This is actually my 2nd post -- just fumbling my way around the forum.

From everything I'm hearing, it seems like I probably won't lose the 200 lbs. I want to lose. I guess I'll be lucky if I lose 100 lb. I keep going round and round in my mind what to do.

Truthfully, now with a more complete picture -- thanks to others who have responded -- I think the sleeve would be my best bet. Chances are good that I'd lose a substantial amount with the sleeve, and if I needed a revision, I could easily convert into the bypass.

That said, Medicare, does not cover the sleeve yet. It's anyone's guess as to when they will -- anywhere from 18 months to 5 years. I don't have the time to wait.

I am too scared to have the bypass, because of my age, weight, prior history of a heart attack and co-morbidities. I'm sure I will pass all of the pre-op tests with flying colors. But I'm afraid to be on the table for the length of time it takes to do a bypass and the fact that it's 5x more dangerous than any other procedure. Since I had extensive abdominal surgery in the past, they don't know if scarring will be an issue that will force an open surgery vs. laparoscopic. And while I'm not having any heart problems, who knows what will happen during surgery. My doc tells me I'm already at a higher risk for pretty much everything, including a pulmonary embolism.

Now all I have to do is find the right doc. My doc is probably the best and most experienced surgeon around, but I do not like his support staff (particularly the P.A. who will be doing the fills).

Right now I'm on the medically supervised diet and doing quite well, to my surprise I've already lost 12 of the 20 pounds I need to drop without much effort. I'm not actually following the "diet" just being practical about what and how much I eat.

Best wishes and healing thoughts to all.

Why are you already thinking you can't lose the weight you want to lose? I started out needing to lose at least 150 lbs (and had people try to convince me that the sleeve would be a better option)...I'm now almost 10 months post op and have lost 112 lbs and I KNOW that I will meet my goal. Surgeons consider you a success if you lose 50% of your excess weight but nothing says that is all you are capable of losing!!

Well, the majority of the feedback I got said I'd probably lose only 100 lbs or less. My goal is still gonna be 200, but I'm trying to be realistic. See my 1st post.

Hey ... thanks for jumping in!!

Well, the majority of the feedback I got said I'd probably lose only 100 lbs or less. My goal is still gonna be 200, but I'm trying to be realistic. See my 1st post.

Hey ... thanks for jumping in!!

I understand trying to be realistic but my point is that if you start out only thinking that you can lose 100 lbs then you are handicapping yourself from the beginning with low expectations. This is largely a mental journey so rather than start out thinking you can only lose 100 lbs why don't you set out with the goal of losing all 200 and then break it down into smaller goals (I started out with the goal of getting below 300 then moved to 10 lb goals) that will give you a feeling of accomplishment without making the total journey seem so unattainable.

Just my .02...

I totally agree with Vicky. While maybe the majority of bandsters loose and keep off 50%, plenty have lost everything! I have chosen to loose it all. Am I unrealistic? Not according to my Doc. If I choose to follow the eating plan I was given and exercise like I'm supposed to, keep my appointments and fight the good fight, there is absolutely no reason why I can't get my BMI in the normal range. I made a commitment to myself that since my way clearly had not worked for many, MANY years, it was time to get the band and follow through with the instructions I was given. I made it through "Bandster Hell" and came out battle-weary but victorious. I have chosen to change my eating way of life forever. PERIOD! :thumbup:

I have not given up on my goal to lose 200 lbs. -- I'm not THAT easily influenced by the opinion of others. I just believed what the other bandsters were telling me. I thought I would have to lose the remaing weight on my own..

I'm glad I found this forum because positive support is much better than cautionary warnings. You don't know me yet, but I am a highly motivated, goal-oriented person with high expectations.. I have achieved most of my goals in life as a result. I'm glad to hear that it is realistic to meet my goal weight. And when I do meet it, I have a second goal ready to go.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post..

Kati, I am 63 and two months out from a - so far, good sleeve. I agree with your analysis completely, but if you can't afford it (I had to go into debt), then take what you can get - the Lap-Band. It is a much safer operation than the sleeve and after losing 150 - 200 pounds, hopefully by then the sleeve will be covered, and you could do a revision.

Thanks! You are the first person to make a positive, supportive comment. Although well-intentioned I'm sure, others have been confrontational, which is the last thing I want or need. I certainly didn't join this forum to have to explain or justify my decisions.