My doctor (who has an amazing reputation in the medical community & WLS community) plans to place a band at the bottom of my sleeve. It's not like a lap band - there's no filling & unfilling - no port, nothing like that. It's more like a corset for the sleeve that stays in permanently. Is this something that most surgeons do? I've never heard anyone mention it so I'm curious.

Hmmm. I've not heard of this, either. Kind of a cool idea if it keeps your food in a little longer for a feeling of being full longer. Curious to see what others have to say about this!

I have not heard of this at all, and I did some pretty extensive research on WLS when I started all of this. I must've missed that. Fairly new thing, I'm guessing.

It is not common but it is offered. My Doctor, Dr. Elariny is going to add a band to my sleeve. I also did extensive research so that how I know it is uncommon. I trust Dr. E as he is the doctor who did the surgery on the 600 lb woman on the Discovery channel.Here is a link to her website. http://www.conniejac...cial_thanks.php

PS. He did not do the sleeve on Connie as she had GB back in 2001. Just evidence of his bariatric experience.

That's completely new to me, but idoes sound like a great idea.

That is really interesting...what exactly is the point of it? I was under the impression that the sleeve was tiny to begin with. Is it to prevent it from stretching out with food or over time?

I think it's to help you feel fuller for longer ... I have my pre-op on Monday & I plan to ask more questions about it then. I'm glad to hear some others have heard of it tho!

Not common- but if my doc offered it, I'd do it. Those who fear the sleeve stretching- this could help remedy that

I've never heard of this.What is the banding made out of? Is there any chance of it slipping or eroding the sleeve over time? Those would be my concerns as your not left with much of a stomach to begin with. Just my thoughts. I'd love to know more about this though.

Just wanted to update:

Had my pre-op visit today & asked my doctor to describe the banding in more detail. It is a newer variation on the surgery. It is placed at the bottom of the stomach and is stitched in place in two spots so it doesn't slip. It's purpose is to 1) help prevent the stomach from stretching and 2) make me feel fuller for longer periods. That's the basics - maybe we'll start to hear of more people having this "banded sleeve" as time goes along?

I want that!!!!!! :-) too bad I was sleeved 3 weeks ago!! Good luck in that!

I haven't heard of that before your post, but I'm not surprised that the sleeve has this new variation. I'm sure researchers are constantly thinking of newer techniques to improve upon success rates.

So, are you going with the banded sleeve?

Thanks for the update. I think it sounds kind of cool!

Sounds neat, but even though it's stitched in place to prevent slips don't you have to end up taking the band out within 5-10 years? Can it still erode ? What r the complications ? It's still a band, right?

I'm definitely interested in more info on this, are there any links to a study or something? Does it have an official name we can google?

I don't know the official name of the technique - but I will ask next week.

The band is NOT the same band used in a "lap-band" procedure. Totally unrelated to the lap-band.

I'm going to try to explain it the best I can so you can get a visual. The entire diameter is about the size of my pinky finger. There is very thin, twisted wire inside a silicone(?) cover (just like electrical wiring). The small length starts out straight, then he puts it in place at the bottom of the pouch and circles it around. Then, the teensy weeny wires inside are twisted together and that "knot" is covered by the silicone covering. The wires did not extend out past the silicone cover at all. Then, the band is stitched in place to surrounding tissue so it doesn't slip.

Hope that helps!