I had the band in 2009 and had it removed in May 2014, because it slipped. I had to wait 6months so everything could heal before the dr did the sleeve surgery.I'm planning on having the sleeve surgery in three weeks. If I had known about the sleeve before the lap band I would had the sleeve first..I know several people who had the sleeve and has done really well!! The lady that had the lap band the same time I did has done well with her lap band. I just had bad acid reflux with my lap band...I hope this helps you !!