both times, because my insurance has no bariatric coverage...that made a difference in my decision as well.
I personally NEED both the restriction AND the malabsorption; however, I apparently have a very "adaptable" GI system, because I have VERY LITTLE dumping, lactose intolerance, etc. that some others have discussed on this board. Again...everyone is different and there are no hard-and-fast guarantees, so you just have to evaluate every facet and then go with what feels right FOR YOU!
Don't let your MD bully you just because she has done well. Her situation(s) may not be the same...her metabolism/nutrition, etc. may be totally different.
Either option you end up with....best wishes for a successful journey to a lighter, healthier life ahead of you!!! Please keep us posted on your progress.

I don't know your situation and/or health status and/or weight/height, but I had BOTH a Lap-Band AND Bypass...and I wish I had "skipped" the Band completely. I chose the Lap-Band for the very reason you gave....less invasive, etc. but I ended up with SEVERE reflux and sub-par weight loss.
I was self-pay for BOTH surgeries...because my insurance doesn't cover any bariatric procedures.
The reason I did NOT choose the (less invasive) sleeve in between is that the "gold standard" is gastric bypass and has stood the test of time, so I didn't want to risk another failure and be faced with only the option of bypass.
I'm doing great, and my only regret is that I didn't go straight to bypass. I feel good and have had no complications (at this point). BUT....the ecision is a VERY personal one and should be yours and yours alone. Asking for other people's experiences is important, but don't let anyone pressure you - one way OR the other - because YOU ultimately have to live with the consequences of your decision, so be sure what you want and expect.
Best Wishes whichever option you choose. (If you believe such, it might be a good thing to pray about!)

Oh...another note...if you are a "sugar addict", like I was (before surgery) - I would STRONGLY suggest cutting back a lot before surgery...don't do the "final hurray" (eating favorites that you will be cutting out)---I didn't do that, but I didn't cut out sugar...and I paid the price! About 2 days after surgery, I was like a heroin addict...sweating, weak, headaches, pale, etc.
I remember, I had to run up to the store to get some Boost/Ensure/Protein powder...and I'm sure I looked like a junkie...because I definitely felt like one. I was MISERABLE for several days.
That's why I suggested NOT having fruit juice in your smoothies. If you are "coming off" sugar, you will do better to go ahead and start weaning off of it BEFORE surgery!!!
Just my two cents!

Don't mean to be "negative", but please be prepared for the realities of the surgery too...discomfort, frustration, plateau times, etc....don't get me wrong...I think it's awesome and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but you WILL experience some 'not so fun' aspects too. Pain wasn't bad; it was more the frustration and impatience..the little things that'll get you off-track if you don't realize they are inevitable and TEMPORARY.
Congrats on joining the "losers" club!!! LOL!!

It IS a serious surgery and it should not be entered into lightly; but, I had a Lap-band and just wish I had never done the band and went directly to the bypass.
I DID have some of the same fears - I imagine everyone does when they are thinking about their options.
It's a personal decision, but your doctor should be able to give you a "reasonable" assurance about whether you have any co-morbidities that put you at higher risk.
I have been fortunate because I have done well, but there is no guarantee for my future either...but one of us could have a heart attack, be in a car wreck, etc....life is always a "gamble".
As someone nearly 2 years out from surgery, I am SO glad I did it, despite every fear, pain, worry or frustration!!!
I'll say a quick prayer for you to be able to come to the "right" decision for YOU!!!
Best Wishes, whichever way you go!

You probably WILL be able to eat a bite of pizza, sure!! As others have said, you just have to keep from going back to bad habits. You will also need to eat EVEN LESS than you think, because it expands and can make you really uncomfortable. This also assumes you have no lactose intolerance after surgery, which some do.
I can eat 1 piece of cheese pizza and be "full as a tick". When I get that craving, I'm able to dash it quickly, rather than eating everything ELSE in sight to satisfy the craving!
You don't have to give up EVERY good food FOREVER; however, the surgery alone will not do it for you magically, so you have to put forth effort on your part too.

