I honestly can't decide

Thank you, I will check it out!!!

You really need to research and be sure you are getting your information from current, reliable sources. One of the reasons I had lap band is because I am sort of a control freak and wanted to make my own decisions as to what food I can eat. I did not want to take the chance of getting sick if I chose to eat birthday cake or have some chocolate. I'm living my life with the motto of moderation, not deprivation. The beauty of the band is that it is adjustable to your needs. Do you get the instant gratification of instant, very quick weight loss? No. It is a much slower process. But do you still have the help of the band to maintain weightloss once you are at goal? Yes! That's huge to me. I know I can lose weight. I just can't keep it off. The decision you make is yours and yours alone - with maybe a little help from your surgeon. There are pros and cons, no matter which you choose. You must commit to make life-style and eating- ha*****anges. There are no miracles. I encourage you to attend some support groups meetings and talk to more people who have been there. Do not get your information on one procedure from people who have had a different procedure - there are a lot misconceptions about the band floating around......
Jean B.

Jean - that is an AWESOME response! Very helpful & great points.

Thanks - it's rather daunting to post on this board as a bandster, but I do lurk here a lot to be around to share my thoughts and give the band the credit it is due. Jean B.

I didn't see anyone mention the duodenal switch and there are so many people who have never even heard of it still.  I facilitate the local DS support group and I have a local online DS support group as well.  If you would like information on the duodenal switch procedure in addition to the lapband and RNY, I'd be happy to help you with your research.  I'll be 4 years post-op in Jan.  I've lost 165 pounds and I haven't regained a single pound.  I also have no nutritional issues.  I can eat a perfectly normal diet and normal portions.  I can take NSAIDs and drink with my meals.  I don't have to worry about dumping syndrome and I've never thrown up post-op.  I also didn't ever have to rely on protein supplements since I could always eat large enough portions to get all of my protein in through real food.  Let me know if you have any questions!

Going to the Seminar tomorrow!  I'm excited about this one, the brouchure talks about all the surgical options (I've heard of most).  I'm really surprised.  They said the surgeon will help decide which one is best for us, and I'm so happy to hear it.  I ruled out the DS on my own because the mal-absorbtion is just too risky IMO.  This place has a whole lap-band support group, and this doctor does the DS so I know this is the right place for me.  He'll totally know which one is right after I give me my concerns, and a surgeon attends the seminar to ask questions.  Totally found my right place, hope everything goes well.