Why'd you pick the sleeve over lapband or bypass? Trying to decide now...

When I went to the seminar at the hospital I was convinced I wanted the LapBand. After hearing the surgeon explained the sleeve, I was more interested. I came home and did a ton of research on the sleeve and LapBand, I did not consider bypass due to the malabsorption issues, it just wasn't for me.

I didn't like the complications that came with the band and I became increasingly concerned about having the foreign device in my body. My surgeon has virtually stopped doing the band. For me, the sleeve just "felt right". Once I made the decision, I didn't think again about the other choices.

I liked that fact that, if something were to go wrong (stomach cancer that runs in the family or some other unforeseen disaster) that there is a Plan B with the sleeve. Though it's not reversible, you could go the bypass route if something went south with the sleeve. I wasn't planning for failure, I just liked the fall back position if something happened.

I don't like the bypass because you're re-routing stuff, which means there are more things to go wrong. Vitamin malabsorption (sp?) is also an issue with bypass.

I originally got a band, because I don't believe in cutting healthy organs. But the thing I learned from the band (though my doctor explained it up front, I still had to learn it for myself!), is that it's great for your body signaling "you're full now," it doesn't address the hunger hormone issue (ghrelin).

When you remove most of the stomach, you're getting rid of the ghrelin, which is the nagging voice that says, "...Are you getting hungry? I think you're getting hungry. You're hungry, aren't you? OMG, YOU BETTER HAVE SOMETHING NOW OR I'LL DIE!"

I think for some folks, addressing the "you're full now" thing is enough. But those drama-queen ghrelins were making me nuts, and I'm glad things went the way they did. That said, they will come back in 6 months to 2 years (pray for 2 years!), but not as strong.

My goodness. They are pushing Lapbands like crazy. If I hear one more True Result commercial...eeek

I had researched weight loss surgery about 8 years ago, then bypass and lap bad were the choices. Neither really appealed to me. I knew a few folks that had lots of issues with the lap band. I didn't' want the long term absorption issues that can come with bypass either. My biggest issues with unsuccessful weight loss in the past has been appetite. I did have a big appetite and portion size was and issue. About two years ago I started searching again and found info on the sleeve. This seemed to be a very good option for me. And my doctor agreed. I did my research and was convinced. I am 13 months out and could not be happier. Good luck in your choice, get all the answers you need!

I decided on the sleeve because I do not want the malabsorption that accompanies bypass nor do I want dumping syndrome. With bypass your pouch is approximately 1oz while the sleeve leaves you with about 3 oz. I do not think 1oz stomach allows for enough nutrients personally. As a nurse I do not like the thought of the lap band. It is a foreign body in your system. There is also incidence of erosion with the band and slippage. If you have more than 50lbs to lose lap band doesn't yield the best results. In addition, with lap band you have to visit your doctor for adjustments etc. Sleeve has become the first choice for bariatric surgery however, it hasn't been around as long as the others so evidence based research on the long term effects is still limited. This is what I based my decision on and I hope that helps. Good luck. Do your own research and be an educated consumer.

I DID the Lapband 4 yrs ago

I don't like the bypass because you're re-routing stuff, which means there are more things to go wrong. Vitamin malabsorption (sp?) is also an issue with bypass.

I originally got a band, because I don't believe in cutting healthy organs. But the thing I learned from the band (though my doctor explained it up front, I still had to learn it for myself!), is that it's great for your body signaling "you're full now," it doesn't address the hunger hormone issue (ghrelin).

When you remove most of the stomach, you're getting rid of the ghrelin, which is the nagging voice that says, "...Are you getting hungry? I think you're getting hungry. You're hungry, aren't you? OMG, YOU BETTER HAVE SOMETHING NOW OR I'LL DIE!"

I think for some folks, addressing the "you're full now" thing is enough. But those drama-queen ghrelins were making me nuts, and I'm glad things went the way they did. That said, they will come back in 6 months to 2 years (pray for 2 years!), but not as strong.

Such a lucky dog to have lost it at all. I got my hunger back on day 10. I'm hungry often (thank God a few bites handle it) but it's that "urgent and starving" feeling u described.

Ghrelin is also made in other organs (pancreas, brain, etc) so some of us are lucky to lose it for a while, some of us aren't as lucky...

I've also been researching for years. I am really leaning towards the sleeve. I as well was certain I wanted the band until after I went to the orientation meeting.

I had the lap and..did not work for me. At all. With the sleeve my appetite is def curbed. I don't get hungry most of the time. Which is great. Before my surgery I was always , always hungry . I did not opt for the RNY ..too much routing of your insides and the biggest issue.. Malabsorption for the rest of your life. Too drastic ...

I had the lapband surgery and just had the revision to remove the lapband and have the vsg sleeve done. My second surgery was such a blessing from the first. I was up and walking the hallways with out alot of pain, surprising my stomach looked great the next day too. The best part that darn lapband was no longer in me and I look forward to hugging my little one with out pain!!

I had researched weight loss surgery about 8 years ago, then bypass and lap bad were the choices. Neither really appealed to me. I knew a few folks that had lots of issues with the lap band. I didn't' want the long term absorption issues that can come with bypass either. My biggest issues with unsuccessful weight loss in the past has been appetite. I did have a big appetite and portion size was and issue. About two years ago I started searching again and found info on the sleeve. This seemed to be a very good option for me. And my doctor agreed. I did my research and was convinced. I am 13 months out and could not be happier. Good luck in your choice, get all the answers you need!

I agree: 'appetite and portion size' is my major issue too! I think I am going to do very well. I love to eat healthy I just currently eat way too much and no matter how healthy you eat... calories are calories and they add up.

I definitely didn't want a foreign object left inside me. My sister had the band and just converted to the sleeve.

I also do not want anyone screwing with my intestines. I get to keep everything how it's meant to be, it's just one organ, my stomach, will be made smaller.

even I found the second surgery far easy....and I am hopeful for good weight loss...just 5 days post op...having strained liquids.

I DID the Lapband 4 yrs ago Such a lucky dog to have lost it at all. I got my hunger back on day 10. I'm hungry often (thank God a few bites handle it) but it's that "urgent and starving" feeling u described. Ghrelin is also made in other organs (pancreas, brain, etc) so some of us are lucky to lose it for a while, some of us aren't as lucky...

I should have added, revised to sleeve last month.

That stinks that your hunger came back so fast. I'm only a a month out. Not very interested in food, though still having bouts of head hunger.

Also wanted the lap band at first. Never even heard of the sleeve. But one of the technicians giving me an EKG had the band and showed me her "port". It may just be me and I am squeamish but it kind of wierded me out to feel it and kind of see it. The thought of living with that for the rest of my life was daunting. i also didn't like the idea of having to go for fills to get it to "your sweet spot" not to tight or too loose. What if I couldn't get it right and had to keep going. Inconvenient and expensive.

Some say the sleeve is too permanent. Well to me if I was to be sucessfull with the band then that meant it was permanent too. You are not supposed to have a follow-up surgery if it worked right (permanent). Its only when there are complications that it comes out and who wants that?