Hello, another newbie

 With a family history of stomach cancer, may I suggest that you research the duodenal switch.  Come over to the forum and we're happy to answer any questions that you may have.  I've had ulcer disease since the age of 13 and chose the duodenal switch because they can still perform a regular endoscopy for diagnostics.  We have also had several members with BMI's over 60.  Check us out!

I'll add another voice encouraging you to learn more about all the available wls options, and esp the DS. I can understand your comfort level with something familiar, sort of like what your Dad had, but his problem was completely different from yours, and what I hope helped him might not be the best choice for you.
    The DS has the best statistics of any presently available wls for percentage excess weight loss, maintaining that weight loss (so important!) and resolution of comorbidities. For someone with a very high bmi, it also has the advantage that it could, if necessary, be done in 2 parts. The sleeve gastrectomy could be done first, which would make your stomach much smaller and allow you to lose some weight without the big struggle that you would have now. In maybe 6 - 12 months you could have the "switch" part to add malabsorption, which would help both with losing more weight and with keeping the weight off longterm. For someone with a high bmi this might be the safest approach, but of course it's something you would need to discuss with  your surgeon.
    The sleeve stomach is a much smaller version of the stomach you have now. It empties normally through the pylorus, just like always. So no dumping, which some people with rny have, and you can take NSAIDs, which are contraindicated with rny. No food getting stuck at the stoma because there is no stoma. Lots of advantages. But the greater weight loss and maintaining that weight loss and the most important features. DS works well for people with lower bmi's as well, but is esp useful for those with a lot of weight to lose.
    Come on over to the DS forum and learn more about it. Ask questions, we don't mind. It's best for anyone to learn as much as possible and to make an informed decision. 
    If you would like some excellent articles about the DS, send me a pm.

Larra

Welcome! Did you ever think about having the duodenal switch (DS)? I was scheduled to have an RNY last year until I hear about the DS. It has better long term results & is supposed to be the BEST choice for people with high BMI's (my BMI was 68 before I had the surgery). I had the DS surgery on 11-26-08 & have lost 130 lbs so far. I feel really great! We can eat more “normally" than other WLS patients post-op also! Also, on the DS Board here at OH, or the Revisions Board, you will notice quite a number of former RNY & lap band patients who have had revisions to DS. If RNY is considered the “gold standard" in WLS, DS is considered the “platinum standard"!

PLEASE, please, please check out the DS Board, especially DSFacts. Of course, I think DS is the BEST, but please look into all options & decide what's best for you. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Best of luck to you on your journey!  www.duodenalswitch.com  

Thank you all.  I have been looking into the DS surgery and it does seem to make more sense for someone my size.  But there is no doctor listed in Alabama that does it.  The closest two are in Georgia.  So when the time comes, my hubby and I will need to do some serious talking to make sure I'd be able to get to the doctor for pre-op visits and post-op visits with no problems.

I really appreciate all of you advice.  I am seeing a plastic surgeon on the 3rd to look at my HS (Hydrendenitis Supperativa) so at least I'm starting down the road be becoming a healthier me.  Thanks again.

     Getting it DS in two parts does seem to be a good option for you. However if the cost of surgery is an issue, or you don't want 2 surgeries, perhaps you can try Weigh****chers, with your high BMI you could eat a lot and most of your Favorite foods and still lose weight. I started this before getting approved for my surgery.
   My problem with WW in the past is after I get down to a certain weight, I don't get enough food/points to feel full /satisfied. Right now my points are high (they use a points system) but as you lose weight they go down. Right now it about making better choices (less fat & sugar and more fiber) not eating less. 
    I started my pre-op diet, so now I get to eat next to nothing. But I have gotten down to 300 lbs with WW before and could have gone lower but fell back into bad eating habits. 
   Early on you can still have burgers, fries, or even a candy bar you just have to make better choices through out the day. As you go, you lose weight and you have to keep making better choices to keep losing weight.  
    The choices were sometimes hard for me, but keeping in the points range meant getting less food (the hardest part since I still felt hungry) and giving up what I loved as weight came off. RNY is going to give me a smaller stomach so eating less and still being hungry, is going to be less of issue than has been in the past.
    Good Luck to You!