Opinion Needed...Band or Sleeve?

[SkinnyMiniMe 63]

I am going to my consult next Wednesday. I am sure the doctor will talk to me about both the band and sleeve. My husband likes the sleeve idea for himself because it does not require fills. I am on the fence. We both are embarking on this journe together and we have been told that it could happen in 10 weeks or less. I value opinions so.... What are the pros and cons and I would like to hear opinions as to why you made the decision to do one over the order and are you happy with the decision or do you wish you would have done the other procedure? THANKS in advance!!!

[arkansasmom 0]

I am going to my consult next Wednesday. I am sure the doctor will talk to me about both the band and sleeve. My husband likes the sleeve idea for himself because it does not require fills. I am on the fence. We both are embarking on this journe together and we have been told that it could happen in 10 weeks or less. I value opinions so.... What are the pros and cons and I would like to hear opinions as to why you made the decision to do one over the order and are you happy with the decision or do you wish you would have done the other procedure? THANKS in advance!!!

[arkansasmom 0]

I researched until I couldn't read any more. Also spoke with a gal who works for my husband who had the sleeve. I think generally speaking they have about the same outcome as far as weight loss goes. The sleeve once you are done that's it. There are certainly less follow ups. I chose the band because I ultimately decided I wanted the control over how quickly I lose, and I can get a fill here in town. It was an all inclusive package so I get all my fill appt.s for the first year at no additional cost. I also liked the fact the band doesn't affect your nutritional intake.

I have been banded just over a month, the downside I see is you eat something that doesn't want to go down, up it comes. It's happened twice to me, I'm not sick or anything I just urp it back up. If you have to travel any distance to get a fill, I would highly consider the sleeve. People won't drive to keep the fills up and it's important.

Good luck in your decision, whatever your decision will be right for you.

[JerseyGirl80 12]

In the end only you can make the best choice for yourself, it's your body. But, I chose to do the band because I wanted to lose weight slower, I also liked the idea that it was adjustable and that I'd still be able to eat anything I wanted (but limited amounts of course) without becoming physically ill (other than a few stuck episodes from time to time) what I mean by sick is with the other surgeries you could get very ill from eating certain things, or by having too much sugar. I liked the idea that I wouldn't have to deprive myself of some of my favorite foods like when I've "dieted" a million times before, doing this in the past only caused me to fall off the wagon and binge eat. Now everything is in moderation and I'm still losing.

Another reason, I had many reasons lol.. I didn't want them removing anything, cutting me or re-routing anything. I did not like the idea that the sleeve and the bypass are not reversable, if something goes wrong with my band they can take it out, they can't give me back my stomach once they remove some of it... I also did not want to risk some of the side effects from those other surgeries, malabsorption, dumping syndrome ect. I felt safer with the band.

My boyfriends sister had the bypass and she regrets it because she is always sick, since surgery she has become anemic, gets sick after eating alot of foods, her hair falls out and its very thin and brittle now. But I also have another friend that had bypass and she's doing great. I do not know anyone that has had the sleeve, so it's hard for me to form a personal opinion about it other than me not wanting to have part of my stomach removed. Everyone is different, but it scared me too much to have such an invasive surgery and by seeing some of the potential effects first hand.

If for some reason the band does not work for me, and I had to do something else I might consider the sleeve as it seems to be better than bypass in my opinion. But let's hope that doesn't happen! So far I couldn't be happier with my decision, but it was a chance I took just like anyone else. There is no guarantee this will work for anyone, but we have to try. This is my attempt at taking my life back and so far so good. I'm loving my band, so far!

Good luck you!

[SageTracey 608]

I wasn't offered and didn't consider the sleeve. My GP and surgeon both recommended the band and that is what I have (with hindsight, I could and probably should have done more research, just like you are!) However, I am very pleased with the band. So far I have lost 99 lb in just under 6 months. I am working the band by trying to make healthy food choices and I have certainly significantly increased my exercise.

I don't know enough about the sleeve to comment, so will just say that the band and I are working very well together.

Good luck with whatever you decide.