Went to the first meeting tonight and learned about the risks and imponderables! This surgeon really pushed the bypass as opposed to the band! I am only interested in the band! I have to do a six month program before blue cross will pay for it! Ugh! Anybody know a way around that issue?

Do you live in CA? If you live in CA, the DMHC will make them waive the 6 month diet requirement. But otherwise....

I went to a seminar like that. They claimed to do band, sleeve and bypass but 90% of their practice was bypass and that was their answer to *everything*. I was SO PISSED. I didn't use them either but went to a place that does all four surgeries and doesn't push one over the other.

I think you should go with a surgeon who will support you, not push a certain surgery. Seriously, the care you get AFTER the band is almost more important than getting the band.