I am 35 and have been struggling with my weight for over 10 years now. I was scheduled for sleeve today actually. My father was against the surgery in general, but accepted my decision and has been trying to be supportive. He wanted to meet the surgeon and have a lot of questions answered. We went in to see surgeon on Thursday and I came out more confused than ever. They basically all (mom, dad, and dr.) ganged up and made me feel that band is soooo much safer and a much better option.

Truthfully, I never even read up on the band because I didn't like the idea of having something inside me forever and was not comfortable with the idea of it slipping and having to come in for adjustments (fills), etc., so I dismissed it completely initially. After that appointment on Thursday, I came away feeling like the band was so obviously the way to go, but every time I thought of having that thing inside me it brought me to tears. Obviously I had to make a decision fast bc they had to make sure to get the approval for the switch from my insurance and my surgery was scheduled in four days. I was so confused and felt so much pressure to decide that I thought it was not the right way to make the decision, so I have postponed the surgery and I have two new dates tentatively set in February depending on which surgery I choose to go with. I have to decide by the end of the week.

Can you all please tell me your stories? Successes, failures, revisions, etc. I want to hear it all so I can make the most informed decision. I am still hung up on having the band in me forever, but I believe I will get over it if I really feel it is the best option. One thing that is for certain, is that the band is many times more safe (in terms of the surgery and chance of death) than the sleeve. But if the chances of success overall are lower and I will end up having the sleeve in a few years anyway, then I don't want to do that. I welcome any comments. Thanks in advance.

The band sucks and you will regret doing it.There,I couldnt have said it any different.

Go on the revision boards and failed WLS boards and read up on it.

The sleev is what they promise us the band will be.The band does not work!Protein gets stuck and you vomit all the time.You might up having severe reflux like a lot of us had and you might end us miserable and feeling a bigger failure,like a lot of us have.

It is not safer.Most people end up having complications from the band,it is just not directly post op but long term.Which seems worse to you?you will need more surgery,to remove it.

People are scared for us.The fact that you can,and will have to,remove the band does not solve our permanent issue of obesity.Only a permanent procedure can do that.

The cost,the emotional and physical trauma,the multiple surgeries,just not worth it!

Get the sleeve or wait.Dont be bullied into something that might just turn your life into a nightmare.

I have had my band a long time and got it also at 35 years old. In that time, I got married, had a baby 3 years ago and dealt with some medical issues. The only thing I did not do was lose weight. I basically watsted 10 years. I have not yet committed to another surgery but I do want the band removed. 10 years is too much and I am scared of the damage it may have caused. I recently started having some issues and I am just starting to consider a sleeve.

That said, there are some people who love their bands and would not change a thing. I think if you can train yourself to form good habits and can fit a healthy lifestyle and all it takes to maintain weight loss into your life, then your behavior modification takes over where the band mightr fail you.

I will say, that wahtever you decide, please keep in mind that there is another surgery in your future if you chose the band. What I DID NOT know is that it will be required to be removed in10 years time. Its the boat that I am in right now. My family is having a hard time with this too and I am working on thinking it all the way through.

Good luck to you , whatever you decide.

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In 2010 I had the band and lost about 100 pounds....but it caused me horrible reflux and pain all the time. I developed esophagitis multiple times and sometimes went weeks unable to eat d/t the swelling. Finally in 2011 the band slipped...I almost died, was 22 weeks pregnant and has to have it removed. I ended up having to regain all my weight and finally got the sleeve this past January 14th (2 weeks ago). In retrospect I too believed the band would be safer being that it was reversible, but it was a mistake. I wish I had gotten the sleeve from jump street. During my revision I bled out the doctor told me from all the scar tissue and mess the band left behind. in my honest opinion I would go with your gut instinct. Best of luck with whatever u choose and please message me with any questions u may have.

:-) Vicki

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Thanks so much for your responses and words of encouragement. I have decided on the sleeve and i am 10% confident that that is the one that's right for me. I'm scheduled for February 11th, so excited!!!!

LOL! I meant 100% confident!

OMG the band is the WORSEEE! Quick summary, got the band in 2009, lost 60 pounds in ONE YEAR! smh and it was a STRUGGLE!....Gained it all back..got the band revised to the sleeve in June 2012, I am 7 months post op and Im down 80 pounds! No problem and it was a smooth ride..no vomiting and I can eat anything...witht the band, it was impossible for me to eat protein so I ate junk!...My experience, sleeve is the best decision..Do some research of the difference from the band to sleeve and you will see for yourself...goodluck

Band is no good as far as my mom goes she had the band and boy that was just the worse thing ever . But in case you were not familiar with the band and all the horrible things that have happen just be aware that there is a class action lawsuit in full affect that millions of people across the US have joined(I know because my mother is one of them ) . The band will be removed from the market I say with in 2 years. My mother and sister had a bad experience but let's keep it short and simple ! SLEEVE