Hi Everybody, just been looking over this site, and was quite impressed. I am a little curious about this surgery, as I was banded in the past. I had the lap-band put in, and had it for almost 2 years with no weight loss (except 20 lbs from the beginning-with liquids) No matter how much or little saline was in my band, it was either too much or too little. It was a very frustrating time for me. I threw up just about every meal, and could only eat soft foods. meat or pototo would come back up, as soon as I ate them. Its been almost two years since I had it removed, and never regretted it. But I'm also looking for help again.

I am living in Alberta, and I'm also taking part in Weight management seminars. I'm hoping one day to discuss this option in more dept. Please let me know how you got started, where your doctor is from and if it was covered under insurance. The Lap-band cost me $ 15000.00..ouch...

Thanks M

Hi Everybody, just been looking over this site, and was quite impressed. I am a little curious about this surgery, as I was banded in the past. I had the lap-band put in, and had it for almost 2 years with no weight loss (except 20 lbs from the beginning-with liquids) No matter how much or little saline was in my band, it was either too much or too little. It was a very frustrating time for me. I threw up just about every meal, and could only eat soft foods. meat or pototo would come back up, as soon as I ate them. Its been almost two years since I had it removed, and never regretted it. But I'm also looking for help again.

I am living in Alberta, and I'm also taking part in Weight management seminars. I'm hoping one day to discuss this option in more dept. Please let me know how you got started, where your doctor is from and if it was covered under insurance. The Lap-band cost me $ 15000.00..ouch...

Thanks M

Hello Myrtle, welcome to VST!!

I am also formerly banded and now sleeved. Let's just say I don't miss my band at all.

I got started at LapBandTalk.com and many of my friends at that time revised to the sleeve. Eventually as they watched me struggle for years, convinced me to make the switch. All of those friends will forever be on my "I owe" list!! My surgeon is Dr. Alberto Aceves, in Mexicali, MX. My full revision costed a bit over 11K, and I believe the sleeve alone costs about 9k for him. He is one of the most skilled sleeve surgeons around. Of course being he is in Mexico, he is not covered by American Insurance.

Good luck in your journey and research! You surely came to the right place.

I had a pretty bad experience with my band and I am now HAPPILY sleeved! I had complication after complication with the band. Now with the sleeve, things are going great! I am losing weight and food doesn't have control over me anymore. You will love the sleeve!

I was self pay for my lapband ($8000- Dr. Rodriguez).

I had a 2800 co-pay for my revision (Dr. Nowzaradan).

I have not had the Sleeve, I am getting one soon and stories like yours (of failure or complications) convinced me to go forward with the sleeve. So I guess I am not much help, but Aetna at our hotel does cover it, BMI over 40 or 35 and up with co-morbilites. I'm done being fat and I am bit nervous that this will work, but I also know it is the best chance I have out there!