Gastric banding vs. Bypass

Well, I guess the question lies with you...and your doctors, if you trust them. The most important thing about gastric surgery is that your liver is down in fat content...and getting that done takes some dieting AND exercise.  Can you start out with some slow walks and increase them as you go?  That'll really help the liver fat to decrease. I don't know who told you that you'd die on the table, but, there is always a chance of death with this surgery.  I think stastics are 1 in 200 or 300 die while on the table.  BUT, they are usually from an issue other than the bypass itself.  Ask any surgeon. What were the reasons given to you as to why they think you'd die?  I know you're at a high BMI right now and they'd like you to lose a considerable amount of weight prior to surgery to make it safer all around.  But, I know of people being over 400 lbs having this surgery and making it. Dr Aranow does "open" surgeries because he like to have his hands and eyes right there doing the procedure.  He can have his assistant lift the liver right up and out of the way to be able to maneuver around it and do the surgery.  The 4 1/2 in*****ision is no big deal  Do you really invision yourself someday baring  your belly in public??  I think you need to have a "sit down discussion" with your surgeon and go over all of these issues.  Go in there with a list of all of these questions and ask the why's and how to's...it's the only way you'll get any answers and calm yourself.  Also, make sure you're doing the right things required of you on your end.  This, too, is important. As I said earlier, get active.  THis will help the depression, too.   As for having a lap band vs an RNY...it's up to you.  You have a lot of weight to lose and it's proven that the lap band does not offer the same amount of weight loss as the bypass does. I've had wonderful success 135lbs lost with the RNY with no problems at all.  My husband also had it a year ago and has lost 110 lbs.  We are both healthy and well and thinner!  It was well worth it. Take care and hope this helps. paula

Thanks so much Paula. The first surgeon I saw was new to the hospital and started the bariatric program there. I guess I wouldnt have made his stats look good. All my doctors including my cardiologist say that inspite of my weight, I am stable. EKG normal, BP always 110/60 and sugar averages around 100. I changed surgeons and chose Dr. Nadzam. And he says this is not entirely impossible. I believe that a bypass may just be the way to go. I can only lose so much weight preop. If I could lose more, I wouldnt need surgery. When I see him in August I will have a talk with him know how I feel. He's a fabulous person to talk to and he really listens. I dont care about scarring..........that's one scar I would be proud to show!