Andrew0929

Take a look at the band to sleeve revision. Seems like there are more issues w the band and most people end up with a revision

This is a really tough question that probably only you can answer. When my husband and I attended various surgeons weight loss seminars, he thought the band would be the best choice but said he would support whatever I chose. I didn't like the idea of something "foreign" in my body and it seems like everyone I know "knows somebody who had issues with the band" <== sounds hypocritical as I'm super sensitive to these comments about WLS in general. I also didn't like the idea of all the adjustments. While I know a few people who had bypass with great success, I didn't like the idea of rerouting stuff and dumping scared me (although this happens for some with the sleeve - so far not me luckily!). I'm happy with my choice (I'm 3 weeks post op) but the pre-op diet and first week after surgery were tough for me.
You seem to be doing the right things by researching your options and considering the pros/cons of each. I think if you pick a good surgeon with lots of experience and do your research on them, your risk of a leak or other complications should be low but there's always a risk with any surgery. Something to consider is finding a "Center of Excellence" surgeon. Oh, and I should mention that you have to do your part as well by following your Dr's orders regarding diet and other instructions as your new tummy heals. Even if your Dr does a great job, you can screw it up by deviating from his orders.
Best wishes to you as you decide what is the best choice for you.

Hi Andrew,
I am 5 yrs post op of the lap band and I am now considering the sleeve. I chose the band because I didn't want to alter my body with RNY and I don't recall the sleeve being an option when I decided on the surgery. I lost slowly over 2.5 years then stalled and started re-gaining. I don't blame the band exactly, but in hindsight I wish I would have chosen a surgery that provided faster results. The band is difficult to get use to but you can get there. Also, I've learned in my new research that 60% of people banded have it removed after 5 yrs due to complications or not reaching their desired goals. I have not reached desired goals, therefore I am considering a band to sleeve revision. It's scary to think about having 80% of the stomach cut out, I will be meeting with a surgeon to discuss on more detail. It's not a decision to take lightly but I am considering it because I want better results, its why I had he surgery to start with. I am leaning towards the sleeve because of the Vitamin loss which isn't a risk as it is with RNY. (Always need Vitamins, but not as risky with sleeve) Good luck on your journey!

Amazing !!!!

First let me start by saying this isn't a brag (at all) it's sharing my own story to make a point.
To put it bluntly, I'm coming out of what had to be the worst 3 months of my entire life.
In early April, my gallbladder went suddenly and I had to have that removed. During this time, my Grandma (whom I was extremely close to) was in hospice. I was by her side when she died 3 weeks later. A week after she passed, I was in the hospital again having a tummy tuck/skin removal/hernia repair surgery. A couple weeks into that healing process, I had my first severe MS exacerbation in 3 years. During that time, my uncle also suddenly and unexpectedly died of a Pulmonary Embolism after surgery for Pancreatic Cancer. It was around the time of his funeral I was beginning to realize there was something very wrong with me, too.
At the end of May, it was discovered I had severe blood clots in both legs. They extended from my knees all the way up into my groin. I was airlifted to an ICU 70 miles away where I spent the most painful, terrifying, and emotionally exhausting 8 days of my life. To put it bluntly, I almost died. Thanks to a new (but brutal) treatment for life threatening blood clots- not only did I live but I have no permanent damage to my legs. But..wow...the treatment and ICU stay were like torture.
So...this has been the last 3 months of my life. During all this turmoil, heart break, pain, and fear- I still managed to lose weight. Even when going through 2 surgeries, 2 funerals, and a near death experience I was still mindful of what I ate and tracked my calories. Yes, once I could eat again in the ICU, I even tracked my calories there. (I amused the heck out of the nurses by doing so, too lol) Did I slip up and cheat during all this? Yup I sure did- but when I did I still counted the calories and never let it get out of control.
My point to all this isn't to brag nor is it for pity. We all have stress and turmoil in our lives. We all have sadness and fear at some point, too. But you can NOT let life's obstacles be your excuse to eat poorly and gain weight. My point is if I can lose weight and be accountable for what I eat even during all this hell the last 3 months- there is absolutely no reason anyone else can't too.
Just my thoughts.

The surgeon I met with today made it very clear that he would support me 100% with whatever decision I make. He recommended by 2 other doctors I've used for years and trust.

One thing I did was talk to my internal medicine doctor and the endrocinologist after my initial consult with the surgeon. Both of them had recommended me to go to the surgeon to get a lap band and I had come back to them after the presentation convinced I should do a Gastric Bypass. Both of them then basically said that it was not warranted in my case and got me back on track to get the band.
They both said that more aggressive approaches can be tried later if required. Also I have been going to both the doctors for years and they have other patients with WLS surgeries to they did have an unbiased opinion I could rely on.
Even with the complication I am seeing, with a possible slip, I do not regret that decision. I have lost a lot of weight and believe I can work through my issues.
Best of luck with your decision and your journey.

I've got to be honest here. I have lap-band with plication (the plication was added when I had to have a slip repaired). I don't regret my decision to have lap-band at all, and believe that I was partially responsible for the slip by not going back on liquids after my band was irritated following being stuck.
However, I've learned more about the sleeve since a dear friend of mine had sleeve surgery earlier this year. If I was starting this journey all over again, at this point I would opt for the sleeve.
That being said, I would NEVER, EVER have gastric bypass, though, as rearranging things just seems a lot more drastic than simply removing part of the stomach.

Like Missy said, Lapband profits are much smaller than other WLS methods. The lapband is also more time consuming after surgery and may not be profitable for some docs? Doctors are human too and moving towards more profitable procedures in this high cost healthcare environment could be a wise move for their practice. And don't discount that your doctor may be right and is advising you correctly?

