Decisions, I could use some help

I went to my surgeon for my first consultation today. it went very well and he said I am a good candidate for either Lapband or Bypass. My problem is I DON'T KNOW WHICH ONE I REALLY WANT!!
I know a bunch of people who did bypass but nobody who had the lapband.
I know there are is a difference, I know there are risks for both but want I need to know is expereinces.
So, my questions to you are:

Are you happy you did Lapband?
How were your results?
How was your recovery?
What challenges did you face?
Do you find yourself feeling satified after a meal? 

ANY feedback you can give me would br great,y appreciated   

thanks
chrissy

I had bypass from Dr. A on March 24th. The major factor for me in choosing bypass was that it would just about elimate my diabetis-which it has and also I liked it because it is a faster weight loss and also it is permanent. Once I had the surgery there was no turning back, it would be a life long tool for me.

Hi Chrissy, I would say it depends on the type of person you are and your eating habits and the  amount of weight you need to lose. I thought I wanted a lapband but after many  months decided on RNY and am glad that I chose that surgery. Speaking for myself only I can say losing the weight more quickly and having the restriction along with malabsoprtion to help with that along with some of the possible side effects like dumping after eating a high sugar or fat food has helped me stay on track. You do have to be committed to a life long follow up along with taking all the vitamins and getting enough protien in each day and it is a life time commitment as should be a lapband. You need to change your way of eating and how you deal with food with whatever procedure you choose. WIth a lapband you will also need to have fills periodically or unfills.

Sorry I couldn't answer your questions about lapband results. I would suggest you go to the lap band forum.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Sher

I know for me I knew I had to get RNY since I would eat my way through a lap band. I do know some people get frustrated with the slow weight loss with the band and the fact that you don't really feel restriction until about the second or third fill. I know someone who had a band about 3 months before I had my RNY. I do know I have lost more and eat less than her. She still eats all kinds of stuff that's not the best for you (cake, ice cream, 3 pieces of pizza).

I had the lap band procedure on 5/21/08 and have lost 53 lbs so it's not really a 'slow' weight loss if you follow the program!  I too wasn't sure what procedure to have when I went into my initial consultaion but turned out I didn't need to decide because my dr. advised bypass was too severe for my weight loss needs and directed me toward the lap band.  Pre surgery I was at 255lbs and currently I'm at 203 - goal weight is not my measure but rather getting to a size 10 - 12 in pants.

I've had 4 fills since the procedure and feel the life long ability to adjust the band as situations arise is beneficial.  The lap band is permanent - going into it thinking anything else is setting yourself up for failure.  I've read a lot about people who have bypass and experience a substancial weight loss early on but then over time push the food limits and end up stretching the pouch so some to a lot of the weight returns - not sure if this is a bypass myth or not as many people here speak of great, long term success.  With lap band you need to have regular follow-ups for band adjustments but it's also a little way for me to feel accountable to my surgeon.  Hunger isn't an issue and if I 'push' it and eat more then I should it's a very uncomfortable experience which could be embarrasing in public.  Scars are minimal and I felt great about 3 hrs after surgery - it was an overnight stay at the hospital but I was back to work w/in 3 days without missing a beat.

Lap band has been right for me - it's forcing me to learn how to eat responsibly but still allows me to enjoy a quality of life as we eat out often and I can have a small amt of almost anything at the table within reason.  Hope this helps!