Lap Band vs. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?

[JustinsMama 1]

Well that pretty much says it all. I had really been thinking about the lap band (hard), then ran across what the VSG is on the internet and it sounds like a good solution also. Anyone have an opinion?

Thanks in advance!

[TerMur 0]

can I ask where you found this info on the internet. I am not banded and want to explore all my options too

[Wheetsin 714]

Moving this to the lounge since our surgical forums are specific to the lap-band. You may get better responses here re: VSG.

[JustinsMama 1]

If you google it or VSG or go to Obesity Help.com they have a place dedicated to info on that specifically. :cursing:

[vitusone 0]

Hi Disneyfreak,

I am presently going down the Lapband path and am planning on being banded this spring. I just recently found out about the VSG and would prefer this procedure, but there does not appear to be any surgeons in South Central PA that does them and when I queried my insurance (Capital Blue Cross - FEHB) they said that they currently consider VSG to be experimental.

Although VSG a more extreme procedure (removal of ~3/4 of the stomach), it is a "restrictive" only WLS similar to the Lapband, which appeals to me. What I like about VSG over the Lapband is that there are no fills, no "getting stuck", sliming, PBing, slippage, erosion, etc. With the VSG, one can eat whatever they ate before, but only a lot less of it. Just like the with the band, however, eating the right foods and exercising is still vital for tool to work.

Since it does not appear that neither my insurance will change their mind, nor my surgeons will learn this procedure anytime soon, I am very very happy to continue with my stroll down the Lapband path.

[Kduncan62 0]

I am interested in having the Lap Band sleeve done...I am wondering about it any feed back on it...good or bad..any information will be helpful thank you:thumbup:

[jlweb55 0]

Its an easy surgery I had it on aug 14.2008, I don't think you loose as quickly as you can with the band but most people I talked to were very satisfied. I lost 29lbs from pre diet to one week ago, but since I have been eating solid food now I have gained 2 lbs. Everybody says its just a plateau and it happens at this time but I am a little worried. good luck

[MacMadame 81]

Actually weight loss is supposed to be much quicker, more like with a bypass.

My surgeon says at first I'll lose 1-2 lb. a day though that will eventually slow down, of course. Then it's about 2-3 a week. Lap band is supposed to be about 1-2 a week, more like dieting. Er, dieting without WLS that is. It's not like we aren't dieting.

I really don't care how fast it comes off though as long as IT DOES and, more importantly, it STAYS OFF.

Edited September 9, 2008 by MacMadame

[phillyfawn 0]

I originally went to my surgeon with thoughts of the band in my head, but after learning about the sleeve I knew it was for me. I am married to a Marine, and we move every three years so I knew that the required permanent aftercare (fills, unfills) would get tiresome. Also, after I learned about the port and the possible problems with the band I became worried about the foreign object I was going to put in my body.

Anyway, I had my sleeve done exactly two weeks ago, and I am feeling great! I had absolutely no pre-op diet (my "last meal" was actually KFC) and I have lost 16lbs so far. I do not feel hungry or have an acid problem. The first four days were hard as I had problems with nausea and headaches and dehydration, but after I crossed the week mark I was feeling pretty good. Now I am getting my Water and Protein in and able to walk a mile a day on the treadmill.

Deciding which surgery is best for you is very personal, but I honestly think the sleeve has less problems and complications and better weight loss.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

I originally went to my surgeon with thoughts of the band in my head, but after learning about the sleeve I knew it was for me. I am married to a Marine, and we move every three years so I knew that the required permanent aftercare (fills, unfills) would get tiresome. Also, after I learned about the port and the possible problems with the band I became worried about the foreign object I was going to put in my body.

Anyway, I had my sleeve done exactly two weeks ago, and I am feeling great! I had absolutely no pre-op diet (my "last meal" was actually KFC) and I have lost 16lbs so far. I do not feel hungry or have an acid problem. The first four days were hard as I had problems with nausea and headaches and dehydration, but after I crossed the week mark I was feeling pretty good. Now I am getting my Water and Protein in and able to walk a mile a day on the treadmill.

Deciding which surgery is best for you is very personal, but I honestly think the sleeve has less problems and complications and better weight loss.

I've been banded and I've been sleeved, being sleeved is 1000x easier.