I really think that a larger percentage of my stomach was left rather than taken! When I saw the picture afterwards, it did not seem like much was taken. I was thinking that if enough was taken, it would almost be impossible to put a band on it. It would simply slide down...but evidently my doctor must see enough of my stomach to band. I was even thinking of asking him to redo the verticle sleeve, but think the band would be better. Did I mention my sister and I had our surgeries the same day. We both weighed the same. I had the sleeve, she had the band and she is now twenty pounds lighter then me. And no, she does not count calories nor does she excersise! WOW!