Confused now.....

[Kristina J. 581]

Add me to the list of band to sleeve revisions. Not all weight loss with the band is slow. I lost 100lbs with the band in 14 months. However, even if you can follow the rules and be successful with the band, the risk for complications, even years after reaching goal is insanely high.

I was basically at goal (7lbs away) when my lap band slipped. When they tried to adjust it, I was punctured in the stomach and it was removed. I gained everything back and could never lose it again when I finally did get a band back.

My second band was more typical... Slow to lose and awful reflux. Had an awful time eating healthy foods and relied on slider foods. I lost 40, gained 20... It was no more successful for me than weight watchers! And then last year, it started to prolapse (where the stomach pulls up through the band). Unfilled it to try and fix it and only gained more weight!! After I refilled my band it happened again. Just constant complications over the 10 years I was banded!

If you have choices, please do research on lap band complications. Most patients that are 2+ years out have had some form of complication! I am counting the days until I can get this thing out of me!!

[Kristina J. 581]

Lol oh and yes, I lost a ton of hair with the lap band too. Losing weight rapidly can do that, no matter the surgery you choose.

[lizy0916 18]

I had the lab band for 7 years. Lost 50 pounds first year &gain all & more. 2 years ago took it out

Because sledded, vomiting & pain. Now ready for sleeve. It was a pain in the neck. Hope you decide to get sleeved. Good luck!

[mwrarr 244]

Lol oh and yes' date=' I lost a ton of hair with the lap band too. Losing weight rapidly can do that, no matter the surgery you choose.[/quote']

Agreed. I was just going to say that. Any major weight loss will cause some Hair loss.< /p>

[capeciw 18]

I knew people who had both done and 1 felt the sleevers were more successful and happy with loss. 2. I didn't like the idea of something foreign in me. 3. Some of the banders, 2/4 were having to get revisions because of slippage, erosions or little success. 4. Knew myself and knew I needed something more "drastic" and restrictive as a weight loss tool.

[jgirl75 156]

Yes I would get the sleeve again in a heartbeat...no questions asked. Also, I don't think the band is recommended much anymore because of so many problems with it.

[lizy0916 18]

My Dad got out of hispital today he was sleeved yesterday. He feels great just gas pain. He looks really happy. Tomorrow I have my appointment with my surgeon.

[cyncitygirl 100]

I also had the band before getting sleeve. With the band I was also sick and throwing up. I started choking on my throw up in my sleep. That's when I had to get it removed. I was not living a happy life. The sleeve has been great for me this far. I would do it again. Good luck!

[kidrn72 85]

Last night I attended an informational session that is required by the surgeons I will be going to. I went with my mind fully made up that I want to have the gastric band surgery. After hearing the information I am leaning more toward the sleeve. But am I ready for something that drastic???

Would you guys do it again?

What made you choose the sleeve over the band?

Any failed successes?

Thank you for your help!

Yes I would do it again in a heartbeat!

I chose the sleeve after doing a lot of research on the band and bypass. The sleeve is the best of both world, you have restriction without the dumbing syndrome. I didn't want the band because it was temporary and has a high complication rate. The bypass I didn't want the malnutrition . So the sleeve was the option for me.

I am 9 weeks post op so I have not failed and don't plan to in the future:). My sleeve was done 1/23/13.

I love that I did this for myself!!

[EJamiFan 7]

I looked into the band about a year ago, but couldn't get past the foreign object aspect. I went to the information meeting a few weeks ago and it confirmed my feelings about it. I hope to get my sleeve as soon as possible. :-)

[BB145 34]

I was banded 5 years ago and yes I had success with it; however, I never ate. I threw up so much that finally I just didn't eat especially when I was with someone other than my family because I knew I'd have to run to the bathroom. There were some days I couldn't even get fluids down. I feel that I was chronically dehydrated. I was never healthy. I was either too tight or not tight enough, nothing in between. The band is "reversible" in the sense that the object itself can come out, but the damage it does is not reversible. My sleeve had to be done bigger than normal because of the damage to the top of my stomach. Now with all of that being said, I'm sure there are those out there that have had a perfect experience with the band which is great. It just wasn't a great experience from me. I was sleeved almost 6 weeks ago and am just now adding in regular foods. I'm not sure yet how it will work out for me, but I know not having to vomit on a daily basis has been heaven. Good luch with your decision.

[Fluffy62 37]

I pretty much decided on the sleeve over the Band for a couple of reasons. I didn't want a foreign object in my body. The chance of complications is high with slippage, adjusting, and material breakdown. I also spoke to a couple of Lap Band patients and have heard pretty much the same thing "If I could do it all over again I would've done the Sleeve". For some it just wasn't available at the time as a stand alone WLS. For others there just wasn't enough stats about the success of the sleeve so they decided on the Band. And the RNY is just too drastic and there's too much room for complications for my taste so I decided on the Sleeve. Bottom line is do your research and weigh out the Pros and Cons for you!!! Good luck on your decision.

[Sunshine1 34]

I had the band 4 yrs ago and had a revision surgery to a sleeve 3/13/13. I was unsuccessful w the band & I'm so happy it's out of me! if I had to do it over I would never never never have gotten the band... and I was self pay! I could have used that money for some amazing trips around the world! Lol or for the sleeve and had a great trip! the removal of the band plus the sleeve surgery all in 1 was still cheaper than what I paid for the band 4 years ago. Good luck in your decision!

[libbyb 17]

I have a band and it sucks. Going for revision surgery in a month!

[lizy0916 18]

Monday was a week from my dad surgery he has lost 35 pounds in 3 weeks including his post op. He got the sleeve his so happy!