My husband and I tried to get approvals for the lap band-- it has a much lower complication rate. Our BCBS would only cover RNY-- we tried an appeal for the band also. My husband weighed about 450 and had alot of co-morbidities. He had a lap RNY on Feb. 24th. He's doing very well, off diabetes medicine and decreased in other meds and SOOO much more active. He's getting his life back. The RNY didn't feel right for me. I thought I'd try to change my eating habits ONE more time. I thought about what made me fail hundreds of other attempts and have worked into my own plan. So far so good-- I think of finally hit on a plan that works for me --1700 cals, 60% fat, 15% carb, 25% protein using fitday.com. Meanwhile I no longer quallify for bariatric surgery-- but I still might go to Mexico for a lap band if I can't lose it this time.