Has anyone had problems with their Sleeve

I currently have the lapband. When researching weight loss surgery 9 months ago everybody said the lapband was the way to go. Eight months of discomfort  and a damaged port later I'm going in to get it taken off.  I'm getting the sleeve instead on 01/19/2010 & I have read all the blogs & everyone seems pleased with their sleeve. I just want to hear if anyone went through any complications or have any regrets. I have so much from my band actually $10000 worth of regret & frustration(yes I paid out of pocket0
I've struggled and tried but with very little success as the band made me so sick. Please give your insights, & opinions. Thanks...

Sorry that the lapband did not work for you.  I had the sleeve and I have not had any complications. Good luck with your upcoming surgery. 

I am a band to sleeve revision, and so far so good.  I had a LOT of lapband issues that have all gone away since the moment they took it out.

I was a self pay for both surgeries as well.

Before I got my revsion, I asked on the sleeve board, "would you do it again?"  Everyone, including those with complications said they would.  

I would suggest posting to the VSG board for yourself asking something along those lines.

 Hello,
On the issue of "would you do it again?" please note that this is not scientific. I also published the first series of cases reporting revision of failed procedures to DS. What we found that overwhelming majority of the patients reported that they had no knowledge of the alternative procedures.
On a more human nature way, it is very unlikely that any patient who has not had any ill effect to at that point, but has learned about the potential problems say that they would not do it again. It is not in human nature to admit that an incorrect decision was made. A random sampling of population that post on a site is neither scientific nor accurate. 

http://www.springerlink.com/content/er048363726h4062/fulltext.pdf
This paper showed that patients choose the weight loss surgery more often based on non-scientific referrals from other patients (43%). 

There is very little science with almost no longterm studies that VSG is the appropriate thing to do after LAGB. The only study that I  am aware of is:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/974332u252055727/fulltext.pdf

I am as as surgeon an advocate of full disclosure, and patient education. The most informed patient will make the best decision for themselves.
Good luck.
Ara

Of course it's not scientific, but I had the choice of another lapband, RNY or VGS.  My doctor did not think malabsorption was needed in my case so DS was only lightly discussed.  RNY was only slightly discussed because my insurance covered it - but it was not a fit for me either.

My sleeve was was 9/24/09 and I LOVE IT!  Only problems I have are the ones I cause myslef, i.e., eatinjg too fast and drinking while I eat.  I was a self pay. Would I do it again? In a heart beat. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Wishing you the best of luck.

You should visit the VSG board and ask your questions there. There are very few people who are more than 2-3 years out there--so long-term questions such as success rates are out--but they can at least tell you what the lifestyle is like.

Best of luck to you!

Nicolle

 Hello,
The sleeve does not have long term data to support its efficacy. I offer it on very selected cases to patients that should not or can no have the DS.
Investigate and od your objective research. As I said there is probably 1-2 papers that reports outcomes of groups of patients a few years out.
Good luck.
Ara

Not everyone wants or needs malabsorption.  Today is my 3 year WLS anniversary, I revised to a sleeve at goal from a band.  I lost well and maintain quite easily.

With all due respect too many of your posts are all about DS and we are individuals with varying needs.  Had I gotten DS I'd be struggling with labs, vitamins (things I do not do well), trying to suck down a stick of butter with my veggie diet and I'd not likely be happy.

If you guys would start treating the problem (for many of us it is OCD and we obsess over food) instead of merely the after effects, those stats of yours might be even better and we wouldn't have to go to the extremes of DS or bypass.

 Hello,
I am a DS surgeon, and an advocate for scientific exchange of information.
DS patients do not struggle with their labs. I have no idea where the butter fits in this whole thing.

In support of all patients that have battled obesity, it is important to remind ourselves that obesity is a metabolic problem and not a behavior issue. Congratulation on your weight loss. 
Thank you for your input.
Ara