I agree with the other posts here....protein and Water intake are much more important than calories.
Having said that...yes, you CAN have too few calories, especially just after surgery. Your body needs calories to heal...again, Protein and Water in particular...so you need to NOT concentrate on losing right now AT ALL! I know that seems totally ridiculous when that is why you had the surgery in the first place, but it is ESSENTIAL that you heal well FIRST. The weight WILL come off. But, in the short run, you want to heal properly so that you will not have any of the complications that poor/incomplete healing might happen in the long run.
I KNOW it's easier said than done, but one day - not too far from now - you will probably turn around and advise someone the very thing that I'm proposing now!! Hang in there - it sounds like you are right on track, since you are making sure to get lots of Protein and water...the two essentials, along with your (chewable) vitamins!!
You WILL succeed!!!

DO NOT....I repeat....DO NOT get down on yourself OR get discouraged!!!! I started the same way....wondered if this was a repeat of my (failed) Lap-Band attempt.
It will be fine...you are only, what....11 days out???? You WILL lose at different speeds, based not only on starting weight, but on how your body responds to the "trauma" of surgery.
I went SEVERAL MONTHS without losing more than 0-3 pounds TOTAL, but I have now reached a loss of 76 pounds and I lose a pound about every month now witout really even trying.
Up until about month #4-6, if your surgeon makes you feel like you have been non-compliant or "splurging", you should tell him to Ki$$ your A$$!!! Pardon my French, but your body MUST HEAL before you can even think about weight loss. Although now common, bypass is a SIGNIFICANT trauma to your body's normal functioning and you need to supply it with PLENTY of calories, nutrition and rest in order for it to get back to normal.
Hang in there...I know you're impatient, but remember....you didn't gain it all in a month or two, so you're not likely to remove it that quickly either. But....it WILL come off, if you do what you're supposed to do. I know patience is difficult, but it is worth the wait, I promise!!!
Keep us updated on your progress.

You shouldn't need Gas-X, although I think I have taken it before with no problems.
The "gas" pain that you are hearing about is probably not heartburn-type gas, but the gas they use to navigate with the laparoscope. You may have a little discomfort from that for a few days, but it's really not that bad (or it wasn't for me) and your pain is similar to any type of surgery.
They sent me home with an anti-nausea prescription and I never took a single on of them...the full Rx is still in my medicine drawer. If they give you RXs, I'd not get them filled until (or IF) you need them.
They had me up walking in the hallway around the nurses station the evening of surgery...catheter, IV and all. The next morning, they removed the catheter, let me pee and shower and then go home. The first few steps were tentative, but then it wasn't bad at all....more just sore than anything else...from them poking around in your insides!!!! LOL!!!
I could just be "lucky" but I really felt well really quickly. The only thing that happened to me was that I did not eat Breakfast on the morning of my first post-op visit and I think I had a blood sugar drop...faint, sweaty, etc. But, I ate after the appt and was fine from then on.
Don't work yourself INTO pain either...if you accept there will be some minor discomfort and that it will only last a day or two, your mindset will be better and the pain will be even less.
You are going to be so glad you got this done and on your way to a better life!!!
Keep us posted!

I think you should stick with the doctor's liquid diet guidelines. Your body needs to heal and ANY bulk could rub/irritate/clog the suture line from complete healing. Also, you may not be ready for the actual type/quality of the food, regardless of the consistency...ie, if you put a steak in a blender and liquify it, it's still steak, so it may still be hard to digest.
I don't know that it makes any difference at all, but why take the chance? It's not that much to ask after all your body has been through with the surgery.
Just my two cents.

