Any Maryland/DC/VA peeps out there

Have any of you out there had the Sleeve Surgery. I am thinking of doing the Lap Band but keep hearing about slips and erosions and that is making me a little nervous. I have a guy here at work whose friend had the sleeve a few years ago but had to go to mexico. I am trying to find out people's experiences with it and what Dr. they could reccomend

Thanks
Karrie

I did not have the sleeve... I do know that Dr. Averbach does perform it however.

When I went to the support meeting at St. Agnes a week or so ago, there were two there who had it - both were just a few months out, and one has had trouble the other had not...

I went with RNY over the band for the reasons you listed above...  Just my feelings, and what I felt was best for me.  Unfortunately we all need to do our own research and figure out what is best for US...

Good luck on your journey and finding the surgery that fits your body and needs.

I didn't have the sleeve, but I know Deb (K9KRAZZI) had it through Dr. Singh and she is very pleased.  You may want to try to reach her.  Good luck on your decision.

My friend had the sleeve by Dr. Schweitzer in August 2007.  She came through everything just fine, and had wonderful success.  Ultimately, she and her husband decided they needed more "personality" than Dr. S could offer her.  Most people aren't bothered by his strictly professional air. She discovered she was pregnant at 6 months out and he was not too pleased about that, as it is considered important not to become pregnant during any weight loss phase.  She kind of got her feelings hurt and changed docs after that appointment, but was completely successful with no complications.  She's lost about 130 pounds, and has a healthy, happy 7-month old.  I think you'll find a lot of recommendations for Dr. Schweitzer's skills, just with a caveat regarding his bedside manner. 

Hello I am caught in the same place I dont know if I want lapband, realize or sleeve.. I am confused the more I read.. I have heard the Realize band is the way to go... I also heard the sleeve is good too. I am still reading up on all of them and still thinking of a good doc. I see and hear so much about doctors and their good and bad points. I guess its just who you feel comfortable with....Good luck...
                                                                          Julie

I also was going to get the lapband surgery, but in my Dr's waiting room I got talked out of it. I do believe that not all people are cut from the same cloth, the same way not all WLS are for everyone. On 2-24-09 I had the VSG surgery, and I am thrilled, I really feel that for me, I made the correct decision, and I would do it again tomorrow, if need be. I have had no pain, I have had more discomfort in my Dentists office. My Dr was Dr Li at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. After making the 1st correct decision about having WLS, my 2nd correct decision was choosing Dr Li, she is fantastic. She really holds your hand through it all, she realizes it's a major life change, and she is always there to listen or answer any questions. So, in my experience, the VSG and Dr Li both get A++!     If you want to discuss this further you can P.M. me anytime Leslie:)

Hello all..

Sleeve is done in the USA and is becoming the standard for WLS.  There are people who have lost over 200lbs with it.  I too am like you, I started out wanting the band but don't like the idea of having a device in me that could cause other issues.  It can also break and the port area can get infected, who wants to keep getting fills?

If it does break you'll need surg again to remove it. THey will not give you another band you will need another type of wl surgury..  Plus you will lose slow with the band.

Good luck with the sleeve in May, hopefully you will have the same experience as I did. I had zero pain, not that it stopped me from using the morphine pump! The only discomfort  I had was the gas they pump into you before the surgery, but even that didn't last a whole day. I think you will be very pleased with your decision. Let us know how you made out. Leslie:)  P.S. Who are you pointing that gun at?

Thanks I am on pre op liquids/shakes and I am ready for this to be over..

lol I am showing the gun to the camera.. I was in MD a few weeks ago and I had that with me.. Ann Arundle cop said he never saw someone carry a gun that big.  

Thanks everyone for your input. Jackie I think I will be PMing you soon. I just want to get as much info (pros and cons) for the bands and the sleeve.

Thanks again

Karrie