My name is Erin. I'm still pre-surgery right now. I'm still trying to decide between the sleeve and the Realize band. I have 13 more pounds to lose before I can have surgery. I plan to have surgery in early March. I am engaged and I have an almost 9 year old daughter. I'm not planning to get married until after I get a job, but hopefully that will be late summer. My surgeon will be either Dr. Matthew Mancini or Dr. Gregory Mancini with the Tennessee Weight Loss and Surgery Center in Knoxville, TN at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

I chose to have surgery because I know I needed to make that change. I've been feeling horrible for the last year and I'm tired of being in pain and agony. Plus, I want to be a beautiful bride. I don't want to have a huge belly in my wedding dress. I want to have a waist.

Hi Erin,

I am recently sleeved (Dec 5), and like you considered the same 2 surgeries as you. I did not want to have the band, as it would not solve the hunger issues or help with the binge eating for me. Also, I was not down with having to go and get the band filled/let out etc for the rest of my life, and possible slipping of the band after time, and scar tissue. I knew the risks of having up to 85% of my stomach out, and decided that even through the risks.

I cannot make the decision for you, only suggest that you definitely do your research on each one, and maybe make a list of the pro's and cons of each, and compare and talk with your family, and your doctors about each, and your own personal struggles.

Wishing you the best in your decision. This forum has been a great source of information and support for me. If you have any questions, you can send me a message and I'll be happy to answer!

Best of luck.

-Cassie

That's definitely what I'm doing -- researching. I've read about half of "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies." I found one book I'm reading on my Kindle that I've started as well. The PA at my surgical group told me that there is no weight loss guarantee with the band. I'm meeting with the surgeon on January 22 so I will know much more then. I definitely know I don't want gastric bypass. However, my surgery center requires 10 percent weight loss before surgery to show commitment. At the seminar, they were not shy about telling us what the risks were either.