I had Gastric Bypass at the end of June 2012, lost a stone on the pre-op diet (4 tins of weight watchers soup and 4 muller light yoghurt a day, drank water, minimal tea/coffee and 1/2 pint or less skimmed milk). since the op have lost nearly 2 and 1/2 stone, & am off "everything".
My blood sugars have always been high (double figures - am insulin resistant) now down to 5-7 range, the only meds I am now taking daily are a Statin, multivits, iron etc, and lansoprazole. Had been taking blood pressure tabs (gone), Asthma medication (tabs, 3 type of inhaler & a nebuliser, plus too many steroids (when things got bad)) now I have the occasional ventolin puff.Had been taking two types of Insulin, Metformin, Glicazide etc, now just 1 tab of Metformin if blood sugars go high. (7 times since op).
Besides saving the UK economy single handed (due to a vastly reduced medical bill), I feel a lot better in myself, need new clothes, (finally can go to M&S rather than Big Man shops!), and I know I will be around a bit longer.
Had my surgery with UCH Bariatrics, very good, out in 3 days, took it easy for 3 weeks, have grown very fond of yoghurt, creamed rice pots and soup, (easiest things to eat). Probs are with getting to a balanced diet. Before the op, my life revolved around food in that I was eating too much, now my life revolves around food because I have to think about getting enough protein etc into what I eat, as I am eating too little.
From my research about bands it is that you can "cheat" and eat too much and re-expand your tummy, (apparently Sharon Osborne (Ozzy's other half) did this with Chocolate!). Also (over time) the band needs re-inflating (via saline injected into it), and it will need re-adjusting . With bypass (as long as you are suitable medically speaking) it is a final "no going" back solution and UCH see it as the Gold Standard in Bariatric Surgery. With a band you must have a support team you can access easily, and who can adjust / re-inflate your band as & when required over at least a year or more.
There are drawbacks to Bariatric Surgery; dumping syndrome; feeling "full" after two spoons of pasta; not being able to drink , (alcohol or fizzy drinks, this means no beer!), being wary of certain types of food like high fatty or high sugar foods (No do-nuts or chocolate or even chocolate glazed do-nuts for ever!).
I still have a way to go in terms of weight loss & getting my diet right, but is was definitely one of the better decisions in my life.
A good analogy I came across in my research, is that Bariatric Surgery gives you guide rails in the bowling alley of life, it makes it easier not to get a gutter ball, and its easier to reach your goal!
Good Luck
