lapband failure is really high.  a lot of hospitals/doctors do not even do it anymore RVH in montreal did not offer it as an option).  failure happens because

1) they do not go in for refills ... which you HAVE to do or it jsut wont work

2) people eat too much or too frequently because they are still hungry.

With the VSG, a large fraction of the hunger signals are removed when the stomach is removed (grenulin i think it's called).  you really just do not feel hungry 90% of the time.  VSG doesnt have a really long term history by itself.  but the procedure itself is actually the first half of the DS procedure which they have been doing since the 70s or before.  So in terms of medical problems with the VSG long term, i dont think the worries are there.  Effectiveness for longer than 5 years in weight loss and keeping it off is a bit less certain ... but even with a bit of relaxation in the sleeve, your stomach is 20% or less in size than what it was previously ... kinda hard to gain a lot of weight back with that.  Also, A lot of people who had the lapband 5 years ago and failed, are now revising to the VSG - that's got to tell you something

Ya the lapband is reversible with another surgery.  but do you see yourself even wanting another surgery?  probably not.  Plus it leaves a lot of scar tissue and makes going to other WLS options later more difficult. There is also a bit more risk of ulcers where the lapband constricts the stomach (erosion they call it).  There are risks of ulcers with the VSG also, but since the bottom part of your stomach is basically unchanged, the risk approaches that of a normal person without WLS (As far as they can tell with the data at least).

It's 2 months,1week since I had my  VSG, it was a bit rough getting used to it the first couple weeks.  but now i'm on full food menu and it's fine, i dont think i'll have any problem keeping this up for the rest of my life.  I'm vigilant about eating my protein, keeping carbs low, and capping my calories.  Other than that, I'm basically able to eat whatever i want ... jsut in a lot smaller proportions.  it's great if you ask me.  It's a little less than 3 months since I started my pre-op diet and i've lost 58lbs.  I lost 10lbs before that on my own ... but it took me over 4 months!  so i'd say that is pretty effective.  I know quite a few people on this forum who have lost 120lbs in less than a year, and 200lbs in a year and half.  millage varies with how big you are to start with of course ... but it's hard to argue with the numbers.  Its a tool and you have to remain vigilant and disciplined ... but with all those hunger signals removed, it's a heck of a lot easier imo.

wow you are doing really well

Salut, le forum donc je parlais est chirurgiebariatrique.forumgratuit.ca J'espère vous voir sur ce site. :) Je vous souhaite une bonne journee!

hi Sylvie:

 I'm interested in the french forum , can you give me the link please?

thanks, Claudia.

Michel Gagne! Good luck! this is going to change your life for the best!

ps: don't be shy to ask questions.