I went for my first visit on Friday. It was the longest appointment of my life -- took 3 hours! At any rate, I can see it is the first step in LONG journey. However, I do like that the clinical coordinator laid out exactly what the steps are. I have to have been a non-smoker for 3 months -- If I can stay on the wagon, that will happen in May. I need to try to loose 10 % of my body weight, which is 21 lbs. Have to go to a nutrition class (March 20) and an orientation (April 1). Need a psychological eval, ekg, right upper quadrant ultrasound, sleep study, upper endoscopy, & uuper GI series. The nice thing is the Bariatric Center takes care of setting up all of my appointments. Looks like I am going to busy for awhile! My BMI is only 38, w/ no issues that my health insurance policy considers "life-theartening." I do have GERD and am currently on a cholesterol lowering medication. I have a very strong family history of heart disease and diabetes. But given that I have been told I snore very loudly, they are ordering the sleep study. Apparently sleep apnea is one of the issues my health insurance considers "life threatening."

On another note, has anyone else had the experience of their surgeon seeming more pro-by pass than pro-ban? I really have not given much thought to the by-pass, but the surgeon seemed to suggest that the results of the by pass are better. Even so, I can't get past the idea of having my physiology permanently altered.

The sleep deal is real. Many have died from it, you stop breathing in your sleep. It can also cause you to not get rest at night and you fall asleep at the drop of a hat. My husband feel asleep while driving with me in the car. Got tested the next week. Doc. threatened to have hi DL revoked if he didn't.

I think that the band vs bypass is an individual perference. Along with each individual Dr perferring one to the other.