Hi I am new on the site. I decided I wanted the lap band about 6 months ago. I just got the ball rolling with appointments. I am 5'3 and weigh 270 lbs. My suregon favors the sleeve so I started researching it. Now I am undecided. I like that there is less maintenance with the sleeve and better success but I am wondering if it is too drastic. I am worried that I will regret it later that 90% if my stomach is gone. I like that the lap band is less drastic but I don't like that a lot of people have to have surgery again to readjust the port or slippage. Just wondering if anyone has advice.

Thanks!

Edited January 30, 201412 yr by Laurensloss

Poop out your staples? Please clarify

Poop out your staples? Please clarify

It's a running joke from a thread started back in Nov/Dec. Someone asked about what happens to the metal staples(I don't think there are any) that are used to seal the stomach after most of the stomach has been removed and that started a multi page thread about what happens to the staples. It had it's stupid moments and some funny ones too. No, you won't be pooping staples with any WLS.

Edited March 4, 201412 yr by 2muchfun

Hi I only 6 days post op sleeve but am very happy so far.I feel great and have had no problems with gas, nausea or pain or bloating. I know it was a commitment to know this is permanent and irreversible but I like the fact that both the top of stomach is still attached to the esophagus and the bottom to the intestine so it is basically a normal stomach tho smaller. If you are concerned about it not being reversible there is also the gastric plication which just folds the stomach inside itself making it smaller but can be reversed. I too know people who have had the band and have had problems or also have not lost weight. But it has to be your decision so good luck and hope this forum has helped.

For what it's worth, when I started looking into weight loss surgery in August, I was totally set on lap band. I was prepared for having to go in frequently for fills, etc. I started to changed my mind when I kept seeing how many revisions are being done because of people not having good success with the band. What really helped decide it for me was the fact that my doctor said that lately for every one band he is putting in a patient, he is taking four out and revising them to a sleeve.

LMFAO!!!!! The pooping out the staples thing was this reduce loud comment someone said when asked if the staples stay or get absorbed. Some chick said you poop them out. Lol!!!!! It's a running joke.

The staple thread was started back in Nov why is anyone replying to it 3 mons later and who even cares anymore ?

The staple thread was started back in Nov why is anyone replying to it 3 mons later and who even cares anymore ?

Pfft. No one is replying to the staple thread we are answering this chicks question regarding it on this thread...

Oh. A prv post said it was from a thread started nov/dec

I talked further with the W.L. Center. They asked me if I decided what surgery I decided to have. I told them that is a hard decision for me to make, they are both good surgeries, and I think I would do fine with either one of them.

The nurse explained how they have a few Lap Band patients that are needing to have their band removed, and how Medicare doesn't want to cover for the cost. The patients are right now, trying to figure out how to pay for themselves. The nurse said she doesn't want me to be in a situation like they are. I am just not willing to take a chance, so I plan to get the sleeve.

<p><span style="color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;"> I talked further with the W.L. Center. They asked me if I decided what surgery I decided to have. I told them that is a hard decision for me to make, they are both good surgeries, and I think I would do fine with either one of them. </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;"> The nurse explained how they have a few Lap Band patients that are needing to have their band removed, and how Medicare doesn't want to cover for the cost. The patients are right now, trying to figure out how to pay for themselves. The nurse said she doesn't want me to be in a situation like they are. I am just not willing to take a chance, so I plan to get the sleeve. </span></span></span></p>

Congratulations!!!

The nurse explained how they have a few Lap Band patients that are needing to have their band removed, and how Medicare doesn't want to cover for the cost. The patients are right now, trying to figure out how to pay for themselves. The nurse said she doesn't want me to be in a situation like they are.

That's terrible that Medicare patients would have to pay out of pocket. I wonder if they would pay for a revision to a sleeve rather than just simply band removal?

Medicare paid for my removal and all testing I had done prior to removal.

Where I am going to, Medicare wont pay Lap Band removal or any revisions. I called another W.L. Center and they said the same thing.

The sleeve many people and converting from the band to the sleeve. They have great success stories along with why they have changed. Remember this is a life change. Do don't worry about the 90% of your stomach being gone. You will do great!

Where I am going to, Medicare wont pay Lap Band removal or any revisions. I called another W.L. Center and they said the same thing.

Medicare requires you to use a Center of Excellence for surgeries. I would call every hospital in your area and speak to the insurance coordinator for the bariatric department to determine a) if they contract with Medicare and if they are a COE.

This is what I had to do prior to my Lapband implantation.