Hi, everyone. I'm still in the research stages, but I went for my psych evaluation the other day, and now I'm a little unsure about what to do.

I was planning to do the lap-band. My BMI is 38.6, and I have sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and depression (but with my meds, I'm fine). I chose the lap-band because I believed it was reversible and seemed less invasive.

After talking with the psychologist, I learned that the doctor has a harder time removing a lapband than simply converting to roux en y, so he will generally do the latter if necessary. He said that the scar tissue, etc involved in removing the lap-band is major, and so it isn't easy to reverse. He also explained that the roux en y is reversible, as well.

So, now I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to just do the roux en y. The only downside I see so far is the extra day in the hospital and a little longer recovery period.

You all had to make this very decision. Would you mind sharing with me what factors played into your final decision--why you chose the method you did? I'd really appreciate any input you can give me! Thanks!

Michelle

No Reggrets, I have been planning on gettiing lapband and everything,I got my pass to go to mexico, Im just waiting on the money, BuT..... Now Im considering Route y , it is reverseable, and my friend had it and is averageing losing 10 pds a month. I also hear you lose it faster, andthey use the side of you stomch with more muscle so you have a hard time stretching it back out. It is 17,000 around oklahoma. I hope to get enough money cause I would rather not leave the states.

Huh????

Bypass is pretty drastic for a 38BMI. There is no going back with that one. quote]

I don't think that is very fair to say. I had a 38 BMI last month, and today it's at 40. A difference of 7 lbs. In my mind, fat is fat.

My surgeon also told me I could do either the lap-band or Route en Y which I knew I was NOT going to do. My BMI is 39. I've been really hesitant about doing the lap-band because I see all these problems on this site with slips, fills & unfills etc. Then I started to look into the Gastric Sleeve (GSB) I am still in the process of trying to find out everything I can on this but it looks like something that would suit my life much better. I transfer cities every so often & I am leary about finding fills doctors & all the f/u required with the band. Also as a self-pay I sort of have that nagging in the back of my mind that if something like a slipped band happens that's more $$ out of my pocket to pay. You might want to check into the SLEEVE. There's no longterm results that I've found yet but it's good to research another option that's less drastic then the bypass.

If I had to do it all over again, I would do the gastric sleeve or the bypass. I have had very little success with the lapband and I have followed the rules. The fact is it doesn't work as well and I think you can have just as many complications or maybe even more. And the inconviences of fills...If it were me, I would definately choose not to have the lapband.