I had been thinking about wls a while. My brother had bypass, my sister has the band. This is happening so fast.. My first appointment was 1/6/14 and I already had 3 months supervision.. I finally got insurance that would cover it through my husbands job.. It was excluded with my company.. I work with insurance so I knew the requirements and had already prepared for the 1/1/14 effective date with Cigna. I was approved 1/24/14. The confusion I have now is did I chose the correct procedure .. Band vs sleeve.. The doctor was really pushing the sleeve, but I was totally against it. Now I'm just having 2nd thoughts. Anything u can offer on the difference would be appreciated.

Do what YOU feel is best. Don't let any one make your decision. This is nothing to play with and this is the rest of YOUR life. Stay strong. I believe you'll make the right choice.

I chose the band because, to me, it is so much less drastic. I didn't want part of my stomach cut away. And I like it that, should it ever be necessary for any reason, the band is removable. I am glad to have found a surgeon who is a band doctor as so many are going for the sleeve now. The band requires a lot of followup care in the first year and this is expensive for hospitals and insurance companies. I like it that I see my surgeon frequently during this time (I am just three months out). It helps keep me accountable -- I don't feel like I'm on my own figuring it all out. And while I wish I had done this years and years ago, I realize the bands now are an improvement over older versions. So for me the timing was right. Also I knew that I would be able to do whatever it takes to make this successful. It turns out it's not hard. Having my appetite dimmed allows me to make healthy food choices and to live a life that is not ruled by food. I am very happy with my choice. Keep researching and searching yourself for what you feel is right for you. And know that whatever you decide the main thing is you are choosing your healthy future and that is a very powerful thing. You deserve to be healthy and happy!

Thank you for your words, the band slips that I am reading about is what has me concerned. Why does that happen? I know throwing up to much is what my doctor said..is is from over eating?

Happy with my band too! Probably the most exciting thing about my new life, is knowing this time, I will be successful. This time, I no longer need to keep the three or four sizes of clothes in storage. I have a tool that is working for me. For the first time, I feel I can control my hunger/ eating, it has created confidence in other areas of my life, if I can do this ... Maybe, I could do that...I am back to life again, not hiding from it! I credit my attitude, my hopes, my dreams with a timeline- to help from the band.

I hope you find what you are looking for too! Big hug!

I chose the band because its reversible and nothing was removed or separated. The choice is basically yours but doctors are trying to push the sleeve to get away with all the after care that is involved in the band. I still would do it over again. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Thank you for your words, the band slips that I am reading about is what has me concerned. Why does that happen? I know throwing up to much is what my doctor said..is is from over eating?

I chose the band over the sleeve for many of the same reasons other people have said. I'm not getting my stomach cut or removed and my intestines are staying in place. I also liked that it can be reversed if anything goes wrong. I also don't have as much weight to lose as some patients so the slower weight loss from the band wasn't an issue (other surgeries have faster results and/or the possibility of losing more weight, according to my surgeon). The band requires going in for fills to get it working properly for me. Which I think is a plus, that it's adjustable. It is possible for the band to slip, as you mentioned. It can happen for a lot of reasons. Over eating too often can stretch the stomach and lead to slipping. Throwing up too much (which is not supposed to happen) can lead to slipping as well and the vomiting is usually caused by overeating, not chewing properly, illness, or a too tight band. All of the surgeries have their complications. All you can do is think about what would be best for you!

The main things to consider:

-How much weight do you have to lose?

-How fast do you want to lose it?

-Do you want something that is reversible or not?

-Are you willing to have more follow up care? (for the LapBand)

-What fits best with your lifestyle?

I hope this helps a little and I wish you the best of luck

Never let anyone push you into any surgical procedure of any kind. Whatever op you choose, make sure you do it because you know that it is absolutely right for you.

I chose the Lap Band for several reasons:

Procedure: Fast and lower impact on my bod. No cutting and removal or rerouting of my internal organs.

Adjustable:

Mama is a control freak who likes things just so. Yep. Knowing that I can customize my band to my exacting specifications was a big draw for me.

Revisable:

Should there be a difficulty in future, it is pretty fixable. Should it fail, it is removable.

Reversable:

Let's face it. Sh*t happens. If, God forbid I get sick or injured to the point that my band is in the way of my treatment and or healing, it can easily be removed, my stomach will return to normal and I can get on with whatever I have to get on with. A sleeve or bypass would not have given me that option.

I love my band, it is helping me, it is working for me and I am happy that I got it. But in the end, you need to think through all of your options very carefully, decide what will work best for YOU. For your body, your health concearns, lifestyle, what you are willing to work with and so forth then go forward, secure on the knowledge that you are acting in your own best interests. Good luck, no matter what surgery you choose. It is all about regaining your life and health!

Unfortunately that's a decision that only you can make. After all it is your body. Do your research and make your decision. Best wishes

Thanks guys, I really had my mind made up in the band.. Icy, you sound like my kind of girl! I think I knew the Ansa to my own question .. I don't want anything internal changed.. I guess I was just questioning myself. I have two more things to do for the doctor.. Sleep study and pulmonary function. Then I can be scheduled. I just never thought it would happen so quickly..the insurance company approved me in 5 days flat! Go Cigna! Thanks everyone, this forum is very helpful..

I had been thinking about wls a while. My brother had bypass, my sister has the band. This is happening so fast.. My first appointment was 1/6/14 and I already had 3 months supervision.. I finally got insurance that would cover it through my husbands job.. It was excluded with my company.. I work with insurance so I knew the requirements and had already prepared for the 1/1/14 effective date with Cigna. I was approved 1/24/14. The confusion I have now is did I chose the correct procedure .. Band vs sleeve.. The doctor was really pushing the sleeve, but I was totally against it. Now I'm just having 2nd thoughts. Anything u can offer on the difference would be appreciated.

The first thought I had was, "Oh good," she'll have her sister to chat with!" Reinforcement will be a good thing, has your sister done well? Follow your doc's guidelines as he has the map to find the "zone" and you will be a healthy lap bander. Wish you well!