I'm going back and forth about getting the band or sleeve I really dnt want my stomach cut and dnt want to take lots of pills for the rest of my life then I look at the band like the risk factors r lower and I can get it removed just thinking of getting the band today any one going to Depaul I dnt have a date set still have to the end of this month to see the doctor for insurance

Explore all of your options.. also discuss with your primary care physician.. Mine recommended the band for me.. I have been very happy with it.. but there are some who have had complications with theirs.. All surgeries have risks.. I have folks in my support group who have had sleeves and by passes.. They all have problems with dumping and they don't feel or look healthy.. and yes they have to take tons of vitamins.. I take Vit D, B12 and a multivitamin.. that's it.. I am off of all of my prescriptions .. no more diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol.. wish I had done this years ago.. but at 66 years old I feel like a new person... go to some support meetings and talk to patients who have had both surgeries..Good Luck on your decision....

if you got the band, why would you want it removed?

its not something to use, lose weight and then take out...

any WLS will help and can give the patient better health and a longer life...but unless the person changes what they eat (from processed to better options) and also exercise and make a complete lifestyle change, no surgery will work...i agree with sharpie, research and ask alot of questions..if you get any WLS, it will take work and being consistent...its not overnight and its not a sure thing...as with all things, success varies by person...hoping you make the best decison for yourself. good luck and have a great day

if you got the band, why would you want it removed?

its not something to use, lose weight and then take out...

any WLS will help and can give the patient better health and a longer life...but unless the person changes what they eat (from processed to better options) and also exercise and make a complete lifestyle change, no surgery will work...i agree with sharpie, research and ask alot of questions..if you get any WLS, it will take work and being consistent...its not overnight and its not a sure thing...as with all things, success varies by person...hoping you make the best decison for yourself. good luck and have a great day

I think she means you can remove the band if there were any severe complications. That was certainly one of my reasons for getting the band. It's not permanent like bypass or the sleeve, rather it's a foreign object that you want to keep but if it fails a new one can be placed or it can be removed permanently

Yes thats exactly what i meant by having it removed, but i go c the surgeon friday and im excited to meet.him so hopeful he will make thinks clearer for me and i can makr the best decision for me thanks to all for responding

Hi Denise, I'm a newbie too. This forum has been super helpful on my journey at deciding on the band. I'm going to my 2nd support group tomorrow and already had 2 apts with my nutritionists, have pcp dr apt and bloodwork scheduled along with psych (my ins had 3 month wait) so I'm looking at possible dec surgery). I too wasn't 100% as to band or sleeve but being a mom of 3 kids I'm choosing the least invasive and also least down time. Overall I think all wls's have there plus and minus' we just have to do as much research as you need to feel confident with your decision.

I know slot of very successful Bandsters.

Stay in touch and let me know how your process is going! :-)

Sure thing thats what im thinking too less invasive i have a 4 year old and he is very active so risk for band is less i.never exercised before but i do.now and i knw that it works so im trying to get my mind together about the foods to.not eat i c the surgeon friday and my pcp on the 21 this will b my last insurance requirement i hope