Im back after two years. Two years ago I backed out of lap band surgery the night before my operation. I decided I would do it on my own. Well needless to say it didn't happen. I have just went through the entire process again and Im just waiting on my insurance approval. I am very excited but scared too. My biggest thing, same as before, am I making the right decision? Everytime I know without a doubt that the lap band is for me, someone comes along and tells me why the bypass is so much better and tells me horror stories of band problems that WILL happen because they ALWAYS do. Help!!

Well, tracy, this might sound a little harsh (I don't intend it to be), but if you're not ABSOLUTELY certain that the band is the operation for you, don't do it. I love my band.....but there is a lot of work that goes into it.

I guess my advice would be: if in doubt, postpone and keep researching all surgeries until you you are absolutely certain that a particular surgery (if any) is for you. Good luck on your journey!

No, its ok, your not harsh and I need straight out facts anyway. Its not that I dont want to have surgery, I need to get to get this weight off!!! I want to get it off. I only need to lose between 100--115 lbs but Im only 5' tall so for me thats way too heavy. Im on bp meds and I now have asthma, my mothers a diabetic so Im trying to avoid that. My hospital is a center of excellance and the Drs have done A LOT of surgeries so Ive done my research there and Ive researched the different procedures for so long that I feel like an expert (a couple of years before I backed out in 07) and Im still researching. Due to slower weight loss and working out to try and not have as much loose skin, less risk involved, less side effects, no malabsorbtion I choose the lapband. My Dr. performs both and is not pushing me to have bypass but because carbs are my problem and can still be eaten with the band he thinks bypass is the answer for 'my' success but will do whatever I want. I know people who have had both and they all think their choice was the "right" one. I think my thing is I hear SO MUCH about band slippage and problems. Its like does anyone not have problems?? Im on asprine and hear the slipage can cause bleeding? I have to travel 2 hrs to get to a hospital that could help. I am willing to do what it takes and work at it but some people, even on here, make it sound like a constant problem. Im so glad you are happy with yours!!

I think you can find horror stories about anything you choose to do. Your probably have since you have done so much research. As with anything too much information is sometimes confusing when you are trying to make a decision about something. I did research the band about a year ago when a lot of people I know were having gastric bypass and I even went so far as to sign up for a seminar and backed out at the last minute. I wasn't ready at the time and completed research off and on throughout the year. I then had that defining moment based on something that happened in May and that was it. I made the decision and went on and did it and I am so glad I did! I am on my way down the scales instead of up them. I have lost 20 lbs so far. Gotta change my ticker. You are the only person that can say for certain what is right for you. Now that you are armed with information all you have left to do is make the choice and go through with it. Good Luck!