I am in the beginning stages of the band. Making all the appointments and setting up dates. A friend told me that they have had many problems with the band and the sleeve is better. I am so confused right now. HELP!!:thumbup:

I am so confused!!

I think that first off, when comparing the two (Lap Band vs. Sleeve) the most major difference is the fact that with the sleeve, they are removing a substantial part of your stomach and it is not something that could ever be reversed. With the band, it is reversible and you retain the entirety of your stomach.

Secondly, the sleeve is much more expensive and less likely to be covered by your insurance. The sleeve operation is an additional $6,000 with my surgeon and it requires an overnight stay, adding an additional $1000 to the cost. My insurance would cover the lap Band, but not the Sleeve (BCBS).

Yes, your weight loss might be quicker with the sleeve at first, but studies have shown that they are comparable with overall weight loss as time progresses.

I suggest you speak with your surgeon and he maybe could make a suggestion as to what he feels would be the best procedure for you, as an individual. We can only speak in generalities here on the board without knowing more about you.

I went with the least invasive procedure--knowing that, if not a permanent solution for me (which I am actually quite confident it will be), I can be revised to a sleeve in the future when, hopefully, it will be covered by insurance.

While I'm 100% committed to making all of the lifestyle changes required to be a success, I was not willing to commit to such a drastic, body-altering surgery unless it was proven necessary to me.

The cost was also a huge factor. The sleeve is not covered, even in part, by my insurance. It is still considered experimental, and I am not willing to experiment with my body. (I do think it will soon become standard, and covered, procedure, but for now, the jury's out.)

The band has a whoooole lot of aftercare. Constant fills and even some unfills. food getting stuck. Being able to eat more than you should of some foods, and intolerant of some you would like to eat. A friend has the sleeve and they do not have the issues I have with the band. They claim they do not have the issues with hunger I do because the stomach produces hormones which regulate hunger and when you remove so much of it, you cut down on it.

Having said that, I chose the band because I didnt want my insides messed with. It would be my luck, they would cut out 80 percent of my stomach then I would wind up with some medical condition/disease affecting what is left of it. The band is as invasive as I would agree too. If something happens and I cannot tolerate it, I wont do anything else.

Just wanted to add: If you cannot afford aftercare, you should stay away from the band. We have had a few people post here who cant afford fills and it isnt working for them.

Edited February 7, 201016 yr by minimeme

My sole reason for choosing the lapband over the sleeve or bypass is the reversible aspect.

Also, my insurance doesn't cover the sleeve and the sleeve is still fairly new.

The lapband requires a lot of aftercare which is a very good thing. It is always adjustable and issues can be caught before they spiral out of control.

The sleeve on the other hand is just the removal of a bunch of your stomach and as time goes on and you overeat; it may stretch back to its original size.

Ultimately you have to make the choice based on what it the best for you and your lifestyle. The band has a lot of aftercare so take into account the costs and time associated with fills. On the other hand the band can be completely reversed and can often be done as out patient surgery.

It's hard to say which is the right option but I do think you'll find a certain sense of peace with the right decision once you do make it.

Good luck and keep coming back and asking questions as you get further on with the process of choosing. You'll find a lot of support here.

Be sure to check these forums as well and ask questions. That way you are getting informed from both sides of the fence: Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery (VSG) Forum

Thank you all!!. I like the reversable factor and know I can stick to the program. My insurance is covering the band so not much out of pocket for me.

Just a thought you might sit in on a support group session for the band / sleeve and get some perspective that way.