Hey guys! I'm new here and was hoping I could get some input and perspective. I was originally dead set on the band, then on gastric, and now on the sleeve. I've heard some really good things about the sleeve, and so far it seems to be the most "consistent". What are the disadvantages/advantages. What have your experiences been?

And- is anyone from the El Paso area? I'll be going through William Beaumont, and looking at a Nov. date.

Thanks! :thumbup:

-Ruby

Not from El Paso but welcome!!

I have found no disadvantages at 5 weeks. Advantages? I have lost weight and I am not hungery. For the first time in my life I am in complete control of what I eat. That is all I asked for and expected. You will love your sleeve.

I don't know of any disadvantages. There is a whole list of disadvantages for the band and the gastric bypass. I revised from the band to sleeve and I am really happy that I did it before the band did damage to my stomach.

Hey guys, thanks for the responses. As I understand it the sleeve is similar to the band because they both restrict? Why has the sleeve worked better for you than the band? How was recovery and post op eating?

It's looking like I'll be sleeved in November. And I canNOT WAIT!! :blushing:

I like not having fills. I like not feeling hungry. I like the fact that I will (eventually) be able to eat normal food, just in smaller portions. I like that it has no malabsorption problems (even though I need vitamins forever). I like that I will have no dumping. I like that it is better for my lower intestinal tract. I like that my stomach is basically intact and upper and lower flaps are not touched. Geez...that's a good start!

I never had the band, so cannot answer your question there, but just wanted to say welcome!

I began this journey looking at getting the band, but ended up with the sleeve and am VERY happy. Both procedures are restrictive (although the sleeve also removes a lot of the hunger hormone), but after reading about band complications and the follow-up fill care, I decided that would not be the best procedure for me and my lifestyle. I've recently met someone IRL (mom's friend) who has been very successful with her band, but I still think I made the best decision for me. Good luck!

The band is a nightmare. Some days you can eat anything you want, other days you can't eat anything without throwing up. So many things effect the restriction with the band. Most people have a lot of foods they just can't eat with the band without throwing up- bread, veggies, fruits with skin are a few examples.

With the sleeve you can eat whatever you want, in small portions.

For me, recovery with both surgeries was easy. I never felt like I had surgery at all, other than the first 24 hours.

The band is awful. I'm revising to VSG for all the reasons everyone stated. I sure hope it's as amazing as it sounds. Not hungry, full after a few bites, low risk of complications.. that plus my 2 hr workouts and I'm gonna be healthy in no time! can't wait. SIGN ME UP :thumbup:

I revised from the band to the sleeve after 8 short months. The sleeve and band are only similar in the fact that they are only restrictive procedures. The disadvantage of the band is your restriction will vary, the first 2-3 months, your stomach is swollen, but then you have to get fills to hit the "sweet spot". I never got there, and quit losing, and even gained back a few of the initial 25-27lbs I lost the first 3 months. Every day was a surprise with the band. Some days, I could eat any food (except for bread) then other days, I couldn't get yogurt down without sliming and throwing up. Food got stuck even though I chewed it up to mush.

There haven't really been any disadvantages to having the sleeve for the last 4 months. I've enjoyed all the foods I did before surgery just in smaller portions. I've only gotten something stuck once, and it wasn't the same as things getting stuck with my band. The constant aftercare and maintenance of the band was just inconvenient and disappointing.

I've been beyond pleased with my results with the sleeve, and have zero regrets.