My mind was set on having Lap-Band Surgery but after visiting my Doctor, she strongly recommended Gastric-Bypass. I have my pre-op meeting with her next Tuesday and surgery scheduled for next Friday, December 29th. I am having second thoughts about the Gastric-Bypass and once again considering Lap-Band. I am a 45 year old male with total knee joint replacements, weigh 335 which is 100 pounds over my goal weight.

I would appreciate any comments or suggestions on which surgery I should have and any personal experiences. Thank you!

Well, docs that do both surgeries will often recommend bypass - it is more money for them.

As a 48 year old man with bad knees, who was 470 at surgery, and so far as lost over 70, I would say that the lap band would be a good first start. If you stick with it, it will work.

I started at 304. I never once considered gastric bypass. To invasive for me. I have lost 100 pounds in just under a year. The improvements in my health are amazing.

My doctor gave me the informative speech on both. He had been doing bypasses for several years and has just started with lapband. He pushed bypass a little more. But, I have had great success with the band. They have commented that I am losing at almost the same pace as a bypass patient. Remember though that everyone is different. You really need to investigate both surgeries and then make up your own mind.

Good luck with whatever surgery you choose.

WHY has your doctor suggested the bypass over the band? It is NOT always a money issue for them, a lot of doctors have legitimate reasons for pushing certain patients to Bypass over the band. Talk to your doctor and have them re-explain their point of view on the Bypass vs. the Band. Explain your concerns. Whatever decision you make, you want to go in 100% comfortable that you are making the right decision.

As usual I think KGloverii hit it on the head...WHY did your doc push bypass, and why did you agree to it?

Unless there is a sound medical reason for you to get one over the other, then pick the surgery you're comfortable with. No matter how we might think, it IS elective surgery. Don't ever have elective surgery unless YOU want it. If you really can't decide, get a "second opinion" by going to a different seminar.

Ultimately, you need to be 100% comfortable with this decision. You'll have to live with it, after all.

Why did your doctor push for the bypass? Some doctors are convinced that the band simply isn't as effective. Others don't have much experience with the band and thus don't have much in place in terms of support. I know that some doctors will recommend bypass for patients with really bad diabetes. Something about the part of the intestines that get bypassed has a big impact on diabetics.

Write down all your questions, including everything you're afraid of. Talk to your doctor BEFORE you have either surgery. Make sure you're completely comfortable with your choice before you move on.