Sleeve vs. Banding

[jhammer2 8]

I am still in the early stages of the whole process and am having trouble decided which weight loss surgery to have. I was leaning toward the the lap band, but at an apt with my GI today he suggested the sleeve. Anyone else in this boat? If so, how did you decided?

[bobbyswife 862]

I didn't want anything foreign in my body and I didn't want to have to have those fills done every month or so. Also, there are an alarming number of band failures that lead to revision surgery. Just the sleeve for me! Of course it is a very personal decision and no matter what you choose you will find lots of support here!

Edited November 11, 2014 by bobbyswife

[BigGirlPanties 957]

• I know a lot of doctors are getting a way from the band as it's not as good as once thought...many insurance companies won't cover it because it's reverseable (sp?).

Personally, after review of the option, the sleeve was the way to go for me, as you remove some stomach but still maintain your regular food flow so you keep your nutrients.

My doctor said he won't do the band on someone with more than 100 pounds to lose, it just is not restrictive enough for them...

good luck on whatever you choose...do your research, ask questions, the bottom line is ... it's YOUR choice!

[Rogofulm 2,440]

Your doctor should provide you with enough info to make an educated decision. It will probably depends on your general health, how much you need to lose, and your existing co-morbidities You can also search "which bariatric surgery should I chose?" on the web. You will get tons of hits, ranging from webmd to the hundreds of medical practices that perform the surgeries. All can provide input into your decision. I chose the sleeve over the lapband for the reasons described by others. And I chose it over the bypass because I felt bypass surgery was too "major" for the 110 pounds I needed to lose. But do your research. And this forum is a good place to start. Good luck!

[Bufflehead 6,358]

After reviewing the stats on success with the band, I knew I wasn't interested in it. Plus, having a port under my skin that could be felt by me, a lover, etc.? No thanks. But when I went to talk to my surgeon he discussed all possible surgeries, and this is basically what he told me about the band -- "I won't do this surgery on you because your chances of success would be quite small. I only do lap band on people who are starting out with a relatively low BMI, and even then I only do it on patients who absolutely refuse to consider any other surgery. This is the least successful of all weight loss surgeries." So that confirmed what I had already concluded. For me it was between sleeve and bypass. I would have considered the DS but my insurance only pays for it if you have a BMI of 60+, which I did not.

Definitely talk about it with your bariatric surgeon -- he or she will help you make the right decision for you.

[granda2000 1]

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 !!

[jhammer2 8]

Thanks to everyone who has commented so far. I had a lot of the same concerns that you have brought up. I will have my first official meeting with the doctor on 11/24 and I feel a lot more prepared now.