Hi, I thought I was a 100% sure on the lap band but I started seeing information on the sleeve so I wanted to check out this option too and who better to get info from but you guys! So what made you all decide to get the sleeve instead of the band. I am 36 years old 340lbs. Thank you so very much for any help and or advice.

Edited March 1, 201412 yr by Zuzu_Petals

I am pre-op but the band was never an option for me. I didn't like the idea of having a port right under my skin and having a foreign object in my body. Further when I was in my orientation class the nurse started talking about the band and that you have to go to the doctor every couple of months FOR LIFE. Also that after awhile the silicone they pump the band up with sweats out into your body. That just sounds gross to me. She was explaining about someone she knew that moved out of the country and had to fly back to the U.S. just to get her fills. This just didn't sound like the right option for me. The sleeve doesn't bypass things so there isn't malabsorption and still keeps things working they way nature intended it.

UPDATE: I attended the seminar and thanks to this forum I knew exactly what questions to ask about both the Lap-Band and the Sleeve. I loved the Doctor because he was straight forward about both surgeries. I chose the sleeve and have my first appointment on March 20th. I am so excited to start this journey! Just want to thank all of you again for your comments they really helped!

Edited March 5, 201412 yr by Zuzu_Petals

So glad you feel confident in your decision!! Atta girl!!

Hi Zuzupetals

Good luck with your journey. I see you've chosen the sleeve.

I will share my experience.

Right now I feel like I've failed. I had a band and it worked well for 10 years and I got to a normal BMI! Oh joy, true joy. But then band has failed (it failed mechanically, so had to be taken out).

Without the band Ive regained weight and am back up to an obese BMI again, which I am finding really frustrating as I'd been at a healthy BMI for so long.

Now I want to get revision surgery to sleeve gastrectomy. I am waiting each day to get a surgery date confirmed. I wish I was postop. I am struggling with weight gain and feeling frustrated and demoralised. I so want to get a chance to turn things around with a sleeve.