Why Did You Choose The Band Over Vsg?

[amytug 996]

im curious.

i've been reading a lot on the sleeve board, and see a lot of band to sleeve revisions. I'm researching all of my options and would like to know why all of yo chose hte band over the sleeve.

[NWgirl 574]

Less invasive and no removal of my anatomy. Also, recovery time is much shorter and no dumping syndrome.

I figured that if this doesn't work, then I can look into other options. Also, if my band has a problem 4 or 5 years down the line, maybe a better WLS will exist.

[JessiG1983 50]

Slightly safer, less invasive, shorter recovery time, longer term studies, in my doctors opinion it is a safer surgery for those who plan on having children post surgically. So far (few wks shy of my 6 month bandiversary) I am doing remarkably well and do not regret my decision at all.

[Jen75 33]

I agree with stephy and jessi but would also like to add that I researched the malabsorption issue with other wls and I didn't care for it. I work in a psychiatric hospital and see many wls patients 5 - 10 yrs out. The malabsorption doesn't just affect the body causing weight loss but also affects the brain. That scared me. I wanted something that if I had problems could be removed with minimal damage (scarring) I don't know much about the sleeve. I do know that the band is not an easy way out and requires dedication and commitment but gives many rewards with weightless and health if you are willing to work with it. Good luck with your decision!

[amytug 996]

I thought the mal absorbsion wasn't supposed to be an issue w the sleeve, tha'ts why it's supposed to be such a great option.

having half of my stomach hacked off is scary- as is thinking about being in a psychiatric hospital. I am already depressed.

I really like the idea of hte band.

thank you for your input- keep it coming! if you have opinions- throw'em at me!!

[Jen75 33]

I thought the mal absorbsion wasn't supposed to be an issue w the sleeve' date=' tha'ts why it's supposed to be such a great option.

having half of my stomach hacked off is scary- as is thinking about being in a psychiatric hospital. I am already depressed.

I really like the idea of hte band.

thank you for your input- keep it coming! if you have opinions- throw'em at me!![/quote']

It's quite possible, I have not done a lot of research with the sleeve. In fact when I had surgery it was gastric or banding...That's where my comment of malabsorption was coming from. I would guess that if you are situationally depressed Then quite possibly your depression will lift with any weightloss. Best of luck to you in your decision making. Do your research, and go with what best fits for you! :-)

[Jen75 33]

Oh as far as options, many on here are doing the iband. Lapband with plication... Check it out! May be another option!

[bigenuff 302]

I chose the band for the Same reasons as others, I actually just read about depression and the sleeve.caused by the removal of the part of the stomach that produced Ghrelin.the hormone apparently decreases depression and removing it apparently increases. :-/ I have been on the sleeve boards and there are a lot of band haters there.Also a lot of misinformation about the band.my main reason for choosing band is adjustibility and keeping my stomach but honestly if it fails I would probably chose sleeve before bypass.I think it's an incredibly hard decision to chose a WLS I wish u the best of luck whatever u choose you will have support here. ! :-)

[Dulci 108]

Initially, I chose the band because it was the least invasive surgery and the only reversable option. Dumping syndrome and malabsorption issues that accompany bypass scare me, as does the idea that I will lose most of my stomach with the sleeve.

My doctor also agreed that the band was the best choice for me.

If I lose my band for some reason, I will seriously consider revision to a sleeve. However, I have had issues with depression. If there is a connection between the sleeve and an increase in depression, I would rule out that option. I will never knowingly risk going back into the personal of hell of a depressive episode. Bigenuff, thank you for mentioning your discovery between the band and the sleeve.

[lovex5 25]

honestly? my insurance will only cover me having a sleeve at a military treatment facility, which makes me uncomfortable. everyone is different though. i'd rather use my own hospital since i have other health issues that they are well aware of, and they are one of the top hospitals in the nation. supposedly my insurance will be covering the sleeve for civilian poviders within a couple years and if that's the case maybe i'll have a revision if i need it...way down the road. i plan to succeed with the band though. good luck in your decision!!

[made4more 3]

Thank you for all the replies.

I definitely don't want to chances king my depression worse by doing a vsg, but I REALlly think my depression has a ton to do w the fact that I never want to go anywhere because of my weight. It's really like a prison.

I am leaning toward the lap band.