Band Or Sleeve?

[Essence33 90]

I was thinking of the sleeve, but since its nor reverseable I got a bit scared. The sleeve is more cost effective then the band. However, with the sleeve doing my research I've read more complications. Such as leakage, dumping, and etc. I'm confused. Help? Anyone had problems?

[SuperFab 689]

I think complications with the band is higher. I've even read that some bariatric doctors are no longer doing the band, but have went with going with the sleeve and bypass only. Read the complications in the band forum. In two days my sister converts from band to sleeve. Slippage, scar tissue and erosion are just a few band complications. Also trying to find that "sweet spot" where your fill is perfect can take years. It did for her. You have to research and then research some more. Then at the end of the day, go with what you feel is right for you.

[Essence33 90]

I think complications with the band is higher. I've even read that some bariatric doctors are no longer doing the band, but have went with going with the sleeve and bypass only. Read the complications in the band forum. In two days my sister converts from band to sleeve. Slippage, scar tissue and erosion are just a few band complications. Also trying to find that "sweet spot" where your fill is perfect can take years. It did for her. You have to research and then research some more. Then at the end of the day, go with what you feel is right for you.

Thanks! Sorry about the complication with your sister. I agree with you. I've done both research, but what gets me is cutting half of my stomach and being staple from the inside. However, I'll take on your advice and keep doing research. Thanks again.

[SuperFab 689]

Thanks! Sorry about the complication with your sister. I agree with you. I've done both research, but what gets me is cutting half of my stomach and being staple from the inside. However, I'll take on your advice and keep doing research. Thanks again.

Any time. I just wish I could've been more helpful.

[Essence33 90]

Any time. I just wish I could've been more helpful.

You were more then helpful, some advice is better then none.

[reading mom 85]

I understand the appeal of the band. Originally it seemed less drastic to me. But as I researched further and became more aware of the serious complications that some have with the band the sleeve began to appeal to me more. I also saw many doctors no longer perform or recommend the band surgery. Also at some point the band has to come out. Then what? I don't know about your dieting history, but I could get it all together and lose weight for a while, but I could never get all the way to goal and then I could never keep the weight off. I had a problem that needed a PERMANENT solution. With the sleeve you are "one and done," but the band is a life time commitment to adjustments, fills and eventually replacement. Wishing you all the best as you continue your research and decide what is best for you. Good for you for making steps to lose weight and get healthier whichever you decide!

[reading mom 85]

Also I recommend you check out the forum section on converting from band to sleeve. Lots of stories there!

[Kindle 8,667]

You're right, Short term complications are higher with the sleeve, but long term is much higher with the band. In fact, if you read the "fine print" the band was never meant to be a permanent thing. That being said, I was originally looking at getting the band. A good friend of mine has had one for 5 years so I went to her for advice. She immediately talked me out of it. She doesn't regret hers, but it has been a long road...took over 2 years (and MANY fills/unfills) to find the "sweet spot" and finally lose weight and keep it off....had emergency surgery to remove 1st band after it slipped....lives in fear of getting the flu since violent vomiting could result in another slip. Since I live in a pretty rural area, she advised that all the post op maintenance would be a major inconvenience for me, and a slip could be downright dangerous if I can't get to a surgeon ASAP.

I, too was freaked over having an irreversible procedure done, but the weight loss maintenance and lifestyle changes that go with this journey shouldn't be something you can just "reverse" when you want to, so why should the physical part be? And yes, the potential complications are very scary, but so is being fat for the rest of my life.

Keep up with your research and do what you think is best for you. (And if you hadn't guessed, you will get biased opinions on this sub forum...so make sure you post in the band forums, too)

[Coachdk 72]

I have been considering a sleeve for several years, and had many of the same thoughts as the OP. Last year I had a total knee replacement. Now that is drastic and permanent. My success with the new knee made me decide to get the sleeve...and my knee surgeon is very happy with my decision.

[Nicolanz 1,484]

I personally know 3 who have been banded. 1 never lost a significant amount and the other 2 gained all of their weight back. I know 2 people who where sleeved 2 years before me and are still at or very close to goal. For me, that helped me make my choice! Good luck?!

[Nicolanz 1,484]

I mean, good luck!

[Essence33 90]

I understand the appeal of the band. Originally it seemed less drastic to me. But as I researched further and became more aware of the serious complications that some have with the band the sleeve began to appeal to me more. I also saw many doctors no longer perform or recommend the band surgery. Also at some point the band has to come out. Then what? I don't know about your dieting history, but I could get it all together and lose weight for a while, but I could never get all the way to goal and then I could never keep the weight off. I had a problem that needed a PERMANENT solution. With the sleeve you are "one and done," but the band is a life time commitment to adjustments, fills and eventually replacement. Wishing you all the best as you continue your research and decide what is best for you. Good for you for making steps to lose weight and get healthier whichever you decide!

Thanks, yeah the fills and adjustment being self paid will become very much expansive. I have a lot of thinking to do. Huh! Thanks

[Essence33 90]

You're right, Short term complications are higher with the sleeve, but long term is much higher with the band. In fact, if you read the "fine print" the band was never meant to be a permanent thing. That being said, I was originally looking at getting the band. A good friend of mine has had one for 5 years so I went to her for advice. She immediately talked me out of it. She doesn't regret hers, but it has been a long road...took over 2 years (and MANY fills/unfills) to find the "sweet spot" and finally lose weight and keep it off....had emergency surgery to remove 1st band after it slipped....lives in fear of getting the flu since violent vomiting could result in another slip. Since I live in a pretty rural area, she advised that all the post op maintenance would be a major inconvenience for me, and a slip could be downright dangerous if I can't get to a surgeon ASAP.

I, too was freaked over having an irreversible procedure done, but the weight loss maintenance and lifestyle changes that go with this journey shouldn't be something you can just "reverse" when you want to, so why should the physical part be? And yes, the potential complications are very scary, but so is being fat for the rest of my life.

Keep up with your research and do what you think is best for you. (And if you hadn't guessed, you will get biased opinions on this sub forum...so make sure you post in the band forums, too)

Thanks, I have been on the band forum a while now and I'm getting both advice which is great for me when making a decision. Thanks!

[Essence33 90]

I have been considering a sleeve for several years, and had many of the same thoughts as the OP. Last year I had a total knee replacement. Now that is drastic and permanent. My success with the new knee made me decide to get the sleeve...and my knee surgeon is very happy with my decision.

Sorry about the knees, happy your doing well. I'm seriously considering it.

[Essence33 90]

I personally know 3 who have been banded. 1 never lost a significant amount and the other 2 gained all of their weight back. I know 2 people who where sleeved 2 years before me and are still at or very close to goal. For me, that helped me make my choice! Good luck?!

Thanks