Can't decide which way to go need your help

I'm planning on having weight loss surgery.  I am into to this now about 5 weeks and I need to make up my mind. I originally had planned on haveing the lap band. But the further I get into this the more I'm leaning  toward the gastric bypass.  I have been reading all I can find and I read this forum's post several times a day.   I live many miles from where I am planning on having the procedure and I'm beginning to think the by pass might be the smarter way to go.  I've been working REALLY hard to loose my weight by excerise and diet. I have lost 20 lbs in about 40 days but I'm sure it will come back as it always has. I feel this would gvie me a tool to help maintain my weight.  I'm willing to  work hard  and diet but I've done this before many times and end right back where I started from. I am now having some insulin and blood pressure problems.  My Dad and sis both had diabetes I sure dont' want that if I can help it.  I'm 53 years old and want to have a fairly good healthly body for my old age. Can you all give me your thoughts on this? sure would appreicate your advise. thanks donna

 Hi Donna.. Honey we cant choose for you.. It's your body, your life... With that said... If you can loose 20 pounds in 40 days and be happy with that rate of loss, then you can rock the lapband... BUT you will need fills or adjustments to the band and so u need to think about the distance thing. I lost something like 75 pounds with the band with only one adjustment. He did it under fluro and got the sweetspot right off. It lasted 7 months.. So Maybe you can talk to the surgeon and see how he does his fills... Either surgery is going to get you where you want to be as long as you work it.. With the band it takes up to three adjustments to get you to your sweet spot unless under fluoroscopy..     Good luck in your decision and if I can help you anyway just ask. Dawn

Hi Donna, I know how hard it is to face this decision.  The answer can't be found on a message board or even in a book.  But what you can do is research.  Attend seminars and support groups, but where you want to find your information isn't within opinions as each of us love and believe in the choice we made as individual WLS patients.  You must educate yourself as much as possible before making this chioce.  Ask questions of professionals, read professional journals and papers.   I know Dr. Sonnanstine is now working on an article for the realize band that will be published soon inthe Bariatric Times magazine that I receive.  I read as much as I can about both procedures in hopes that I can answer questions.  As much as I have studied and spent time with the surgeon, I still didn't understand it until my husband had a band in June.  I had bypass 5yrs ago.  There is a difference but the truth be known it's still hard work and commitment.  What you need to wonder is if this procedure is right for you...Find your answer in speaking with the surgeon.  If you are lucky your doc will see you outside a seminar with a one on one consultation where you can ask openly any questions you may have. I am a technical advisor and event planner, I work on Bariatric events putting together fun and education experiences.  Unfortunately for you the next one won't be until March of 2009 in the Greater Cincy area.  I hope you will attend. If I can be of any assistance at all, please don't hesitate to contact me direct. Brenda