Decisions, decisions...

Well, as you read in my previous entry I have decided to have weight loss surgery. Which procedure has yet to be determined. The surgeon I have decided to work with provides three options:
1. Lap Band - which I do NOT want. I have been witness to way too many complications as a nurse in the ER. I don't like that a foreign object is wrapped around my stomach, which in a lot of cases, ends up eroded into the stomach tissue. Plus, the success rates for this surgery are very slim and most insurance companies will not cover the costs of your band revisions. So...take this one right off the list!
2. Gastric sleeve - Otherwise known as the laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy. This is the surgery I was the most sold on until I went to the bariatric seminar and have research more. This surgery involves permanently removing 75% of the stomach, which limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. This is becoming the gold standard and has increased in popularity. The problem I am finding is that most patients complain of severe gastric reflux and the long-term results are not as good as the bypass. Quite a few patients re-stretch their stomach and can back the weight- which can happen with the bypass, but not as easily.
3. Roux-en-Y - Otherwise known as gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch out of the top of the stomach and rerouting the intestines to create a restrictive and malabsorptive component. Patients lose approximately 80% of their excess weight and the long-term effects are well documented. The risk is relatively the same as the sleeve. I am leaning toward this procedure, but I am still deciding.
However, I have time. Lots of time. The testing and time and energy that goes into this process is plentiful. So far I have had a gamut of labs drawn, which led to me being placed on 4 vitamins: Vitamin d, Vitamin A, Calcium, and a multivitamin. I also had to have an exercise screening and an upper GI to test for reflux. I am in the process of trying to schedule a psychological evaluation. I have a meeting with a nutritionist on Thursday and I go back to the surgeon on Monday to find out what is next on my list of pre-op work. 
I am anxious to find out what the nutritionist has to say. This is very exciting, and yet terrifying, at the same time. I appreciate everyone joining me on this journey. My family and friends have been nothing but supportive. It will be a long road and I am excited to share the journey with you all.