I have the Lap band because, although it may require a little maintenance, you have not mutilated your stomach to a point in which it cannot be repaired. I had considered the sleeve until I read somewhere that often people that get the sleeve often end up having to go back and have the regular gastric bypass done. That is where I drew the line and I would not allow them to cut my stomach. The band has some maintenance issues but, I can eat just about all the foods I love without a violent episode (dumping) and I still feel full after a little bit of food. If something comes up I could have the band un-done with little or no trouble

I chose the Lab Band because I didn't want to make a permanent change to my anatomy, although after the scheduling appointment with my first doctor left me in doubt on my ability to succeed with band so I considered having the sleeve. Fortunately my insurance doesn't cover the sleeve but while doing research about the sleeve I found out about plication which is basically a sleeve made from sewing instead of cutting. While the procedure is still investigational and not covered by insurance, if it is preformed along with the band it seems that insurances will cover it. What I am looking to about this procedure is that from initial studies, it seems to eliminate the negatives of both procedures while giving you the benefits of both.

i had 2 relatives have the band done last june, 2011. so far he has lost 110 lbs and she has lost about 45. i read everthing i could on the band and immeditly knew it was right for me. i followed my relatives progress qver the summer and they had no problems. i didnt want my insides messed with , it had a short hospital and recovery time, and it was reversable if neccessary. i was sold !had my done dec 13th , so far ,so good.

I chose to have lap band surgery because I didn't want my insides to be cut up, stapled and rerouted. Lap band is less invasive than that.

I kept going back and forth between the lapband and sleeve as well. I finally learned something about the lapband that made me feel better about going that route. Say after a few years of having the lapband you start to gain weight back...you can go in to get a fill to help you lose it. However, with the sleeve, there is nothing there. You fall off the band wagon, it's your own personal restraint that will get you back on. At least with the lapband there is always something there to give you a boost back up. That's just my opinion.

I chose to have the lapband for several reasons. First off my niece had it done April 2010 and has lost over 140lbs. Second was the risk involved with each surgery. The sleeve has cutting, stapling and rerouting of your body and theres a lot greater risk with that then with the band and if you have problems after getting banded its reversible, the sleeve is not.

I was leaning toward the band at the beginning. At the WLS seminar, my surgeon very bluntly stated that there is no going back once 80% of your stomach is tossed "in the bucket" (the trash in the OR).

I had the lap band with pilation (sp?). My dr said its the same effect as the sleeve but with no permanent damage. I just started this journey (banded Dec 9) so I will keep you informed.