My band was a great tool to teach me to stop the abuse of food. I too was hungry, too tight, refluxed, slimmed and vomited. THAT was life with a band. I am revising to sleeve 9/6 since I've had mechanical failure again- the repaired tubing is leaking. I am converting to sleeve to maintain my weight loss-- offered by the surgeon and I feel like if I dont sleeve I will be a regain statistic. i am none too happy about self pay for mechanical failure twice. Sleeve wasnt an option at the time, its on the table currently and I'm taking it as I dont want to start over. My friends and family dont see the need for the sleeve since im "normal weight" -- healthcare in preventative terms works well. Im hoping my sleeve CAN be done same day and Im praying I have an easier go, less pain and fewer complications since my band got me ready for this next step. The band is a tool-- its not perfect-- given the choice I would opt for the sleeve the first go. I hope to never look back, have no complications, and embrase the mental and physical constant baby sitter and rule enforcer back-up of the sleeve that i had with my band--- its still about food choices and lifestyle choices- thats why its so hard.
I am thrilled most of the sleevers are happy-- seems to be a 7-14 day window to realize it gets better-- hunger is not my concern- after all i've been hungry for 6 years with my band---pain and complic's are my only worries..
Actually know people who had "ulcer surgery" in the 1950- 60's--- it was a sleeve they had--just not called that.
Good luck to all-- if your friend has a choice my recommendation is life-long, non mechanical device, one procedure----sleeve as your only WLS.