I went to a seminar a few weeks ago and a consult today. The doctor told me the band has a high fail rate and 5 years out most regain all their weight. She said I should consider getting the gastric sleeve. The band sounds safer to me. The surgery will be in Petoskey.

It all comes to personal choice. I would strongly suggest doing your homework before making a decision. Both procedures have their pros and cons, and unfortunately both procedures have their myths too. Research the actual medical facts, not just anecdotal evidence here.

They did a very large study, over 4000 Lap Band patients, and found that about 8% suffer complications.

It's also very important to take in account the number of people with slips, complications, and needing removal because they abused their band. Unfortunately that number is scary high. It seems either surgeons aren't educating their patients enough or people are foolishly ignoring their instructions, but whatever the case I've seen more cases of complications because of patient negligence than I can count.

How much you lose with the band is entirely up to you. Whether or not you keep that weight off is also up to you. The band is just a tool, not a magic fix for fat, and to be successful with it requires you to change your eating habits for a lifetime.

Best wishes with whichever you decide!

I went to a seminar a few weeks ago and a consult today. The doctor told me the band has a high fail rate and 5 years out most regain all their weight. She said I should consider getting the gastric sleeve. The band sounds safer to me. The surgery will be in Petoskey.

Maybe she feels more comfortable with the sleeve as surgery. I do agree with what was said already. I would also add, don't let a surgeon push you into what they want you to have. I don't believe that the regain rate is any higher at 5 years than gastric bypass, and I don't believe that the sleeve has been used long enough to have any way to compare the surgeries.

My surgeon told me that people are more successful if they have the surgery they feel is best for them since they have ownership on the procedure.

I started out wanting the sleeve. I like the fact it didn't reroute anything. But during my pre-op exams, specifically the upper gi test, found out I have gastritis the cause of my acid reflux. I was told if I wanted the sleeve I would first have a seperate operation to fix the flap at the top of my stomach so I wouldn't have acid reflux worse after I got the sleeve.

My surgeon wants me to do the lapband. Because if I get it I don't have to have the second surgery.

I'm surprised your surgeon even said that, but like someone else said maybe she doesn't like to do them.

Remember this is your choice. If the band is what you decide on and this surgeon won't do them, look around and find another. Make the best choice for you, not for your doctor.

Susan

I started out wanting the sleeve. I like the fact it didn't reroute anything. But during my pre-op exams' date=' specifically the upper gi test, found out I have gastritis the cause of my acid reflux. I was told if I wanted the sleeve I would first have a seperate operation to fix the flap at the top of my stomach so I wouldn't have acid reflux worse after I got the sleeve.

My surgeon wants me to do the lapband. Because if I get it I don't have to have the second surgery.

I'm surprised your surgeon even said that, but like someone else said maybe she doesn't like to do them.

Remember this is your choice. If the band is what you decide on and this surgeon won't do them, look around and find another. Make the best choice for you, not for your doctor.

Susan[/quote']

I had a pretty severe hiatal hernia which they were able to repair at the same time as the band placement. I am over two years post surgery and other than a few times when the band was too tight, I have had NO reflux issues. After 20 years of taking medications, it was quite a shock to find out what life was like without a pocketful of antacids.