Approved for Band not Sleeve;(Need some advice.

[You'reGonnaHearMeRoar 25]

I'm seduled Sept 23rd for lapband surgery. My doctor is believes it's the best surgery for me, being I have Ms and the meds I take. However, I had my heart on getting the sleeve. I'm freaking out now because I keep reading all the horror stories and problems associated with the lapband. I cannot seem to find to any positive post regarding the lapband. I'm seriously thinking of canceling my surgery. I'm getting so frustrated and don't know what to do at this point. Would any of you conside lapband, if the sleeve was not an option? Or would you call off surgery?

[NikkiDoc 312]

A friend had the lapband. While she has been successful and kept the majority of the weight off for 6 years she does not recommend it at all.

My surgeon was doing bands until he retired from bariatrics in July. However he heavily discouraged them and would apparently do them only if the patient really did not want either by-pass or sleeve.

I would talk to another bariatric surgeon to see if he/she thinks you are a candidate for the sleeve. If necessary I would postpone the lapband surgery if you need time to see another surgeon. Does you MS doctor have an opinion?

What is your current surgeon's concern with the MS medicines and the sleeve? Size, ulcers? Do you need to take NSAIDs or anything with a GI ulcer risk for your MS? Has he consulted with your MS doctor specifically about the drugs you take? If not, why not?

I used to have an endocrinologist for my PCOS. There were a few drugs she did not want me to use due to some liver issues I had but refused to talk to my gastroenterologist. When I finally switched endo's the new endo was willing to work with my gastro. The gastro was fine with me taking some of the drugs that the first endo was so concerned about. But she would not pick up the phone or send a letter to the liver specialist to find out she was fine with it. In her effort to be overly conservative I was under treated for 2 years.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I didn't even consider the lapband and I wouldn't consider it. While there are quite a few who have been very successful with it, there are far too many complications for me. I also don't feel it's the restriction that I need. If you have doubt with the lapband, VSG or any WLS, slow things down and reconsider. You need to be fully committed to whatever type of surgery your choose.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

Why specifically is the sleeve contradicted for MS?

There are many success stories with the lapband, but overall stats aren't that great. I personally don't think most people should consider the band at this point in time given the other options available.

I am biased - had the band for 10 years and it was not a good experience.

[Bndtoslv 292]

I was extremely successful for many years with the band but had to have it removed after 8 years due to complications. I'd get a second opinion in your place.

[You'reGonnaHearMeRoar 25]

Thanks everyone for all the help. I think I'm going to go with my gut and cancel my surgery. I'm going to look for another surgeon who will do the sleeve. After all my Neurologist cleared me for sleeve. This is so frustrating, but I really don't want to do something that I may regret later.

[Bndtoslv 292]

Thanks everyone for all the help. I think I'm going to go with my gut and cancel my surgery. I'm going to look for another surgeon who will do the sleeve. After all my Neurologist cleared me for sleeve. This is so frustrating, but I really don't want to do something that I may regret later.

If your neurologist cleared you I bet you can find another surgeon who is more comfortable. Which state? Maybe we can help.

[maggie409 765]

I would check with a different doctor. The first doctor I ever saw tried to sway me toward the sleeve. It was what HE was most comfortable and what HE wanted to do. I found another doctor.

[You'reGonnaHearMeRoar 25]

Northern

Nevada

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I think you should cancel as you are filled with much doubt. I think your doubts are legit and should really be soul searched a bit more. I am not suggesting you shop for a surgeon who agrees with you, but rather get a couple of consults, hear their reasoning, understand the pros and cons of each (especially in the context of MS) before proceeding.

I am very biased as i had a band in 2001 (I have been told they are improved these days) and lived with it, in some misery I might add for 10 years. It is very hard for me to advocate for the band for anyone, but I must also disclose I am an expert on one topic - my own experience.

It is very true that one of the disadvantages - or maybe advantage - of the sleeve is that it is irreversible. Not a decision to take lightly.

I do think one of the reasons I have been very successful with the sleeve is I had alot of gut wrenching soul searching before I committed. I wasn't one of those that ever had a regret - I had really worked through alot of things before having that sleeve surgery.

(life at maintenance has been a whole nother head trip - a topic for another day!)

Thanks everyone for all the help. I think I'm going to go with my gut and cancel my surgery. I'm going to look for another surgeon who will do the sleeve. After all my Neurologist cleared me for sleeve. This is so frustrating, but I really don't want to do something that I may regret later.

[Proud2BMe 1,016]

I'm seduled Sept 23rd for lapband surgery. My doctor is believes it's the best surgery for me, being I have Ms and the meds I take. However, I had my heart on getting the sleeve. I'm freaking out now because I keep reading all the horror stories and problems associated with the lapband. I cannot seem to find to any positive post regarding the lapband. I'm seriously thinking of canceling my surgery. I'm getting so frustrated and don't know what to do at this point. Would any of you conside lapband, if the sleeve was not an option? Or would you call off surgery?

Go to another doctor. Most doctors today are moving away from the band as it has too many complications.

[angel22_99 59]

FYI -I have MS and I had the sleeve one year ago. I have lost about 142 lbs (haven't updated my ticker in a while) and I am feeling great. My ms is the same though.

[sleevenv 483]

I'm in Reno. I loved my surgeon. PM me if you want his name.

[2babutterfly 483]

I've had my band for a little over 7 years. Lost 117 pounds. I ❤️ my band!!

[Slim-Shady 79]

Of course you should do what's best for you; however, I did not and would not consider the band! It was non-negotiable for me! I was totally against placing a foreign object in my body!