Hi Megan... there are always complications particular to any surgery... the questions really iare for the results you get: A) Will you keep the weight off once lost? B) Will you have nutritional complications? C) Will you have other non-nutritional complications? D) Are you in a critical health state with co-morbidities? I currently have a band which served me well for the first year, but then I got horrible acid reflux and since have developed erosion of the band which means it HAS to be removed.  Since the band did well for me, I looked into the sleeve (which my cousin also has).  I didn't want the RNY because of what appears to be a high incidence of weight regain, and the complications of a non-fully functioning stomach with a pylorus.  For me the only reason I decided on a DS instead of the sleeve (the sleeve and the DS are similar in terms of the shaping of the stomach, but the sleeve has no malabsorption component) is that I am tired of waiting for my results... I had WLS almost 3 years ago and have been waiting for that result of complete weight loss ever since... of course, due to the complications, I've only had partial results.  My doctor said that if I was younger, he would have recommended the sleeve, but given that I'm 44, and given the band, he's agreed that a DS is right for me.  The stomach cutting doesn't frighten me at all... does the intestinal re-routing? sure a little, but I understand that that is the real key to KEEPING the weight off long term...and the stats for DSers keeping it off are pretty undeniable.  Having said that, there is also a MUCH higher incidence of malnutrition, which is why if you ARE gonna have a DS, you have to be ready to accept the responsibility for vitamin supplementation for the rest of your life.  But for me, the choice was clear... I am so ready to have this weight gone, I don't wanna waste any more time, and I want to KEEP it off long term. If you have time to drop the weight, you might go with the sleeve (its a great surgery)... if you don't have time, consider the DS (it's also a great surgery). Kyle

First of all my BMI is over 55. Most people only loose between 30%-50% of their excess body weight with a band and I need to loose way more than that. That is my biggest reason for not wanting the band. Secondly, I didn't want to have to keep going for fills and such. What is really great about the band is it's reversable. I think the band is a wonderful tool for people who need to loose 50% of their body fat...but I really need a more drastic procedure, even if it's irreversable! Good luck! this website is such an incrediable resouce. I find myself reading question and answers daily...and if you ever need somethign particular, just use the search engine!

why don't you like the band?  I'm deciding on whether to do WLS and if yes which type...

I really wanted to get a band but my doctor suggested the sleeve. I was VERY hesitant at first but after reading and reading for months about the two, I've decided to listen to my doctor. Now I'm just waiting for approval from my insurence...*fingers crossed*.

My only regret is not listening to my doctors suggestion a little more.  He suggested RNY, I decided on lap-band.  Now, I am looking into a revision.  I don't like the band, it may be good for some, but not me!