Decisions Decisions

[twins2016 26]

I keep oscillating between the balloon and the sleeve. I understand the risks are greater with the sleeve, but it sounds like having the balloon is miserable and seems like dehydration is a problem. Has anyone had balloon then went to sleeve and can describe the pros and cons of each?

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[Doc'sWife 56]

It depends on how much you need to lose and if you have any comorbidities.

Two of the surgeons in the practice i am in don't like the balloon at all because they feel that it has to many potential problems. Also they put them in the category of the band, if they have to come out then the potential for regain is really high. I know there are ppl on here who have them and like them. I personally had the band and loved it but now that I have to have a revision due to a slip I wish I had listened better to my first surgeon and gone with the bypass.

My personal choice of your two options would be the sleeve but if you have reflux issues at all or diabetic issues of any kind you should look into the bypass.

Idk if that sounds pushy at all but if it does I'm sorry. Just want to help. No matter what you should do what you feel most comfortable with

Good luck

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[Wayward Traveler 135]

After the first few days with the balloon, my major side effects went away. A month in, I'm not feeling miserable at all (in fact, sometimes I forget that it's there) ... and I've never been dehydrated.

If you read the clinical trial reports, most people only had major side effects for few days. Yes, some are miserable the entire time, but some are never miserable. I personally have spoken with people in both camps. I think I seem to be the more typical experience, some where in between.

My sense is (note - I don't have data to back this up - just what I believe) that most people who bring their experience to online communities are those who are struggling and need support. It seems like the people who are doing fine don't tend to reach out. I could be wrong but when I compare with I read directly from people online versus the clinical trial reports (which have feedback from all users in the study group), they are not aligned. I had to believe that otherwise I would not have moved forward with the procedure. :-) And I'm glad I did - so far it's been a positive experience for me.

But again, as I've said elsewhere, it's a very personal decision. You have to do what's best for you. I felt strongly that I did not want to permanently alter my anatomy (I felt like I was much more likely to regret that than a temporary balloon). However others feel strongly that they cannot be successful without permanently altering their anatomy. So weigh the options carefully, trust your gut and do what's best for you.

Good luck!

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

After going with the "it " procedure 15 years ago I revised to RNY...The lapband was the worse thing ever.A foreign silicone anything is the worse ever.I suffered and developed all kinds of issues from slippage to erosion...Do your homework before you jump in ."Sometimes the least invasive is the most invasive"...a quick fix that cause damages down the road to your body therefore you will seek a revision....try to avoid this.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I dont know anything about the balloon but I do have an experience of a lapband, what happened when the fill was removed and then what happened when the unfilled band was removed... my hunger went through the roof. I didn't even think I had any restriction/help from the band after all those years but once it was removed I had to work very hard to not gain weight as I was just so hungry.

I suspect that if you are lower BMI/not as far advanced in the "obesity disease process" it isnt such a serious issue, but for me, I needed a permanent "aid" or else I am like a bottomless pit with an abnormal appetite.

As far as who posts on forums - I agree it is very unbalanced. You have the very excited - people in the honeymoon phase making it seem like everything is awesome as the weight is falling off so fast. You have the people who are struggling - with true complications or with their own personal struggles to adapt. What you seldom hear from are the vast majority of "in betweeners" who tend to go on with their lives. I am quite sure many of them experience some level of regain because look at the stats... for the bypass people maintain something like 60-65% excess weight loss several years post op.

My band to sleeve revision was 4.5 years ago, but I hang on because I have a lifetime of regaining/failing at maintenance and posting here keeps my brain tuned into the fact that I need to remain mindful, diligent and that I always have new things to learn!

Anyway, forums are great for support, learning how to deal with certain things, getting perspectives, but if you want to understand success rates - peer reviewed studies are the way to go.

[PayItForward 207]

Get the sleeve.

[jane13 2,256]

I am about 1 year out and I agree that there is a range of people who post on here. I try to welcome newbies and offer suggestions but I feel a lot of people come here looking for validation of why they ate pizza 3 days post, or a steak the night before surgery. There are the people who are in pain and don't know if they should go to the ER -

"Houston, we have a problem...." really????

Then there are the ones who want attention - bless their hearts -

I come here to keep my head "in the game".

IMO I am past the "honeymoon" phase and I am fighting the battle to the last 20 or so pounds and OP like @@CowgirlJane

keep me sane!

[Sophie74656 1,572]

I don't know anyone with the balloon but to me it seems like a bad idea. I would go with the sleeve.

[Julie norton 2,850]

I also agree that many posters are in categories: awaiting surgery,

Recently operated and on cloud nine weight loss ride,

Some posters who are dissatisfied with their procedure and then,

Some of us are just going along, Asking a few questions, Working our program the best we can and gathering and giving support to others.

Years in , many people leave. Have they regained? Gotten complacent? Given up on procedures?

I don't think we know.

I do learn a lot from veterans here so I hope the core group years out of any procedure continue to post.

Please know it helps....

Even after 9+ years, I read forums here several times a week for answers and support.

[Wayward Traveler 135]

My best advice would be, take all of this advice with a grain of salt. I intentionally don't tell people to do this and not to do that - I just share my experiences. It's such a personal decision. What works for one person may not work for another. I am very happy with my decision to get a balloon, but I realize it's not for everyone (just like the sleeve, band, etc. is not for me). All of this advice is just data points that you have to process and keep in perspective. Again, the studies are less biased (good or bad) and are probably more reliable. Regardless, you have to do what's best for you ... no matter what anyone else says. Cheers!

[twins2016 26]

Thank you all! Most of this is coming to terms with my body and finding my wls. I'm 235 on a good day with hbp and high A1C level. I'm in this for the long term and know that the sleeve would be my best option. I'm scared, anxious, nervous! And haven't told dh about my plans for wls, lets hope he's on board.

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