Hey Crosby...believe me, I am right there with you on sugar!!! I had my revision 18 months ago; I've only lost 76 pounds, but I'm sure a LOT of it has to do with me still eating "sugar", of sorts. I just am not willing to go 100% sugar-free...the idea of living my life without any sugar is just too overwhelming and unpleasant psychologically.
Many (if not most) of the bypass folks I know eat WAY more sugar than I do...they CONSTANTLY sip soda (carbonation...bad too!) and/or "graze" on sugary foods all day long. I guess I am sorta guilty of the latter, because I fix myself a (Starbucks-like) White chocolate Mocha and drink through the day!!!
1. DO NOT eat m sugar IMMEDIATELY after surgery...more than likely, it will make you feel very sick (and, remember, with bypass you can rarely throw up, so you just have to be in misery until it passes)
2. Once you are healed/accustomed to what YOUR body can tolerate...eat only VERY SMALL portions when you just MUST have sweets. For example...I used to EASILY eat a 6-pak of "doughnettes" all at once. Now, if I am just CRAVING for that time of thing...I can eat ONE little do-nette and be okay. However, for me, it is best to eat it with very little "other" food in my stomach and DEFINITELY not with any other sweet (like a drink or whatever) I also try to drink some Water with it, so sorta "dilute" the sugar!
3. For me, I can eat "most" things that are 15g CARB/<=9 sugar carbs and do okay. Above that, I have to really choose my environment (at home vs. out in public) as to whether the "risk" is worth it.
4. I use a substance called Whey-Low (www.wheylow.com, I think)...it is a sugar that is of a higher glcemic index (originally designed for diabetics) and it seems to be more tolerable than table sugar. (PS-I cannot use ANY artificial sweeteners; they make me turn red and swell up!)
5. I think, for the most part, AFTER you completely heal from surgery...you may be able to tolerate honey on a VERY SMALL scale. I am fortunate...I rarely have any dumping...could just be my "lucky" metabolism...but I still misjudge sometimes and get the "bellyache so bad I wish I could throw up" and I just have to sit back and wait for it to pass. It's actually a good behavior modification thing, because it put that mental image in me of what I will feel like if I overdo it.
That has been my experience; I am STILL a sugar addict...but, I have still been pretty successful in losing weight and keeping it off long-term. I know I COULD do even better, but I haven't reached that "a-ha" moment where I can embrace living totally sugar-free....I'm still weak to my addiction.
Sorry to ramble, but I remember pre-surgery thinking like you...how will "life go on" with any pleasure if I have to give up all sugar/sweets????!!!!! For me, it has been great because I can enjoy my sugary things from time to time, but only 2-3 bites satisfies me and fills me up...and I still think 2 bites of a tiny doughnette is MUCH improved over a 6-pack (or two) a couple times a day!!!
(BTW...I can now keep a small bag of M&M's in my fridge...eat 1-2 here and there....and that will stay in my fridge for a month!!! I used to eat several of those in one sitting!!!!!
Best Wishes on your journey...maybe you will be better on conquering your addiction than I have been!! Either way, I believe you will still be successful with surgery and weight loss.
Keep us posted, okay?

You shouldn't need Gas-X, although I think I have taken it before with no problems.
The "gas" pain that you are hearing about is probably not heartburn-type gas, but the gas they use to navigate with the laparoscope. You may have a little discomfort from that for a few days, but it's really not that bad (or it wasn't for me) and your pain is similar to any type of surgery.
They sent me home with an anti-nausea prescription and I never took a single on of them...the full Rx is still in my medicine drawer. If they give you RXs, I'd not get them filled until (or IF) you need them.
They had me up walking in the hallway around the nurses station the evening of surgery...catheter, IV and all. The next morning, they removed the catheter, let me pee and shower and then go home. The first few steps were tentative, but then it wasn't bad at all....more just sore than anything else...from them poking around in your insides!!!! LOL!!!
I could just be "lucky" but I really felt well really quickly. The only thing that happened to me was that I did not eat Breakfast on the morning of my first post-op visit and I think I had a blood sugar drop...faint, sweaty, etc. But, I ate after the appt and was fine from then on.
Don't work yourself INTO pain either...if you accept there will be some minor discomfort and that it will only last a day or two, your mindset will be better and the pain will be even less.
You are going to be so glad you got this done and on your way to a better life!!!
Keep us posted!

