this made the decision for me

I am currently in the process of getting approved for the gastric sleeve..... I was originally going with the lap-band. But this report from ABC news ( and watching 2 co-workers struggle and go over thier pre-op weight ) helped me make a decision that I feel really good about:


http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/lap-band-surgery-half-patients-complications/story?id=13187452#.Tumorpf2R8E 

Go with the decision that makes you feel comfortable. I am sure those that do not want their stomach removed or insides rearranged are not changing their decision just because you feel the band has lots of complications and if they occur MOST are very minor and easily fixed. No weight loss surgery comes without ISSUES or RISKS --NONE.

My sister had stomach stapling surgery about 25 years ago similar to the Sleeve, the Sleeve procedure involves stapling of the stomach as well, and yea she lost weight quickly without too much effort and kept it off for about 5 years, but now her stomach has stretched and she has gained every single pound back, and she suffers every single day with stomach pains and vomiting and nothing can be done about it, you can't fix the stomach once its been stapled or removed.

Although many seem to be happy with their Sleeve, but once you remove the stomach I guess you have no other choice but be happy, I think you are being naive if you think the Sleeve is safer than the lap band. The lap band is not totally safe, but it's SAFER than all other weight loss surgeries and that is a fact.

Maybe you have not read this study about the Sleeve

http://bariatrictimes.com/2010/07/22/sleeve-gastrectomy-failure-just-when-we-thought-we-had-the-perfect-operation/

Another poster vomiting up Bile after her Sleeve surgery and multiple complications

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/4481380/Ive-lost-60-lbs-but-its-not-worth-it/ . I am sure this happens more than people will honestly post, my sister vomited up bile too with her stomach stapling surgery.

I am not bashing the Sleeve at all but if you honestly think you are getting a safer surgery that will keep your weight off forever without effort you are fooling yourself.

Most lap banders who have excellent aftercare and very skilled surgeons experience little to no complications. I am going on 7 years post op and I experienced a pouch dilation when I got filled too tight and traveled to Florida on vacation about 5 years ago, but as soon as I got home my surgeon took care of me and I have not had one more problem with my band in the last 5 years.

I am going for another fill in January to get back on track with weight loss, you cannot adjust the Sleeve or bypass -- you live with restriction your surgeon gives you, most of my friends that had the bypass are looking for lap bands over their bypass since they have NO restriction going on 7 years, the lap band keeps on working forever as long as it is installed properly and their are no complications.

I wish you luck with your Sleeve and hope you have an uneventful journey!

 I couldn't have put it better myself.       Thank you

 Best wishes. We all have go with what makes us feel comfortable. If there was a single surgery which was safe, easy and suited everyone, that would be great! But there isn't! So after doing research, it is really down to what we feel is right for our own body and lifestyle

For me and very many others, that's the band. But it is definitely not for everyone!

Good luck with your sleeve.

Kate

 Congratulations on making a decision to improve your health.

I would suggest that the study that you refer to is probably on bands placed using the older technique. I know (via the internet.. not IRL) a few who've had their bands more than 10 years (one had hers done in Europe, the other was part of a study done in the US) and have had no major complications.

I wish you well with your sleeving.  :)

Loved that article in bariatric times!!! So glad that you guys introduced me to that! 

I'm really happy that you decided against the band. Good luck on your surgery.

I chose VSG initially because I have pills I need to take forever. My very short experience being sleeved has been 100 percent positive.  I know that is not what most experience, but my surgical and post-surgical experience could have been written by an advertising executive.  I'm sure there are band patients out there with perfect experiences, and I'm sure most have had some issues.

If complication rates and problems are the basis of your surgical choice, you cannot listen to individual stories.  You have to stand back and look at the numbers. Getting caught up in the pain or triumph of an individual story won't let you make a fair and unbiased decision.

Good luck.

Congrats you've made a very wise decision! You have also saved yourself from months of discomfort and a second surgery! I'm sure you will be very happy with the sleeve, I've not seen anyone who didn't like theirs. Enjoy your new life!

You wont regret your decision.  There is no comparison to the ease of life with the sleeve and the complications the band can bring.