Hope this is helpful. It helped me a lot.                                                                          

the band has higher long-term complication rate and LOWER success rate...not the best choice.....I feel the sleeve is the better choice for most people... the bypass has it's own "issues" here is one study at Lenox Hill Hospital and a Doc's opinion on the bypass......pay attention to his conclusion. .................

 New Data on Weight Gain Following Bariatric Surgery 

Gastric bypass surgery has long been considered the gold standard for weight loss. However, recent studies have revealed that this particular operation can lead to potential weight gain years later. Lenox Hill Hospital’s Chief of Bariatric Surgery, Mitchell Roslin, MD, was the principal investigator of the Restore Trial – a national ten center study investigating whether an endoscopic suturing procedure to reduce the size of the opening between the gastric pouch of the bypass and the intestine could be used to control weight gain in patients following gastric bypass surgery. The concept for the trial originated when Dr. Roslin noticed a pattern of weight gain with a significant number of his patients, years following gastric bypass surgery. While many patients could still eat less than before the surgery and become full faster, they would rapidly become hungry and feel light headed, especially after consuming simple carbohydrates, which stimulate insulin production.

 The results of the Restore Trial, which were published in January 2011, did not confirm the original hypothesis – there was no statistical advantage for those treated with suturing. However, they revealed something even more important. The data gathered during the trial and the subsequent glucose tolerance testing verified that patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery and regained weight were highly likely to have reactive hypoglycemia, a condition in which blood glucose drops below the normal level, one to two hours after ingesting a meal high in carbs. Dr. Roslin and his colleagues theorized that the rapid rise in blood sugar – followed by a swift exaggerated plunge – was caused by the absence of the pyloric valve, a heavy ring of muscle that regulates the rate at which food is released from the stomach into the small intestine. The removal of the pyloric valve during gastric bypass surgery causes changes in glucose regulation that lead to inter-meal hunger, impulse-snacking, and consequent weight regain. 

Dr. Roslin and his team decided to investigate whether two other bariatric procedures that preserve the pyloric valve – sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch – would lead to better glucose regulation, thus suppressing weight regain. The preliminary data of this current study shows that all three operations initially reduce fasting insulin and glucose. However, when sugar and simple carbs are consumed, gastric bypass patients have a 20-fold increase in insulin production at six months, compared to a 4-fold increase in patients who have undergone either a sleeve gastrectomy or a duodenal switch procedure. The dramatic rise in insulin in gastric bypass patients causes a rapid drop in glucose, promoting hunger and leading to increased food consumption.

 “Based on these results, I believe that bariatric procedures that preserve the pyloric valve lead to better physiologic glucose regulation and ultimately more successful long-term maintenance of weight-loss,” said Dr. Roslin

I stopped drinking years prior to the surgery, but 18 months out I started social drink and social became daily.  I went from wine to liquor. I did a lot of damage to myself to include attempting suicide when my husband tried to control my drinking, breaking my leg, accidentally cutting a tendon in my hand while drunk.  I will not diminish the impact alcohol can have after surgery.  I began to crave it everyday.  My family life and job were great, I had no issues outside alcohol.  My advice to you is STOP.  I started attending AA meetings, but that did not help.  After the surgery your body absorb alcohol 7 times faster than an individual without the surgery.  I quit when I read a blog written by a husband who lost his wife to alcohol abuse after the surgery, her liver was destroyed.  He said she would always feel pressure on her right side where her liver was- I felt that same pressure.  She left behind 3 young children.  

I don't believe it's a transfer addiction, I believe our bodies can no longer tolerate alcohol.  I have been alcohol free for 3 years, but each year when I have my annual physical my bilirubin (liver  enzymes) are elevated.  Some damage can not be reversed. 

Congratulations on your success thus far. You are an inspiration to me.  I celebrated my tenth year 4/5/2005. Let's keep in touch

Hi Dodgergirl27!  I hope I answered your question appropriately.  It has taken me from 2004 to now to get to 155.  I keep going up and down.  The last time I started regaining, I got all the way up to 213, I joined weigh****chers and that has gotten me to where I am now.  The first 18 months is when I lost the majority of my weight.  If you feel like reading my post feel free.  Its been a roller coaster for me and my weight.  I Hope this gives you a little more detail. 

Lia d