The decision to have and what type of WLS to have are both very personal choices that you must make. Take you doctor's advice to heart. Read, research, get a 2nd opinion, study. Then think about it, talk to a friend or spouse, then make your mind up to do the one you feel you can and the one that you can and will commit to. Bottom like, with out commitment you will not lose weight no matter what type of WLS you have- at least not lose it long term.
Once you have made your decsion, go back and talk to the doc. Tell him/her firmly what you want to do and why. If they can't respect that, find another doctor.

Unfortunately, doctors make the most money with Bypass and the Sleeve so we're seeing them pushed more and more often.
Some facts- only 5% of Lap Band patients have complications by no fault of their own. The rest have complications due to their own behavior. What does this mean? It means if you follow the rules and live the way you're supposed to with the band, you have a 95% chance of never having a serious complication.
Here's the study that back up that fact: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/
On a more personal note, there are many of us that started off with high BMI's and still got the Lap Band. 17 months ago when I got mine, my BMI was 72. Since then I have lost over 200 pounds and am still losing. I'm not alone either- there are many others out there like me who are living proof you can have a high BMI and still be successful with the band.
Best wishes on whatever you decide.

^^what GuyMontag said! My dad always made us write a pro and con list when we had big decisions to make...maybe thats a good mental exercise when thinking about what surgery is right for you. Me...I was only going to consider the band. Something about removing parts of my innards didn't sit right with me. That was my personal decision and choice. But...out of 30 people that I started the initial consult with...I was the ONLY one that chose the band. All the rest chose sleeve or bypass. So...it really is something that is a personal decision. Don't let your doctor push you into another option unless you really feel good about it.

First of all realize that many doctors push a certain surgery based on what they simply like to do. Sometimes what's best for your doctor is not what's best for you. Sleeve and bypass are great for doctors because once they do the surgery and have your money they never have to bother with you again. Lapband doctors have to work with their patients for years because of fills and support. I've been banded for over 4 years and I have had a great experience with it. Unfortunately, not everyone that is banded has a great experience but that can be said for any weight loss surgery. If I had to do it over I would definitely consider the sleeve but bypass would be last on my list of considerations.
Remember, you are paying for this or your insurance company is on your behalf. The doctor works for you which means you have the power to get a second opinion and look at all your options. Talk to other doctors and people that have had different surgeries. This is a major decision that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Do not be in such a panic that you make a decision you will regret. Good luck whatever you decide!

Thanks very much everyone for the informative responses. It's so great to see so much evidence of success in this forum ..

Thanks very much everyone for the informative responses. It's so great to see so much evidence of success in this forum ..

I just left my surgeons office having just completed my initial consult. He is strongly encouraging me to go with sleeve or bypass due to my high bmi and the possibility for eventual complications with the band. He said they've gone from 80% band procedures to 10% this year.
I'm so confused ... Please help.

I have been struggling with noticing the changes that come from weight loss. I have now lost 67lbs and still had trouble seeing it. Till now, I was looking at old vacation photos and saw how large my face was only 10mnths ago. I have only been banded for 6 months but this was an eye opener for me.
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so today, after i got home from work, i did my step aerobics DVD....and it felt good......and then i went outside and chatted on the phone with amanda and hub came out to cut grass.....i hung up the phone and told hub i wanted to cut grass...so he gave me the lawn mower and up and down and up and down
i went........so yeah i was wearing blue flip flops but i spent 20 min cutting the side of our house.....while hub sat in the chair and watched
who would have thunk that a year post op that my 336 pound body would do a step aerobic class AND cut grass with lawn mower on the same day within an hour of each other..
this post is to say, the band WORKS

i am proof

I think the keys to success is understanding what the band is supposed to do, not supposed to do, and what will be expected of you to be successful with it. Too often I read about people struggling, or worse even dealing with complications, because they are over-filling their band expecting it do all the work for them. That is not the case. Education is crucial.
I also think it's important to have a good nutritionist. We didn't get fat by eating healthy and definitely not by eating healthy portions. Band or no band, we have to learn to eat healthy and a nutritionist is the best way to do that.
On a personal level, I think tracking calories and measuring portions is crucial. I've lost over 200 pounds in 17 months and I'd have never been able to do it without the accountability tracking calories provides. Measuring my portions assures I don't accidentally over-eat. For me, both are so important.

My band experience is non-existent, as my first info session is tomorrow night.
However, my experience with doctors (for myself and several family members) is extensive. My opinion is always to seek the very best doctor available, no matter how minor the condition is, and I don't tolerate sub-standard care. If a doctor isn't cutting it, I find a better one.
My point is that there isn't any excuse for sloppy record-keeping when it comes to health care procedures. For me, all it would take is one incident of not charting a procedure and I would be out the door. Sloppiness like that could result in someone getting hurt. Just my opinion....
Andrew

Thanks. I did check out that link and it was very helpful.

From a man's perspective, my advice is to wait until you get to know him better and then just mention it casually. Regarding your eating small portions at dinner, that's not something you need to elaborate on with him. Lots of people are watching their weight, eating smaller portions ...

From a man's perspective, my advice is to wait until you get to know him better and then just mention it casually. Regarding your eating small portions at dinner, that's not something you need to elaborate on with him. Lots of people are watching their weight, eating smaller portions ...

From a man's perspective, my advice is to wait until you get to know him better and then just mention it casually. Regarding your eating small portions at dinner, that's not something you need to elaborate on with him. Lots of people are watching their weight, eating smaller portions ...

From a man's perspective, my advice is to wait until you get to know him better and then just mention it casually. Regarding your eating small portions at dinner, that's not something you need to elaborate on with him. Lots of people are watching their weight, eating smaller portions ...