Question:
Sleeve or DS?

I had lap band 3 years ago and have not been successful. I am considering a revision. I will be a self-pay, so insurance will not be a factor. My surgeon is suggesting the sleeve or DS. I have about 80 pounds to lose. Any thoughts?    — MerryMary (posted on July 3, 2009)

July 3, 2009
if you're going to have more surgery, i suggest going all the way and having the DS-- that way you get restriction and maximum malabsorption.
   — greenpunchbuggie

July 3, 2009
For only 80 lbs I would go with the VSG, for that little, getting a DS would be like getting an elephant gun to shoot a rabbit.
   — sam1am

July 3, 2009
I had the sleeve done and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have lost 110 pounds in less then a year, now I am just maintaining. Good Luck!!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 4, 2009
Only you can answer this question: WHY do you think you were unsuccessful with the lap band? I'm only 4 months out of VSG, but I was loosing very little (I'm 5'10", starting weight 469). I knew I was eating very little (but getting in lean protien and healthy foods), not drinking water with meals, not drinking sodas, etc. I went to an alternative medicine doctor who did a series of tests on me, which included an adrenal stress index panel and a blood work panel of other organs and hormonal levels. All but one were out of whack. He is doing accupressure manipulations of those affected organs, and is now looking for food allergies. (There are some major ones; don't know which yet.) I am now loosing close to a lb. a day. I'm still sceptical, but also still willing to try this. He will repeat the tests in September to see if the numbers are better. You need to understand WHY you didn't loose, then make decisions based on those answers. More surgery may not be the answer. If you sabotaged your band, why? There are fixes for those kind of problems, too, for which professionals can help . Keep looking for the answers.
   — jtoothman

July 4, 2009
You need to do some research as most of us did. I opted for the "sleeve", U have NO malabsorbtion problems, no nasty smelling gas etc. U have to think down the road in years to come how will you be health wise. All but the Lap Band and VSG involved rerouting your insides and depend on not ADSORBING all you eat, U also get the "dumping" issue with all but the Lap Band and the VSG. Just make sure there are not hidden issues you are having as to why U did not lose weight with the Lap Band. I am considered a "light weight" with less then 100 pounds to lose and I am down from 220 at 5'3" to 157 in 8 months. It all depends on your personal needs and wants. RESEARCH RESEARCH
   — chell1957

July 4, 2009
Thanks to all of you for your input. I have a lot of research and self evaluation to do. I lost 34 pounds with the band and kept it off. However, I essentially stopped after the 34 without working out contantly and being hungry in the afternoon and evenings. I wish the band were more consistent. I can't eat much of anything until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Then I can eat a lot in the evenings. Of course, I can't eat a steak dinner or anything like that, but it doesn't stop me from gulping 10 cookies in the evening. I want there to be only one more surgery. Part of me is afraid that a restrictive only procedure will not be consistent. It makes me feel like I need to take it out of my hands and have some something that will allow less absorbtion. I have some time to decide.
   — MerryMary

July 5, 2009
I had the VSG and have lost 53 lbs in 3 months. The VSG has very few complications and problems and pretty good results. From my understanding the DS has the greatest amount of complications and potential problems. I would definintly take all of this into consideration. Also the VSG is the first stage of the DS so if you got that and it was not enough you could always later get the DS or RNY. I hope you have great success and choose what is best for you in the long run.
   — Lisa von Wallmenich