I am trying to decide if I should get the vertical sleeve or the lap band. Comments and helpful advice is appreciated. Thanks.

I'll send you a friend request, and you can read my blog. I have lots of information in there not only about my personal journey from band to sleeve, but what the new stats are that have rolled out on the band. It's all documented with references, and cited articles.

I would type it all out here, but it's a lot.

I thought about the band, but to be honest the more I read about people who had switched from it to the sleeve I tossed any idea of it away! I could only afford one surgery as a self pay, so didn't want to risk getting the band removed and having the sleeve done later on.

I'm sure you'll find some great info from Tiff - shes our 'guru'!

Good luck with your decision.

I was going to get the lapband also, but after ALOT of research, I changed my mind- ppl with problems, ppl converting from band to sleeve not to mention the fill problems and erosion of the band!. Read over Tiff's blog, it has alot of valuable info there.

I had the band and am 4 weeks into my sleeve. I would definately go with the sleeve. It's like night and day. I had lots of problems with the band and from everything I've read most band patients are having the same problems. My doctor actually told me that they will soon stop doing the band and the sleeve will be the surgery to take it's place.

My sister has the lap band and I have the sleeve. I have a lot more freedom than she does when it comes to food and drinks. I know this sounds like a small reason but what changed my mind from sleeve to band was the fact that I can eat and drink at the same time. If you have lap band you will never be able to eat and drink at the same time. Plus sleeves have an over all better out come than bands.

Tiff is the best to talk to though about band vs sleeve