Hi there! I haven't had the surgery or anything yet including going to a Dr. My Dr has recommended that I have the surgery. I am not sure what surgery to have.

Good luck making your decision. I too am still in the decision stage.

I think many people choose the lap band option as it is a less 'invasive' procedure (as in you don't have anything cut out and it can be reversed).

I have been researching for a couple of weeks now - and there is HEAPS of information on the internet.

Keep looking and reading other people's stories.

Make sure this is something you really want to do though. Not just something your doctor has suggested. I don't think any of these surgeries are an 'easy' way out and you need to be confident that you are ready to make such a big step.

I was looking at this comparison chart the other day - and it may give you some information regarding the different types of surgery.

Good luck

Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared

With Lapband, I found that I still have to do much of the work. It's a lifestyle change. I have to make good food choices and exercise. The band helps take away the hunger, but you can still cheat. It is reversable.

My friend who had bypass, lost her weight much more rapidly and never really had to exercise. She does have alot of problems with Vitamin deficiency. It is a permanent procedure.

Do your own research, go to a seminar if they are offered in your area. Good Luck!

Hi there! I haven't had the surgery or anything yet including going to a Dr. My Dr has recommended that I have the surgery. I am not sure what surgery to have.

I can only tell you what my decision was based on. Lapband is alot less invasive and the recovery time is minimal. With the bypass there are alot more Vitamin deficiencies. And I have also heard that after 2 years the bypass will stop working because it can not be adjusted any longer. Although you do lose the weight alot faster I think that losing the weight that fast is not healthy. The Lapband can be removed incase it needs to be where the bypass can not be removed. Try Gastric Bypass.com - Since 1998 Your Guide to Gastric Banding and Bypass Weight Loss Surgery and also Official Site: the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System for weight loss surgery be sure to ask many questions.

Thanks everyone for your reply's.Everything was very helpful espically the comparison chart.

Lap band is more work at first, but recent articles I've read show that long term weight loss can be as good with a band as with a bypass and in some cases band patients keep the weight off better. Now, these are band patients who follow the rules (at least most of them) and get their fills when they need them. My mom had a bypass MANY years ago before they realized how many Vitamin deficiencies, etc were associated with the surgery and before they followed you so closely. She has had multiple episodes of anemia, some really serious, but she's kept the weight off...because she works her butt off exercising to keep it off. I have multiple patients both lap band and bypass who have gained every ounce back and then some. I have multiple patients, both lap band and bypass that you would never believe were ever obese...it's all in what you do with the surgery....neither is a magic bullet (dammit) and you still have to work to get where you want and stay where you ....I know I'm no help! Sorry I chose a lap band mainly because I'm willing to exercise and eat healthy and I feel like I just need a little help to tell me when to STOP...and I feel like it's a safer surgery with less long term risk....

GOOD LUCK!!

Also keep in mind that there are other types of weight loss surgery besides a gastric bypass and LAP-BAND. I've heard a lot of good things about the VSG and its older sibling the DS. (VSG is actually part of the DS procedure.)

Become really introspective and figure out what behaviors led to your obesity, then figure out what surgery is best suited to you. If you eat a little bit at a time all day, the band isn't going to work for you because you can still eat a little bit all day long.

Really, I can't stress this enough: research until your eyes are bleeding