Oh yes, one more thing before I go. I am now back to wanting the Lap-Band. I originally came here to find out about the Lap-Band, but the more I read about disadvantages and complaints, and the more good things I read from roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery patients, the more I was convinced that RNY was the best solution for me. Now, however, I am afraid of the complications, potential nutritional deficiencies, and the whole having-your-intestines-rearranged thing, and lastly the irreversibility of it.

If I had a choice, I think I would go with the Vertical Gastric Sleeve (or vertical sleeve gastrectomy aka VSG). It has the restriction of the Lap-Band (but without the adjustability), but no re-arranging of the intestines, and therefore no malabsorption. Plus it has faster weight loss than the Lap-Band. Unfortunately, I don’t think the insurance company would approve this, since it is considered experimental because there is no long-term data on results. I will find out for sure when I actually get to see the bariatric surgeon. I’m still open to RNY, but at this point (barring the possibility of VSG) I would prefer the Lap-Band.