Weight Loss/Maintenance

The surgery itself very often stops the disease. Not the same with lap band.

There should be a waiting process of all types of bariatric surgery. Many insurance companies require a six-month supervised weight loss program. Others just require a certain BMI. Most good surgeons - they should be Centers of Excellence - have a pre-op program that takes a few months. It's good because it allows patients to learn new habits. No soda, no drinking with meals, eating really slowly, chewing a LOT. And they should require a psychological screening.

Have you looked into the vertical sleeve gastrectomy? It's another option along with band and bypass. Basically it's the first part of the gastric bypass that reduces the stomach but it doesn't realign the intestines. So the malabsorbtion issue isn't there.

I personally know many people who have had weight loss surgery with successful results. I also know people who have had the lap band but find a way to defeat the process and end up having it removed and a revision to bypass done.

With all of these surgeries, taking vitamins and supplements will be a life-long thing. And dumping doesn't have to happen. People dump on sugar and fats. But not everyone experiences it the same way, or at all. But the negative reinforcement of dumping can be a good thing. It'll keep patients from eating things that will sabotage their efforts.

Good luck.