Greetings & Salutations, I've been overweight my whole life and now just before my 41st birthday I've finally decided to take control and do something. My first consultation is coming up in a couple weeks but I'm really not sure whether to get banded or have the bypass surgery. I was leaning towards the band because I can get back to work faster, I really can't afford to be off for more than a week and a half, two weeks max. I've been hearing a lot of people say they were able to be back in two weeks, if that's true then I'm just not sure what the right decision is.

Go to the consultation with an open mind. Research all you can, then ask lots of questions. You don't normally have to make a decision until you are much farther down the line.

The band is falling out of favor due to inferior results, but you should consider the vertical sleeve and bypass. There are many pros and cons for each and your decision should consider many factors. For example, bypass patients cannot have NSAIDs after surgery due to the risk of ulcers. So if you need NSAIDs for arthritis, bypass may not be for you. For now, keep your mind open to all options and learn everything you can--that will help when it does come time to make the decision.

That's what I'm focusing on right now education. There's a lot of shock within my family because I was one of those people that said they'd rather die then have surgery, it's amazing what a new baby can do to your perspective.

When you go for your consultation they may recommend one surgery over another for you based on your particular circumstances. For instance, I had really bad acid reflux and type 2 diabetes. For those reasons the RNY was what the surgeon recommended as that would be the better choice for those conditions. Everybody is different but I did go back to work at 2 weeks post op after RNY and felt fine (even felt I could have gone back at 1 1/2 weeks but took the 2 weeks). Ask lots of questions and go with what they recommend and you feel is right for you. Good luck!

I wouldn't advise the band. I had mine in 2010 and it didn't work. We could never reach a correct fill point between no restriction and being sick all the time. My doctors don't even offer the band anymore as it's so out of favour. I had my band out and RNY done in 10th October. Good luck with your decision. Oh, and I was back at work a week afterwards :-)

I too am a band to bypass revision. I was off work 5 days with my band and 7 days with my RNY. While I lost weight with the band, I also had complication with my band the entire time I had it. My surgeon rarely performs bands any longer because of the complication rate.

HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 198

I too am a band to bypass revision. I was off work 5 days with my band and 7 days with my RNY. While I lost weight with the band' date=' I also had complication with my band the entire time I had it. My surgeon rarely performs bands any longer because of the complication rate.

HW 312, pre-op (RNY) 255, current weight 198[/quote']

Same here - band to bypass. My dr doesn't do bands anymore either.

Same here -band to bypass. Had surgery on a Wednesday, and actually could have gone back to work the following Monday. I quit taking pain medication on Sunday. But I did take two weeks off though. As had to get a dr's release before I could go back to work, which I did a week after surgery.

you are going to get your good stories and your bad for me I learned the same thing band back to work in a week rny back after 2 well I was off for a month because I had a small bowel obstruction 1 week after my first surgery. saying this to tell you what ever choice you make always be prepared for just a little more. just in case I had leave from job was supposed to be for 2 weeks but had saved up enough for 6 weeks. had 2 left after when I went back but I have very understanding bosses I did kinda light duty for the first month. would I do it again I am down 120 lbs in 6 months I haven't weighed this since I was 19 yes I would have just prepared financially a little better.

I had my heart set on the sleeve but after doing the upper GI and Bravo test I found out I have GERD which is a big no-no for the sleeve according to my doctor. I also found out I was borderline diabetic and the RNY would be a better choice for me. Let the doctor help you decide what's best for you and don't let a week or two of work hold you back from making a decision that is going to affect you for the rest of your life. Good luck!