just wanted to add something to this.
i work with a lady, who just had this surgery in november of 2002. now she has lost 103lbs as of last monday, but if you ask her if she would do it again, she would say NO!!!!!!!!
she almost died. lots of complications with it, and now she gets sick if she eats sugar, or anything more than like half a roll.
i know you feel heavy, but at 250, you can do it on your own, with atkins or whatever plan you choose. the accomplishment will be greater to you. good luck in your decision, just think of the thousands of people here to help you along the way.
just my 2 cents worth
dawn