Hello Carol I am glad you are checking out the NM board. I have been trying to bring life to this board for a month. I think it offers such a powerful tool for all stages of WLS, I am surprised that so few post here... I hope you will check in often, and maybe spread the word to others you know. It is such a grea**** to talk to others who know what we are talking about, and to network. Happy Holidays!

I had considered the lapband myself when I first started this journey almost a year ago. But I knew that it just wasn't the right thing for me when I considered the long trips back to the doctor for the fills, the risk of infection under the band (I'm prone to MRSA), and I know how I eat. I'd find a way to continue to eat the crap that I knew I shouldn't eat. Like processed carbs and dairy, which is what I believe made me overweight in the first place. I listened to people in my local support group, the pros and the cons......and finally went with the RNY Jan. 31st of this year. To date I've lost 144 lbs and althought I'm having a hyperglycemic issue at the moment that may/may not be surgery related, I've not had a single solitary issue with the surgery. I was back to work in two weeks and lost my craving for those nasty processed carbs. I don't believe that if I'd had the lapband that I'd have lost that desire for them. Some of us are totally addicted to processed carbs, I have no idea why. I think the bottom line is not which procedure is cheapest though, it's all about which one will work best for you? Good luck in whichever one you decide to go with Carol J 350/205/150

Good morning to all you New Mexicans. It is turning out to be a spelndid day isn't it? I hope you are all getting your holiday preperations underway... Happy Hollidays everyone.

To be honest, if your big concern is related to a dumping type syndrone, that would be more of a bypass issue. What are you concerns, more specifically? I could have gotten either procedure but never really considered a bypass. Bypasses have always really scared me. I have no problem admitting that! Also, just from what I have seen, those patients experience a lot more hair issues than banders and well, I have really long hair and didn't want to lose it! Results seem to even out over a five year period, but bypass patients have amazing results almost immediately whereas us bandsters kind of plod along! lol I would suggest you do as much research as you feel you need to, it really does depend on what you're looking for. I have several friends who have paid out of pocket. The range has been 9-15k depending on where they got it done. Feel free to email me anytime! Good luck to you and your sister with your decision making processes!

I will keep putting the work out... Maybe a post on the main board... HUMM.... Richard