Why the Lap-Band

Hi everyone!!  I am new to the boards and am trying to decide between the band and the sleeve.  It seems I change my mind every day.  I am hoping if some of you are willing to share how you came to this decision, it may help me in making mine.  Thanks!!

I ask myself that questions daily only my question is why did I waste 5+ yrs on this band that has done absolutely nothing for me. I lost 20 lbs bug deal I could do that without surgery. Now it is empty because it kept tightening on its own with no fill and I can't even revise because my insurance no longer covers bariatric surgery. I would never ever advise anyone to get a band especially now that I know about the sleeve. I am just biding my time until I can get on medicare and get the sleeve so I can have at least half a chance of finally getting the weight off!
The band has a very high failure rate and requires at least a year or 2 of fills and unfills, not to mention at 2-3 yrs out it tends to start causing esophogeal problems that may or may not be fixable. After learning of several people *****quired permanent feeding tubes because of the damage done by the band I say no thanks! At the very least you end up with scar tissue under the band which can cause serious problems. I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy especially when you consider the sleeve has been around for over 50 years with a very low complication rate.

Hi,

I am the same as you! First I planned on the sleeve. Then I got scared and thought lap band was better, no cutting. Then I read horror stories about the lap band and I am back to the sleeve. I dont know what to do either, but I am going to ask my surgeon next week when I have my consult. I am going to tell him about my habits and weight loss/gain history and ask him which surgery does he think I would be most successful with long term. When you start asking people their opinions, you will get even more confused. Trust me!

GOod luck,

CHeryl

Cheryl,

That's my plan too.  I have my first consultation next week and I am planning on asking the surgeon which he thinks would be the best option for me.  I can give a for or against argument for each procedure.  I feel like every day I change my mind.  I look at you tube videos and read different forums and my mind goes back and forth.

Good luck to you too!!

Pam

Hi pobny:

I don't know anything about the sleeve or it's success rate. I have had the band for about 6 years. I did really well in my first year but I was almost 100% compliant. Reading back through my blogs at that time, I honestly don't know how I did it. I have gained back about 50 lbs from my lowest weight but have managed to keep about 70 lbs off. Is it worth it? I think it was as it has helped me not gain everything back but as a food addict, it is not the magic bullet for me. I exercise like a demon and really thing I am not "meant" to be small.  Anyway, good for you for asking around to get opinions before you make your decision. There's no magic bullet out there - I don't believe there is anyway - these are all tools to help us along the way. I wish you well!

When doing your research don't go by what your surgeon thinks is the best surgery for you bu,t by what is BEST FOR YOU and your LIFESTYLE some surgeons only do specific surgeries because the is what they know/do. I've seen too many times people saying well my surgeon only does this ...so that is what I'll do . If necessary find another surgeon, Find out about the surgery types, how much weight loss is expected, complications, will you need supplements for life? 

Sleeve is a good choice if your looking for WL with restriction,

Gastric bypass if you can live with malabsorption and supplements. 

And no matter what anyone tells you about any WLS I think you would be wise to also research the options of REVISION , just incase you end up needing one. It's not something most ppl think about but when they research WLS. because Revisions's ARE SOMETHING  that should be considered after a WLS, and something that allot of ppl need to do ..UNFORTUNATELY Because sometimes if you chose one type of surgery it negates the process of then having a different surgery. OR it is the first step  towards the completion of another  WLS.

GOOD LUCK iN WHATEVER YOU DECIDE.