I went with the bypass because I wanted to lose weight quicker in the beginning and didn't want the "hassle" of having to go back for fills.  In my own opinion, I made a foolish mistake.  If I had it to do over again, I would go with the band for more practical reasons.

But that is just in my own expreience and opinion.

I am having some surgery in July and my Doctor's office (Aronow) feels it will be approved. I will post when the approval is final.

I had my consultation with the surgeon this week and still feel fairly torned between the gastric bypass vs. the banding procedure.  I have directly and indirectly spoken to people who have had the bypass and are absolutely thrilled !  I consider this a once in a life time opportunity and don't want to lose slowly or risk regaining the weight.  I wonder if there are people out there with bands, and why you decided band vs. bypass and what your thoughts were.  Thank you all.

Hi Paula,
I too haven't been on in ages.  glad to see you.  Sorry you're having the absorption and pain problem.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm very glad I did the surgery BUT if I knew then what I know now I would not have done the Bypass.   I would have done the one that makes the pouch out of the stomach, just like we have, but they do nothing to the intestines.  Oh well  back then I didn't know of any other surgery.  But that's o.k.  I'm still better off than I was.
Last Feb. I had my entire thyroid removed.  UHMMMMM
Since you can't absorb the calicum why not have the I.V. Calicum thing?  They give it to you once a year.  My sister who also had the gastic bypass has to have the I.V. thing.  (don't know what it's called.  sorry)
well hope you feel better soon.  Glad to see you on.

Koukla

Congratulations! I had VSG in October (not with your doc though) and I love life. LOVE IT! Best wishes!