Question:
lapband or gastric sleeve?? advice please

hi, I am doing as much research as I can I want to do weight loss surgery, I have been battling with my weight since I was a young child but I am unsure as too what would be a better procedure for me. I have been reading stories of complications from lap band that to be honest scared me a lot. I just wanted some experiences of real people and their storied of both procedures and what to recommend btw im paying for this myself with money I saved up. is gastric sleeve costly? thank you all    — dammy2010 (posted on January 30, 2014)

February 2, 2014
At the time of my surgery I had the choice between the lap band and the RNY. i started out wanting the band till I spoke with new bander who reported he always had lunch with his mom on sundays.. normally a whopper. but since he had his new band he had a milk shake. Pre op I loved milkshakes:( so I went with the RNY
   — bob-haller

February 4, 2014
I had the lapband first and than due to all the complications and medical problems from the band I had to have it removed. I now have the sleeve. I sure wish I could have had it first. My low with the band was 205/10 and the center was happy with that and called me a success. One year out with the sleeve and I am within a few pounds of normal, 160/5. The band has a limited life of less than 10 years and most have at least one more surgery. You also have to have great follow up with many visits and fills can cost $200 to $600 at a pop. I had at least 24 fills/unfills over the four years with mine, two complete unfills.
   — pineview01

February 23, 2014
Gastric Sleeve. I saw so many people have problems with the fills and having to have their bands removed along with not losing the weight.
   — Corina C

May 3, 2014
Sleeve 100% I had my gastric sleeve done 10/15/2013 and I've lost 115 pounds since my surgery it's much better results plus you don't have the problems with the band yes this surgery is costly mine operation cost almost $100,000 but I had insurance thank god hope this helps
   — mgv1992

June 11, 2014
Hi.. I am sort of in the same place that you are in but I am now leaning more towards the sleeve. It has a higher success rate, and a lower complication rate. I am moving towards approval with the surgery and if I get approved, Im going to do it!
   — monica37

June 13, 2014
Sleeve Sleeve Sleeve!! I have the lap band and am having a lot of problems. Pain were the band is, muscle and joint pain, and more. I had my band done in another state 1300 miles from were I live now and trying to find a doctor who will just remove it is near impossible. Of course they will do it if I do a conversion, to bypass only, however I do not want that, I just need it out, the dr office told me they would but I would have to pay cash and would not accept my insurance if I went that route. :( So, do it right the first time. Gastric sleeve. Everyone I know that has had the sleeve has had very good success.
   — Denice D.

June 24, 2014
UF Health, where I got my sleeve done at will not even offer the band anymore, because it has over a 20% re-operation rate due to complications. That helped me make my mind up right there.
   — Sandra J.