Made my decsion, sent paperwork in...

Hi everyone!!

I am Julie, nice to meet all of you.  I just sent all the paper work back today.  I am conflicted between the gastric band and the gastric bypass.  Which one works better in the long run? This will be my next decison.  What advice can you give me on the whole process?  how long between my first appointment and the actual surgery?

FOR ME THE BYPASS WAS THE BEST . DID NOT WANT TO GO IN FOR THE FILLS AND HAVE HEARD OF ALOT OF PEOPLE GOING BACK AND HAVEING THE BYPASS AFTER LAP BAND BECAUSE THE PUT THE WIEGHT  BACK ON . 
 
IT WAS SIX MOUTHS FROM MY FIRST VISIT TIL MY BYPASS WAS DONE . MY LIFE IS SO  MUCH BETTER DOWN ALMOST 80 POUNDS . WENT FROM A SIZE 48-52 PANTS TO A 38-40 . 4X SHIOETS TO A XL . LOVE MY NEW LIFE AND EVERTHING ABOUT IT . BEST OF LUCK TROY

I was banded three and a half years ago.  Though you do have to go back to the doctor on a regular basis for fills, I found I often wasn't going for the stomach as much as I was going for my mind!!  Checking in with someone was definitely a positive thing for me. 

I have known a number of bypass patients that simply out eat their surgery after the first year.  What I discovered was that they still have to deal with hunger, where as with the band, that element is nearly removed from my day to day life. 

It is most important that you discuss your options with your surgeon and find out what is best for you.  It varies for everyone...best of luck to you!!!