Hi. I've been thinking about having the band for years. I just started seriously looking into it this year and went to a seminar and actually started my pre-op requirements. But as I read more and more on the boards I am seeing more problems with it. I hear every day of someone else going for a revision to bypass or sleeve from the band because of various problems. I had thought at first that well, I will try the band and if it develops problems or doesn't work I can revise. Then I started seeing posts from people having the band removed that had problems from that. Scar tissue and hernias etc. At least one I've heard of recently whose band is eroded into their stomach and they won't remove it because it is too dangerous.

Sooo.... I thought it best that I should research all the options. I have pretty much ruled out the bypass because I have heard of people dying from it. I know, not many, but still. The sleeve seems like it's just what i want now. I'm still reading and learning though. I have a seminar this week at Johns Creek hospital Atlanta with Dr. Titus Duncan. If anyone uses him please tell me what you think. I also have a seminar scheduled with Dr. Hart.

If there is anyone else in the Atlanta area with other dr. suggestions please let me know. I'm in the south metro area.

Thanks!

You sound like me! I went to the seminar completely thinking BAND and would not have considered bypass for anything, I know alot of people who have had it and have very bad malabsorption problems and I don't want that, I had never head of the sleeve before the orientation so only began looking in to it after. And it seems to be for me. Hoping the surgeon feels this way too - I meet with him Thursday.

Welcome to the board! You'll find lots of supportive folks here. I had a revision from band to sleeve and I am very happy with it so far. I didn't have complications with my band like others, but it just plain wasn't working for me. I think most "revision" patients on the board here would say that the "reversable" claim on the band is an overstatement. We each had internal scarring and some have had some serious complications from removing the band.

Good luck!

Lara

Rainy, I am not sure if you are still looking, if so check out Dr. Dennis Smith. From what I have been able to find, he has done the most sleeves here in Atlanta. I can't find information that Dr. Duncan does them, when I went to his seminar they seemed to push the band. At the time I was interested in the band, so I did not ask questions about the sleeve.

Hi onemoretry! Thanks for the info. Actually I have decided on Dr. Johnson at Emory Johns Creek. It is a little far from me but Dr. Smith in Marietta would be too. But I've met with Dr. Johnson and I'm just waiting for my last diet appointment now. I love the hospital at Johns Creek. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful. They act like they want to be there and enjoy what they are doing. They have a floor just for bariatrics and the gowns are huge and everything is made to fit the "larger" patient! So I'm happy with my decision. I just wish it wasn't on the other side of Atlanta but oh well!

WELCOME!!!! I am so happy you aren't considering the band. The band caused me so much pain (literally) and heartache because it failed me. My band slipped, leaked, broke apart in my body, and I could barely swallow the few days before my revision. My sleeve has been nothing but amazing! IT WORKS!!! I am constantly having to buy new clothes because I just keep losing. It is so amazing. You really are making the best choice. Having a foreign object in your body is just a crazy idea. I wish I would have just had the sleeve to begin with. It is the far superior choice!