Question:
Does anyone perfer the sleeve over the band and why?

   — hlopez (posted on February 21, 2009)

February 21, 2009
I have heard of quite a few surgeon's in my area that wont even do the band anymore. The chance of failure is pretty high in regards to 5 to 10 yrs down the road, the band slipping, or corroding or just not working anymore. You have to pretty much have fills for the rest of your life, and the surgeon usually only covers it the first year or so. With the sleeve, we don't usually get foamies. We have instant restriction. The part of your stomach that produces most of your hunger hormone is taken out, so we're not really hungry. Do lots of research, because it really does seem to be a great surgery (the VSG, or sleeve as it's called).
   — Teresa V.

February 21, 2009
I had the sleeve done July 22, love it, lost 91 pounds so far and I am thrilled to death, this is what the doctor told me was good for me to have, so I listened to him and glad I did. He is an instructor and doesnt do the band as they say is not that affective. Good Luck to you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 21, 2009
At first I wanted noting but the Lap Band then as my research progressed I saw a lot of folks complain of complications from it (corrosion, slippage etc) so then after more research I opted for the "sleeve' and I do not regret it at all. It keeps me from eating like a "pig", none of my organs have moved or been relocated, there is no malabsorbstion related to it. I can eat any thing, but choose to eat healthy. There are a few basic rules to follow but nothing that can't be done easily. Hope this helped.
   — chell1957

February 21, 2009
My surgeon does the lap band as well as the sleeve, gastric bypass and duodenal switch. He does several lap bands,and his results have been wonderful with all surgeries. I chose the sleeve because I had a BMI of over 60, and knew the weight loss with lap band was a little slower and not as effective for people with a large amount of weight to lose. Also, I didn't like the idea of having a foreign object in me, having to go in for regular fills, and the possibilities of slippage, etc. I didn't want the bypass or duodenal switch because I didn't want my intestines replumbed (so to speak) and to deal with issues such as severe malabsorption problems. The sleeve sounded good to me because the part of the stomach that remains is the part that is less susceptible to stretching (which doesn't mean it won't!), the hormone responsible for telling your brain you're hungry is produced in the part of the stomach they remove (ghrelin is the hormone), and following surgery there are fewer complications over the years. There is no going back after this surgery, though, as they remove 90% of your stomach, and you do have a longer staple line where you can have leakage. But if you follow the surgeons instructions, you shouldn't have a problem. I have never been sorry I chose this surgery. I am 5 1/2 months out and have lost 87 lbs. I do have plateaus that last 2-3 weeks, but then it drops rather quickly again. Do a lot of research, go to the lap band forum and the vertical gastric sleeve forum on this site and ask questions as well. If you have more questions, please feel free to check out my profile and write me.
   — Wendy M.

February 22, 2009
I had the sleeve because I didn't want the band replaced in 10years. I wanted a perinate weight loss and the sleeve isn't it. Couldn't have the RNY so the doctor got the sleeve covered by the insureance. 4 months later I am 100 lbs liter and feeling great. If the choice is your take the sleeve cause the band has more complications. And friends haven't lost as much as mee and two times the time afte the surgery. Any questions E-mail me at my blog.
   — Scott Ambrose