Hi Everyone,

I had a very important question to ask all of you out there. Since you have had the band, if you ever had to get it removed due to an issue, would you get the band again? Have you had enough success to get it a second time around?

I ask this question because I had the band and it slipped and I had to have it removed in 2007. I have gained a lot of weight since then and I am now considering doing the sleeve gastrectomy surgery. I am a little nervous about removing 85% of my stomach. So, I was thinking of getting the band a second time around..but maybe the realize band this time. I know the band does work but you have to "work" it and I am prepared to do the work this time around.

I just need opinions please!!!!!!

Thank you,

Christine

Those who have slipped in the past are more prone to slip again; go with the sleeve.

I'm pleased with the band so far, but I would probably go for the sleeve if I had to choose again or if my band ever has complications. I like that the sleeve doesn't require post-op maintenance. I also like that it can be done by reputable surgeons for 5500 dollars in Mexico (make sure to really research and ask around if you go this route). And, one of my greatest worries is having a complication that requires taking the band out or replacing it (or that causes permanent damage). There are risks of peri-operative complications with the sleeve, but I haven't heard of any post-op (after the wounds are fully healed). Also, people seem to have to diet less with the sleeve. Obviously, they can still "eat around" the sleeved stomach, but it seems that most people are restricted from the start and consistently thereafter. Also, the sleeve operation removes the portion of the stomach the produces the hunger-causing hormone, Ghrelin. That means that you have a real decrease in actual hunger. Finally, it's much harder to stretch the portion of the stomach that is surgically altered with the sleeve than it is with the band's pouch or the bypass stomach.

You should have a look at the vertical sleeve talk site (there's a link on this forum), if you haven't already. You'll notice that there's a lot less disappointment and confusion concerning the sleeve, than there is on the band forum.

Hi Everyone,

I had a very important question to ask all of you out there. Since you have had the band, if you ever had to get it removed due to an issue, would you get the band again? Have you had enough success to get it a second time around?

I ask this question because I had the band and it slipped and I had to have it removed in 2007. I have gained a lot of weight since then and I am now considering doing the sleeve gastrectomy surgery. I am a little nervous about removing 85% of my stomach. So, I was thinking of getting the band a second time around..but maybe the realize band this time. I know the band does work but you have to "work" it and I am prepared to do the work this time around.

I just need opinions please!!!!!!

Thank you,

Christine

I'm pleased with the band so far, but I would probably go for the sleeve if I had to choose again or if my band ever has complications. I like that the sleeve doesn't require post-op maintenance. I also like that it can be done by reputable surgeons for 5500 dollars in Mexico (make sure to really research and ask around if you go this route). And, one of my greatest worries is having a complication that requires taking the band out or replacing it (or that causes permanent damage). There are risks of peri-operative complications with the band, but I haven't heard of any post-op (after the wounds are fully healed). Also, people seem to have to diet less with the sleeve. Obviously, they can still "eat around" the sleeved stomach, but it seems that most people are restricted from the start and consistently with portions. Also, the sleeve operation removes the portion of the stomach the produces the hunger-causing hormone, Ghrelin. That means that you have a real decrease in actual hunger. Finally, it's much harder to stretch the portion of the stomach that is surgically altered with the sleeve than it is with the band's pouch or the bypass stomach.

You should have a look at the vertical sleeve talk site (there's a link on this forum), if you haven't already. You'll notice that there's a lot less disappointment and confusion concerning the sleeve, than there is on the band forum.

Thank you all for your HONEST opinion. It is such a tough decision but I am probably going to go with the sleeve for the reasons you all listed. I am just getting major resistance from my family because they think the sleeve surgery is worse than the band. I already had the band I definately could have used more restriction at times so I feel that while its not a bad surgery, I just need something more.

Again, thanks for the honesty!!! Good luck in all your journeys!!!!!

I agree that I would get the sleeve too if I had to have my band removed. I have already told my family I will use my tax refund in any year I would have complications and revise. I like my band but I dont like the maintenance and costs.

Since you have had the band, if you ever had to get it removed due to an issue, would you get the band again? Have you had enough success to get it a second time around?

Christine,

I did get my band removed. I'm one of the people the band didn't help (other than that it make me take a serious look at my eating habits and just try harder...that's worth a lot), so no I wouldn't get it again. My surgeon still feels like I would be a good candidate for the sleeve since I did follow the rules and would most likely be successful, but I'm just not at the point of reconciling myself to being that drastic.

Now, if in the next 6 months I see my weight climbing and problems once again with needing meds for my diabetes...yeah, I'll do it in a heartbeat.

There are all sorts of possible problems with every WLS...some they don't even think to tell you. You just have to weigh those issues against what you're dealing with as far as weight gain and possible health problems and then decide which takes precedence *for you*.

.

Christine,

I did get my band removed. I'm one of the people the band didn't help (other than that it make me take a serious look at my eating habits and just try harder...that's worth a lot), so no I wouldn't get it again. My surgeon still feels like I would be a good candidate for the sleeve since I did follow the rules and would most likely be successful, but I'm just not at the point of reconciling myself to being that drastic.

Now, if in the next 6 months I see my weight climbing and problems once again with needing meds for my diabetes...yeah, I'll do it in a heartbeat.

There are all sorts of possible problems with every WLS...some they don't even think to tell you. You just have to weigh those issues against what you're dealing with as far as weight gain and possible health problems and then decide which takes precedence *for you*.

.

WOw, Thank you for being so honest. It is funny you mentioned about WLS having risks that people don't even talk about.

I have come to a decision that I am going to give it a go on my own for the next 6 months and if I can get off my meds then I know that I will have accomplished one of my goals.

I am very scared to do the sleeve and it is very drastic. At least with the band you can have it removed but being as sick as I was with the band and having it slip was very scary as well.

I wish you luck on your journey to a healthier you. I hope we can both do well!!!!

Thanks,

Christine