I had the band in 2008. Had Many adjustments. Never worked for me. My doctor told me when I went in to ask about having it removed an having a sleeve that he is no longer doing bands because he has many patients with the same success I had. (NONE) He says he is doing up to four band removals a month. He feels the sleeve is a very good fit for weight loss. I will be having my surgery very soon I hope. The sleve.