BAND VS. SLEEVE

[Meg Meg 0]

I'm just looking for some advise here. I am interested in getting the sleeve done but i want to explore my options. I'm 23 yrs old and weigh 276 and i have been heavy ever since i can remember. My friend just had lap band done about a month ago and it made me realize that i need to do something about me. So my question is to whoever reads why did you choose the lap band?

[TwinMom74 11]

Hi,

I was banded last Monday and I did lots soul searching and researching before making my decision. It is certainly a personal decision to make. I didn't choose the sleeve because I was afraid of such an invasive surgery (cutting 85% of your stomach). I also didn't want to loose so quickly as to have all the excess skin issue--those were my primary two focus. With the lapband, the weight loss is steady, gradual and healthy. The surgery is not a big deal and your insides remain the same. Also, it can be taken out.

There are plus & minus to both, but for me, this was the best choice---and I don't regret it a bit.

Hope this helps!

[nikki_att84 4]

coz its reversable..like everyone else says less invasive..u lose weight gradually so less possibility of regaining..ur skin doesnt go threw a shocker..ur u life doesnt change as drastically..

[amyloveslou 11]

I had to smile when I seen this. i too went for the band for all of the safe reasons but just at my last appointment I asked my doc about going for the sleeve. i have done GREAT with the band but I am not doing well with the fills and i cant eat meat anymore. note * I * I dont want 100 ppl yelling at me my body no matter how small or how many times i chew it dosnt go down.. i dont miss the meat and i get alot of Protein in but I get sick alot and thank goodness it dosnt bother me but i just put in to my insurance to get the sleeve instead... go to meetings and meet the ppl who had both research the heck out of it and pray .... the answer will come to you....

best of luck with what ever you choose ........

[amiller1010 2]

You already know my reasons but I will tell you again...the thought of them cutting out my stomach scared me, and there just wasn't enough long term research for me. You will figure out what is best for you, I promise

[Ms. Kitty 0]

I'm just looking for some advise here. I am interested in getting the sleeve done but i want to explore my options. I'm 23 yrs old and weigh 276 and i have been heavy ever since i can remember. My friend just had lap band done about a month ago and it made me realize that i need to do something about me. So my question is to whoever reads why did you choose the lap band?

I agree with many of the reasons that were mentioned before my response and I also did it due to the "not a quick fix", "less invasive" and most importantly for me, I didn't want to be off of work a really long time. I was not really clear on how long the sleeve had been around and what complications I might encounter so I thought like everyone else that I should stick with something reversible. My doctor also mentioned to me that many of his lapband patients were very close to the same weight loss as his bypass patients even though it took us a lot longer. I personally know a few folks that had the full gastric bypass and a few of them have gained a dramatic amount of weight back and I thought, wow, if they could than so can I. One of them, I think has more will power and better eating habits then I had so I figured if she could stretch her stomach back out then I probably could too. So although the choice is individual, you should consider all sides and see what makes the best choice for you. Best of Luck with either choice, they are all life changing but I can say my band has changed my life for the better so far. I have a long way to go but I am hanging in there and getting needed adjustments to stay on or get back on track :-).

[Meg Meg 0]

Hi,

I was banded last Monday and I did lots soul searching and researching before making my decision. It is certainly a personal decision to make. I didn't choose the sleeve because I was afraid of such an invasive surgery (cutting 85% of your stomach). I also didn't want to loose so quickly as to have all the excess skin issue--those were my primary two focus. With the lapband, the weight loss is steady, gradual and healthy. The surgery is not a big deal and your insides remain the same. Also, it can be taken out.

There are plus & minus to both, but for me, this was the best choice---and I don't regret it a bit.

Hope this helps!

I dont have insurance at this time and im trying to get on my and dads. they also have Cinga and i was wondering what did you have to go through the insurance company to be approved and what all were the requirements they you had to do.

[bobrocky 8]

I had Cigna. They require 6 months of supervised dr visits. If you miss one month you have to start over. You have to show an exercise plan, 5 years of weight records(1 for each year). You have o attend to support groups, see a nutritionist ad ave a psych evaluation. Seems like a lot but the time goes quickly.

[TwinMom74 11]

I dont have insurance at this time and im trying to get on my and dads. they also have Cinga and i was wondering what did you have to go through the insurance company to be approved and what all were the requirements they you had to do.

Hi Meg Meg: I would suggest you find out exactly which type of Cigna coverage your dad has and then call them up ask them for the Bariatric Surgery Coverage Criteria--this document lays it all out. I have open access plus and they required BMI of > 40 or between 35-39.9 with at least one clinically obesity comorbidity; either 6 months of supervised diet with a Dr. or registered dietician OR 6 months of WeightWatchers/Jenny Craig, Optifast is also acceptable (that's actually what I submitted); a psych evaluation and nutritionist consultation. The best advice is for you to be informed of you coverage directly from them and start gathering your documention/lining up your appointments...the approval will then be a breeze (if you follow all the requirements).

Best of luck!