Waivering between Banding and VSG any advice?

First I would like to Thank Everyone that posts to all the forums...I have read so many of the posts received lots of helpful information/tips. All of my preoperative requirements are complete and my Surgery date is tentatively set for March 25, 2013. I am doing my final research and contemplation between the two surgeries this weekend on Monday I need to give my patient navigator a decision whether I am going with Banding or Sleeve. If I had to make the decision this very moment I can tell you I am going with VSG. Any advice on either would be appreciated.

I haven't had the VSG myself so I can't advise you on it. But the band was the worst decision I ever made in my entire life. I'm still paying for the choice today... DAMAGE. Lots and lots of physical damage. The band isn't reversible. It's removable, but that's not the same thing. I'd rather choose a surgery where the stomach is partially removed in a surgically controlled manner than take the chance of the band just damaging randomly. I had the band done about 10 years ago... removed about 8 years ago... and I'm still suffering the consequences of my decision.

Read the Revisions forum as well as the failed WLS forum here. You'll see an overwhelming number of band revisions.

Good luck to you. I hope all goes well for you.

I have been an extremely successful Bander, however, with that being said, I would not recommend the LapBand to anyone.  First and foremost because of the complications that happen after 3 years of so. 

Secondly, I think it's sad that we as Banders trust and hope that we will reach our weight loss goals.  Often times, those who are Banded never reach their goals. 

I am active on the WLS board on Facebook and I see the Sleevers losing like crazy - they all reach their goals in less than a year and a half.  IF they follow the rules, they are done in a short time.  With LapBanders, we can follow the rules and still not ever reach goal. 

If you ask me, go with the Sleeve!

I have but one word to say: SLEEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've had both the band and the sleeve and, for me, the sleeve is the hands down winner. No matter how little fill I had in my band, I would experience random tightening and often times could not tolerate solid foods. There were even times when I was unable to drink water. I was frequently running to my doctor for adjustments until eventually I had to give up and have it unfilled completely.

For me, the sleeve worked like I had hoped the band would. I have no food intolerances, I am just satisfied with much smaller portions of food.

This is me after nearly 3 years with a band:

And here is me this past September, nearing 2 years with my sleeve:

Best of luck with your decision!

Lindsey

I am a happy and very successful bandster. If I had to do it again, I would. BUT not everyone is happy or successful! I myself neither recommend nor warn against either! I know (in real life) many more successful than unsuccessful bandsters, many of whom have had their bands for well over three years, quite a few over five. But there are many on here who have had bad experiences. 

The final decision has to be yours. No surgery is complication free and MY personal decision of what was right for ME was not to have bits of me removed. Others equally hate the thought of an implant. It seems to be that the VSG gives faster weight loss with, possibly, less effort. I am a bit confused by that one because I have read lots of posts from VSG people who say their appetite is better controlled and their eating better restricted but last time I said it seemed easier, I got my knuckles wrapped for it! So not sure about that!

Kate

Kate,

I think the VSG makes it "easier" to stick to a recommended diet as its not as likely that there will be food intolerances or stuck episodes with dense protein which can be a problem amongst bandsters. Also with the VSG, restriction is consistent without having to worry about the adjustments to find the sweet spot. So, in these ways, it does feel easier.

However, the patient is still in control of what goes in the mouth and its up to the individual to put the work and effort in to see results. I would guess its this work and effort that whoever "wrapped" your knuckles previously didn't care to have written off as easy. 

Lindsey

Thanks, Lindsey. I guess you are right, maybe last time the poster (can't remember who it was) thought I meant "easy" when I meant "easier". I think we all get a bit peeved when people downplay the role we, as individuals, play in our weight loss.  Losing weight is hard!

Kate

I think the thing that makes me sad about the LapBand is that a person can have hope and be willing to give it 1000% to reach their goal, BUT some never do.  I see it all the time.  LapBanders who never find that "sweet spot"  -- They deserve to have better and I just can't say that the LapBand is the way to go.

The Sleeve is much better.  You can eat anything - I am able to eat any solid protein and I have not once had an intolerance!  I track my calories and do not have to rely on protein shakes to get my protein in.  My Sleeve is about 10% stomach because my LapBand had to be cut out of my stomach.  The scar tissue had taken over the Band and my stomach had to be removed. 

I eat about 1000 calories a day and I get 100 to 120 gms of protein.  No hair loss, no problems and the scale is moving!

I am very happy I revised to the Sleeve.   Thanks BuckeyeGirl for encouraging me and others!

Sleeve all the way!  I had the RNY after band.  I wouldn't do band again, ever.  Worst decision ever!   Lapband also can cause surgery-induced bulimia.