Lapband Vs. Sleeve?

[PrincessDaffodil 30]

Today was my first appointment at the Weight Loss Center. I was completely prepared to discuss everything involved with LapBand surgery, which I did. However, the Dr. suggested that I have a Sleeve Gastrectomy instead. I am seriously considering it, because one of my main goals is that I will be allowed to get pregnant after loosing the weight. He said that a sleeve will still allow the baby to get the nutrition that it needs during pregnancy. Plus, I won't have to go in for fills and adjustments, and I will lose the weight a lot faster. Therefore, I will actually be able to try getting pregnant sooner than if I have the LapBand. The post-surgery diet is exactly the same with either procedure.

Any thoughts on LapBand vs. Sleeve?

[jen_1381 446]

I wasn't prepared to have any part of my stomach removed. Every persons situation is different; I won't be having children, I had about 80 lbs to lose and no certain timeline to lose it in, and I needed to be back to work ASAP so opted for the less invasive Lap Band.

My surgeon favored the sleeve, especially since my insurance would cover all three (band, sleeve, bypass). He didn't think I was a candidate for bypass since my BMI was just barely above qualifying. I just explained my reasons to him and he honored that. I felt ready for the "bandster" lifestyle though. I was, and am, completely committed to my new way of living. My surgeon had reservations with the band because he said the last 10 patients he saw, 2 were doing exceptional, 5 were right on track, and 3 were not losing at all. It all comes down to patients choice on whether they follow the rules or not.

I use his optimism as encouragement. I want to prove that I can be successful with the band, and so far I'm going above and beyond the typical expectations. My surgeon considers "success" if you can lose 1 lb every 7-10 days, and I'm averaging 6 lbs a week, BUT, I'm working my butt off (literally) to get there.

Maybe sit down and weigh out the pro's and con's of each. Making a list always helps me

Good luck which ever route you chose!

[RhiRhi 12]

I had lap band because if for any reason it can be reversed. I know you don't lose as fast and that does get frustrating but I just worried about the long term more than the short term. I think either are great and I know people have gotten pregnant after both. I looked and this looked like the healthiest way and my doctor agreed for me it was the best. Still not at goal but getting there.

[elcee 3,340]

If you use the search box you will find hundreds of threads dealing with this same question. Read through them so that you can get more perspective from people who are currently active on LBT and also from others that may not be so active anymore.

just be prepared as it can be a very contentious issue.

[NWgirl 574]

My surgeon also recommended the sleeve to me, but I decided I did not want a portion of my stomach removed. They try to steer you towards bypass or sleeve because you will lose weight and you don't have to come in for maintenance, so the patient's compliance really doesn't change their "success" rates.

Do as Elcee said and really research. There is a sleeve board, but I would take what they say in regards to the band with a grain of salt- there's a lot of band bashing on other WLS sites...

[bigenuff 302]

Yes there are a lot of threads on this site about this.also there are charts comparing sleeve by pass and band at true results .it is very informative .Goodluck in whatever u decide ! :-)

Weight loss surgery

http://www.trueresul...-loss-surgeries

[meyouus 415]

Yes, do your research! On here, on the VSG and RNY (I think) forums (with a link to it at the bottom of this page), carefully on the internet, with several doctors and if appropriate, with family and/or friends.

I was banded back in 07, not successful (my part as well as the band, long story) and I just went back to see my surgeon last week. They, too, mentioned getting the sleeve (VSG-Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) and boy did that take me by surprise! They told me we'll take it one step at a time, and to do a lot of research.

No matter where you go, you will find supporters of this surgery or that, and naysayers as well. All surgeries have successes, complications or failures. Just don't hurry in your decision! It's your body, and the body of your future baby. Make the decision that best suits you and you'll do fine.

[123crod 170]

My doctor also recommended the Sleeve and the Bypass. I agree with the above posters. You need to really do your research and I would say talk to people one-on-one too.

I have friends that have had the Band and 2 moved on to the Sleeve and one to the Bypass. I am not sure why it did not work for them. But you get what you put into it no matter what WLS you choose. Go on the Sleeve boards and read the complications and then also read the Band complications and then read the success for each. I know a lot of people who have done great with the Band and a few that haven't but like I said you get out what you are willing to put into the journey. I have been very happy with my Band and this month makes 3 years for me and I would do it again in a minute!!

Best luck to you. You a hard choice to make but don't get so excited that you don't research it all!

Cheri

[hujhkljkh 1]

I just had the lap band surgery last week and like you I had questions about having babies in the future. What my surgeon told me was when I do become pregnant to come in and have the band unfilled during the pregnancy and then when I deliver to come back in and have the band refilled which would help me to continue losing weight and help to lost the baby weight as well. This sounded like the best option for me, but in the end like everyone else is saying it is up to you which surgery you have and research can be a great thing.

[GodsTyro 63]

Today was my first appointment at the Weight Loss Center. I was completely prepared to discuss everything involved with LapBand surgery' date=' which I did. However, the Dr. suggested that I have a Sleeve Gastrectomy instead. I am seriously considering it, because one of my main goals is that I will be allowed to get pregnant after loosing the weight. He said that a sleeve will still allow the baby to get the nutrition that it needs during pregnancy. Plus, I won't have to go in for fills and adjustments, and I will lose the weight a lot faster. Therefore, I will actually be able to try getting pregnant sooner than if I have the LapBand. The post-surgery diet is exactly the same with either procedure.

Any thoughts on LapBand vs. Sleeve?[/quote']

I am completely for the lap band for several reasons, losing the weight fast is not healthy, it is the least extensive and least life threatening procedure out there. You mentioned pregnancy, yet I don't think this is a valid reason to choose the sleeve over the lap band merely because many females have gotten the lap band and many have been preganant with a normal and healthy pregnancy. Lastly the most important is the fact that if the procedure for whatever reason needs to be reversed it can. If you get the sleeve- well you are screwed and have to deal with whatever health problems it gives you in the end.

It actually surprises me that your doctor has advised on the sleeve over the lap band being the fact that it is the safest procedure out there at the moment and the reasons you listed are just as safe with the lap band versus the sleeve.

I honestly think there are more pros to the lap band versus the sleeve - and yea sure you have to get "filled" with the lap band, but once you are in your "green zone" you don't have to get filled except once every 6 months for the small amount that is lost.

[PrincessDaffodil 30]

Thank you all for your input. I am going to continue my research just to be sure that I make the right decision for me.