My BMI was 68 when I was banded. I was not interested in the bypass as a first course of surgical action. I'm not saying that I'm anti-bypass -- if the band hadn't worked for me (or if, God forbid, I ever lose my band), I might have had it. That said, I don't think for someone in their 30s who wants to have a child (like you and, maybe, me), any doctor should be pushing you into the bypass. The band lets you absorb the nutrition you need to carry a child to term. My view is a doctor who puts weight limits on the band might not really believe in the band, which is a red flag on that practice for me.

My advice is to continue your research. You need a practice that fully supports your long term goals. Follow up care with the band is paramount. There's no medical reason to go bypass with BMI>60 that I know of unless you've got a pressing co-morbidity that could take your life if you don't lose the first chunk with incredible speed (something like uncontrolled BP).

Don't give up on the band. Find the right doctor.

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Julie-NYC
banded 4/10/06, NYU, Dr. Fielding