Lap Band to Sleeve

Last week I had my LAP Band removed in order to have bypass.  My surgeon told me that the Sleeve may be a better option for me.  I don't have as much weight to lose (about 90 lbs.) and the surgery is safer.  I have been reading the posts here for a few days and everyone seems so positive!  Which is excellent!  But I really want to know what are the drawbacks to the sleeve.  I did not have a good experience with the band (obviously since it is now gone) and I am on the fence about another surgery that is not reversible.  What if I can't make it work?  I was so sure about being able to make the band work for me and I failed horribly! Any advice and insight would truly be greatly appreciated! Lisa

The sleeve is so "normal" in comparison to all the other wls. Basically you function the same but with a tinnier stomach. I had mine done 1 1/2 months ago and feel great, 36 lbs down!! I'm the same person I was pre op, I just eat less.

I know how you feel being since I had my lapband removed on 7/30/07 due to slippage with some erotion. I'm all set to have RNY revision surgery on 10/1. I hear excellent things about the sleeve and even considered it myself, but my surgeon usually does the sleeve on super obese patients and then eventually converts them to RNY when they're at a more safe weight to perform RNY. I'm going into this surgery as a "light weight" having to lose only 63 lbs to be at my goal. Best of luck with whatever decision you make!

My surgeon also did the sleeve for obese patients as step one to a bypass, but he has had such good results with it  that he is now offering it to patients as a stand alone surgery.   The RNY just scares me.  There is so much more involved with it with hair loss and malabsorption.  I'm not very good at taking vitamins daily and that is one of the reasons why I am leaning towards the Sleeve.

Hi Lisa,

I don't know too much about the sleeve...so can't help ya there.  I am a 4 month-out bander.  May I ask what the reason was you had to have it removed?

Thank you!

Hi Cheri, In the first 6 months, I lost 50 lbs (including 2 weeks pre-op Opti-Fast).  I got stuck at that point for a year and then started to gain back weight (23 lbs.) and even with a few adjustments I only went down another 8 lbs.  I started to get very frustrated and starting trying diet pills again and I was always getting sick ALOT.  At one point, they even had to empty it out because my stomach was so swollen.  Listen I have read tons of posts on the LAP-Band Message Boards of  Banders who have had great success.  It just didn't work for me.  Of all the WLS's, the Band takes the most work on your part.  Honestly, I failed it, it didn't fail me.  If you can learn the self control and use it like it is meant to be used, you will do excellent with it. I'll be happy to answer any more questions you have! Lisa

Thank you, Lisa.  I am so new to having my band done, though some might think 4 months is a long time, it's great to know would could be in store with the band.  I'm sorry you had issues with it.  If I have more questions, I'll make sure to ask!

Thank you!