Buyer's remorse before you buy

I will have my band 6 years next Saturday. So I have been successful, very successful. I just don't know what to tell you regarding which surgery. My BMI was 38. I am a volume eater. The band cured that. I like sweets and never wanted not to be able to eat them occasionally. I never ate junk food or fast food on a regular basis. I had an excellent surgeon. It took a good two years before my brain and habits completely adjusted to the band. I sometimes think some failures (I said,"some") are due to bad habits and body physiology. Also, all surgeries have complicataions. It sure would be a lot better if we knew what surgery is best for each one of us. Why I didn't do the sleeve, it just grossed me out that a major portion of a major organ is removed. Ghrelin removal can cause depression in some people. The latest findings are that a lot of micronutrients are absorbed through the stomach so removal of most of it will affect nutrient absorption. I have realized my success is due mainly to committment and life style change. It also helps that the band can be adjusted when you gain weight. I also liked the fact that in can be adjusted so I can eat more if I have a major illness and that would be necessary. Good luck to you.

 As someone who was in your same situation (without military base thing) I can relate to this for sure! I was all set on the Band until I sat back and thought that traveling for fills (my Dr is 3hrs away) was just not something I could do. I was scared because part of my choice to have band was that it was less invasive. 

I started to look into RNY and Sleeve soon after and visiting the boards as well as "failed" and "complications" to try and get a ppls perspective. I understand Drs know better but there is nothing, for me, like hearing ppls real experiences. Anyhow I decided that for me the Sleeve was best as I, too, have a lower BMI and less to lose. Lemme tell you I have never looked back. "Invasive" is the wrong word to use. I feel so normal its strange lol. I am almost two weeks out and have lost 20 lbs too and that helps :) I returned to work one week after and as long as I get my fluids in I am a happy camper. Don't let the surgery part scare you. I promise the recovery is tolerable and overall pain in minimal. Browse our boards and ask questions...as many as you need to! Feel free to PM me and I will also answer any questions you might have.

Mel