outlaw

I've done a ton of research all over the net and here, but I'm getting cold feet at the moment. I've read of lots of people that are happy they did the band, have lost a lot of weight, happy now, etc. I understand that its just a tool, and it will take work, lifestyle change, exercise, etc. I'm 48, 330, 6'1, and am determined to finally do something about my weight. In my 30's, I went from 283 down to 211, but have slowly put all that back on plus more over the last 20 years. For as many 'happy' band stories that I read about, I see as many or more disasters: slime, dumping (whatever that is), a lot of pain, slipping, having to get the band removed, etc. Almost all of these disaster people have said they needed WLS, and revised to the sleeve. Every one of them wished they had gone with the sleeve in the first place. I know there are risks with both, and issues with both, but can that many people be wrong, wishing they had just done sleeve first? Help with advice please people, I'm scheduled for band surgery in three weeks, and am considering either going with sleeve or forgetting WLS altogether.

Any thoughts and advice are welcomed. I've done a ton of research on various WLS options, and have heard both success and horror stories for both Band and Sleeve. What made you decide to get the sleeve? Did you start with the Band and revised to sleeve? If so, why? I know that both take work and a lifestyle change - I just want some honest unbiased opinions on why you think one is better than the other.

Jean, wow...thank you so much for that. Balanced view, and so informative -- has got me thinking. I've been back and forth so much on this...

Thanks MsAnti -- good stuff. Royal, Mini, Travel, and all, thanks so much. Your words are backing up exactly what my research has been telling me. I'm off the Band schedule for Feb. 1, now looking into scheduling Sleeve. Thank goodness I came here and you all have been so open in sharing your own experiences.

James, good point...I'm leaning more and more to changing my surgery to Sleeve. Ms Anti, I hear you. I haven't even asked about the fills, I had just assumed they were included. Also, I travel a lot for business, so being around/available for the fills might not work. I know any WLS is a big deal, but NOBODY regrets going from Band to Sleeve? No disrespect to anyone, but you are commenting here because you did have band problems. I'm just trying to balance out the positive reviews I hear from some bandsters, with the 'so-far-100%' positives of those who did the revision. Thank you so kindly for the comments/advice/suggestions -- I REALLY need 'em, so keep them coming!

Great comments, thanks. No single WLS is for everyone, and there are as many positives on the Band side. I'm doing the research, and will definitely check out the revision parts.

Thanks PattyGirl and CaWanna, good points. You're right, the cold feet are setting in -- I'm just trying to avoid doing the band first, then have to do the sleeve anyway. For some, they wish they never saw or tried the band. I've done all the preop visits, etc, just now have to do the diet thing before surgery.

How have these first few days been?