Hey Crosby...believe me, I am right there with you on sugar!!! I had my revision 18 months ago; I've only lost 76 pounds, but I'm sure a LOT of it has to do with me still eating "sugar", of sorts. I just am not willing to go 100% sugar-free...the idea of living my life without any sugar is just too overwhelming and unpleasant psychologically.
Many (if not most) of the bypass folks I know eat WAY more sugar than I do...they CONSTANTLY sip soda (carbonation...bad too!) and/or "graze" on sugary foods all day long. I guess I am sorta guilty of the latter, because I fix myself a (Starbucks-like) White chocolate Mocha and drink through the day!!!
1. DO NOT eat m sugar IMMEDIATELY after surgery...more than likely, it will make you feel very sick (and, remember, with bypass you can rarely throw up, so you just have to be in misery until it passes)
2. Once you are healed/accustomed to what YOUR body can tolerate...eat only VERY SMALL portions when you just MUST have sweets. For example...I used to EASILY eat a 6-pak of "doughnettes" all at once. Now, if I am just CRAVING for that time of thing...I can eat ONE little do-nette and be okay. However, for me, it is best to eat it with very little "other" food in my stomach and DEFINITELY not with any other sweet (like a drink or whatever) I also try to drink some Water with it, so sorta "dilute" the sugar!
3. For me, I can eat "most" things that are 15g CARB/<=9 sugar carbs and do okay. Above that, I have to really choose my environment (at home vs. out in public) as to whether the "risk" is worth it.
4. I use a substance called Whey-Low (www.wheylow.com, I think)...it is a sugar that is of a higher glcemic index (originally designed for diabetics) and it seems to be more tolerable than table sugar. (PS-I cannot use ANY artificial sweeteners; they make me turn red and swell up!)
5. I think, for the most part, AFTER you completely heal from surgery...you may be able to tolerate honey on a VERY SMALL scale. I am fortunate...I rarely have any dumping...could just be my "lucky" metabolism...but I still misjudge sometimes and get the "bellyache so bad I wish I could throw up" and I just have to sit back and wait for it to pass. It's actually a good behavior modification thing, because it put that mental image in me of what I will feel like if I overdo it.
That has been my experience; I am STILL a sugar addict...but, I have still been pretty successful in losing weight and keeping it off long-term. I know I COULD do even better, but I haven't reached that "a-ha" moment where I can embrace living totally sugar-free....I'm still weak to my addiction.
Sorry to ramble, but I remember pre-surgery thinking like you...how will "life go on" with any pleasure if I have to give up all sugar/sweets????!!!!! For me, it has been great because I can enjoy my sugary things from time to time, but only 2-3 bites satisfies me and fills me up...and I still think 2 bites of a tiny doughnette is MUCH improved over a 6-pack (or two) a couple times a day!!!
(BTW...I can now keep a small bag of M&M's in my fridge...eat 1-2 here and there....and that will stay in my fridge for a month!!! I used to eat several of those in one sitting!!!!!
Best Wishes on your journey...maybe you will be better on conquering your addiction than I have been!! Either way, I believe you will still be successful with surgery and weight loss.
Keep us posted, okay?

Hey Crosby...believe me, I am right there with you on sugar!!! I had my revision 18 months ago; I've only lost 76 pounds, but I'm sure a LOT of it has to do with me still eating "sugar", of sorts. I just am not willing to go 100% sugar-free...the idea of living my life without any sugar is just too overwhelming and unpleasant psychologically.
Many (if not most) of the bypass folks I know eat WAY more sugar than I do...they CONSTANTLY sip soda (carbonation...bad too!) and/or "graze" on sugary foods all day long. I guess I am sorta guilty of the latter, because I fix myself a (Starbucks-like) White chocolate Mocha and drink through the day!!!
1. DO NOT eat m sugar IMMEDIATELY after surgery...more than likely, it will make you feel very sick (and, remember, with bypass you can rarely throw up, so you just have to be in misery until it passes)
2. Once you are healed/accustomed to what YOUR body can tolerate...eat only VERY SMALL portions when you just MUST have sweets. For example...I used to EASILY eat a 6-pak of "doughnettes" all at once. Now, if I am just CRAVING for that time of thing...I can eat ONE little do-nette and be okay. However, for me, it is best to eat it with very little "other" food in my stomach and DEFINITELY not with any other sweet (like a drink or whatever) I also try to drink some Water with it, so sorta "dilute" the sugar!
3. For me, I can eat "most" things that are 15g CARB/<=9 sugar carbs and do okay. Above that, I have to really choose my environment (at home vs. out in public) as to whether the "risk" is worth it.
4. I use a substance called Whey-Low (www.wheylow.com, I think)...it is a sugar that is of a higher glcemic index (originally designed for diabetics) and it seems to be more tolerable than table sugar. (PS-I cannot use ANY artificial sweeteners; they make me turn red and swell up!)
5. I think, for the most part, AFTER you completely heal from surgery...you may be able to tolerate honey on a VERY SMALL scale. I am fortunate...I rarely have any dumping...could just be my "lucky" metabolism...but I still misjudge sometimes and get the "bellyache so bad I wish I could throw up" and I just have to sit back and wait for it to pass. It's actually a good behavior modification thing, because it put that mental image in me of what I will feel like if I overdo it.
That has been my experience; I am STILL a sugar addict...but, I have still been pretty successful in losing weight and keeping it off long-term. I know I COULD do even better, but I haven't reached that "a-ha" moment where I can embrace living totally sugar-free....I'm still weak to my addiction.
Sorry to ramble, but I remember pre-surgery thinking like you...how will "life go on" with any pleasure if I have to give up all sugar/sweets????!!!!! For me, it has been great because I can enjoy my sugary things from time to time, but only 2-3 bites satisfies me and fills me up...and I still think 2 bites of a tiny doughnette is MUCH improved over a 6-pack (or two) a couple times a day!!!
(BTW...I can now keep a small bag of M&M's in my fridge...eat 1-2 here and there....and that will stay in my fridge for a month!!! I used to eat several of those in one sitting!!!!!
Best Wishes on your journey...maybe you will be better on conquering your addiction than I have been!! Either way, I believe you will still be successful with surgery and weight loss.
Keep us posted, okay?

