I'm assuming most people on this site are banded, pre-op and post-op. What do YOU think of the gastric sleeve? Did you even consider it? If not, why not? Thanks in advance!

Edited to add: Also, the "foreign object" argument against the band seems blown out of proportion to me. Why is one silicone & titanium medical implant a lifesaver while another is an evil foreign object?

Oh I can raise my hand on this one!!! The band FREAKS ME OUT. I don't know why, it's not rational, but I desperately didn't want this thing in my body. When they passed it around at the info session at the hospital I started crying. I can't tell you why, it just gives me a panic attack...

Even now. Even with the band already in me. I can still tap into that freak-out and feel totally grossed out. But I also know those are just my weird fears, and not reality. And I was able to rationalize why this was the right choice for me (for all the other reasons I listed in my post above) so I gave myself a stern talking to and said "Get the f*** over it" and get the band.

So I did, and I have it. But I really don't like the idea of it. Maybe someday I will. *shudder*

Thanks for your replies; I'm so on the fence! I started out...band...then band with plication....then sleeve....now I'm back to band...if anything! I'll be so glad to have seminar on 05/01 and then hopefully one-on-one with dr. to see what he says. Yea, my husband is not too thrilled with any WLS, much less sleeve! My friends are also freaked out about the higher risk of the sleeve. I'm not thrilled about an object in my body; I'm not thrilled with having a major organ cut off. But, it's now or never, and I would love to lose a boatload of weight and live the rest of my life comfortable in my own skin. But, frankly, I'm not looking forward to tiny bites and chewing to mush the rest of my life either! So...I'll be sitting here on the fence a while longer!

@Txdee I know this is really tough I'm sending up a prayer for u ! Whatever u decide let us know !

I currently have a band that has slipped. It was nothing that *I* personally did- I followed all of the band rules but had horrible acid reflux issues, major throwing up issues, and then band slipped. So Im having surgery on the 30th to have the band removed and revised to the sleeve. When I was researching WLS in the beginning the sleeve was too new so it wasnt even an option for me. Plus I didnt like that it was permanently altering my body. But then I started thinking- I want to have breast reduction surgery and that it permanently altering my body so why am I so opposed to the sleeve. Also, I have *NEVER* had a moment where I absolutely loved my band. Granted I did lose 68 lbs that I know I wouldnt have been able to do otherwise but the thought of constantly throwing up, acid reflux, and never being able to eat a lot of foods that are healthy for me because they would get stuck for the rest of my life doesnt appeal to me. So Im happy with my desicion to revise to the sleeve. Wish I had known back then what I do now and I would have gone immediately for the sleeve.

If my insurance company covered it I would literally be getting the sleeve tomorrow. Only because man-made devices can fail. Lucky me, I get to be one of the statistics! Still love my band though.

Just be aware that reflux can be a problem with the sleeve too. All sleevers have to routinely take an acid reducer for the first couple of months after surgery , at least.

It is just amazing how cavalier people are about having 85% of a major organ removed (VSG). This major organ contains hormones and nerves, including ghrelin which is necessary for our bodies to function. Removal of ghrelin can cause depression. Has it dawned on anyone that this surgery was used in the past only for cancer and ulcers that wouldn't heal. No,even if my band was to be removed I would not have this surgical alteration done to my body unless I had cancer or non healing ulcers.

It is just amazing how cavalier people are about having 85% of a major organ removed (VSG). This major organ contains hormones and nerves, including ghrelin which is necessary for our bodies to function. Removal of ghrelin can cause depression. Has it dawned on anyone that this surgery was used in the past only for cancer and ulcers that wouldn't heal. No,even if my band was to be removed I would not have this surgical alteration done to my body unless I had cancer or non healing ulcers.

All true, but grehlin is also produced elsewhere in the body, not just in the stomach.

I have a friend who had the sleeve, and she had really good results the first year & lost 100 lbs. However, she is still 200+ lbs and is now having trouble losing, possibly has stretched it out. I chose the band because I liked not having to cut out part of my stomach and that it could be removed if needed. Neither would have been covered for me; I'm self pay so that wasn't really an issue. Good luck with your decision; it's tough!