WAY TO GO, LadyKatie!!!
Not only are you not sweating unless exerted....give yourself an "extra" atta-boy for it being in the AZ heat!!!
Yeah You!!

Please don't give up...despite the aborted surgery, you will probably (one day) look back at that and be thankful he DIDN'T do your surgery. Let's face it...they are ALL in it for the money, but they still need to be professional about it. It's your life and health at stake and if they can't see past themselves for that, then you'd be better off with a different surgeon.
I can't recommend mine, unfortunately. Although he did an excellent job with the surgery, he cheated me money-wise and the entire staff made me feel so uncomfortable that I haven't gone back since 6 months out from surgery. Almost 2 years post-op, I'm still fighting with the surgeon and his attorney over the money!!!
Be thankful that no "harm" was done to your body and that you will have a better surgeon/surgery experience in the future that will allow you to lose safely and without horrible complications. Bypass has a lifelong effect on your body, so I would say you "dodged a bullet" by not having that QUACK do your bypass!!!!
That which does not kill you will make you stronger!!!
Best wishes

Please don't give up...despite the aborted surgery, you will probably (one day) look back at that and be thankful he DIDN'T do your surgery. Let's face it...they are ALL in it for the money, but they still need to be professional about it. It's your life and health at stake and if they can't see past themselves for that, then you'd be better off with a different surgeon.
I can't recommend mine, unfortunately. Although he did an excellent job with the surgery, he cheated me money-wise and the entire staff made me feel so uncomfortable that I haven't gone back since 6 months out from surgery. Almost 2 years post-op, I'm still fighting with the surgeon and his attorney over the money!!!
Be thankful that no "harm" was done to your body and that you will have a better surgeon/surgery experience in the future that will allow you to lose safely and without horrible complications. Bypass has a lifelong effect on your body, so I would say you "dodged a bullet" by not having that QUACK do your bypass!!!!
That which does not kill you will make you stronger!!!
Best wishes

Congrats!!! It took awhile, but I hit (and moved a little past!) the 199 mark...it was such a milestone for me and the feeling was AWESOME!!

I suspect that, since you are under national healthcare, they made the criteria very strict on prpose. Having said that, I would suggest a 2nd (or even 3rd) opinion before deciding on either surgery. Funny to me...in a sad way...that in the US, the opposite is usually the case...they want EVERYONE to have surgery!!! That's probably a reflection of the $$$$ to be had by the surgeons!!!
You did not mention your weight/BMI, etc., but gastric bypass is still considered the "gold standard" for bariatric surgery. The sleeve and band are less invasive, but generally less effective as well. I had a band first and I wish I had opted for the bypass from the start...would've saved me a lot of money and unnecessary GERD as well.
Whatever you decide, just make sure it is YOUR decision...not insurance, not the surgeon, not your family/friends...YOU are the one who has to live with it and go through it, so make sure it's your decision.
Best Wishes!!!