I finally got approval from my ins co and I am hoping to schedule my surgery mid-April. I keep hearing that the sleeve is replacing lap band surgery, bands break, erode, have to be removed,etc I even hear this from the lady in the surgeons office, who had bypass surgery. I see so many on here that have had/are having good luck. I do not want 75% of my stomach removed, that's just me personally. Just not sure why all the negativity.

Economics are a part of so many things and it would be foolish to think that doctors are not also thinking of economics.

However, it is my very strong belief that most physicians want the best outcome for their patients and if it's good $ for the doc, that is a bonus.

Doctors cannot make anyone get a surgery they don't want. If you are convinced that lapband/sleeve is for you, find a doc that is willing to do it. If all of the doctors you meet with are telling you that you should consider something else, it's probably time to consider something else.

There is always (I hope) going to be a great new procedure to help the morbidly obese. I truly don't understand why the great debate. Make the best decision for yourself and then live with that decision until you decide to do something different.

People who have opted for more drastic surgeries will tell you all sorts of anti-band myths and stories. Truth of the matter is, we didn't undergo something irreversible yet are being equally successful in our weight loss journey. How many sleevers and bypassers will admit that they can't stop losing weight and often look sickly when they reach their goals? Do Al Roker and Star Jones with their freakishly big heads ring a bell to you? Meanwhile Randy Jackson (American Idol) and Monique (Comedianne) have bands and their bodies are in nice proportion and they are healthy. Don't let people scare or pressure you into something more extreme than is necessary. I've always been told to opt for the least invasive procedures possible. In the event that the band does not work for you, you can always opt for a more permanent solution. Please note: although with the sleeve, most of your stomach is removed, it can regenerate (although weaker) over time and with over eating. Keep these things in mind when weighing your options. I have friends with the sleeve who wish they had gotten the band.

BAM!!! Great post!

The band requires lots of training for the doctors and the doctors staff to be able to operate the band and provide after care to surgical patients.

Most doctors don't want to put that time and expense into it. We also live in a world where we want that quick fix, that instant result. You get that with the sleeve and bypass early on in the surgery. It's the long term maintenance that becomes the issue. Having to take special Vitamins every single day for the rest of your life without fail. Making sure to eat right which we all need to do but in the case of the sleeve and bypass once you stretch your organs there is no "fill" that can bring back the restriction for you.

I chose the band because it was adjustable to my life and my needs, and I use it as the tool it is meant to be.

In support to my decision to have mine removed, I had no damage prior to my surgery and since then I’m a stage away from Barrettes esophagus.

I just don’t want to be that girl to develop esophageal cancer as a result of being naive pretending the band did not bring me there.

I know the band was causing the damage despite originally being told that was not the case, as the doctor states in the slide and his video it’s practically common sense when you think about it.

I just hope it isn’t too late for me and I hope other people are made aware of this information so they too can rethink the risks.

As it is, everyone who had the surgery is at high risk for developing esophageal cancer.. I believe that is what further studies will show… we are the guinea pigs and further research will reveal the truth but at such a high price.

http://www.slideshare.net/DrRRMD/sleeveband-esophageal-cancer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sBRDaH2gJA

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/128812-my-lap-band-caused-esophageal-cancer/

I have an appointment to meet with GI specialist again once my band is removed, hopefully there hasn’t been much progression since my last visit with him

More patients should know this and be made aware of this prior to having the surgery done. As I said, I would guess eventually these surgeries will no longer be an option.

I am trying to :\ I'm not saying everyone will get cancer but they should know what's going on... I have a family, kids and my conditioned started after my surgery and quickly worsened. I did not think to look into esophageal cancer prior to getting the surgery done... who the hell would've thought to do that?? However surgeons all over the world are reporting on the statistics and they are not good. I just want to try to warn everyone, awareness can save lives. Some people don't even feel symptoms, everyone who had the band and sleeve surgies should have an upper GI done. Esophageal cancer is usually detected by the time it's too late but if caught early enough something can be done. Barretts asophagus leads to cancer and GERD can lead to Barrets asophagus. It's basically acid causing damange which just continues to get worse... and both surgeries are causing the conditions to develop and worsen even while being treated for it... i don't know what to do, I wish I could reach out to every single person and make sure they know all the information... it could cost someone their life.. no one wants cancer

any and all WLS can and do have complications and some can live long lives with no issues what so ever (i hope that is me)…..but we all (who had WLS) signed paperwork (and hopefully read) the issues that can/could/does/doesnt happen…..its major surgery

just because something happens to who who

doesnt mean it will happen to know know

I have to agree with Cheryl. My doctor made a huge stink about the band and refused to treat me and passed me off to another doctor. I wasn't will to live with half a stomach and life filled with malnutrition and dumping.

I also know 3 people with all 3 surgeries. And guess what? They all are still struggling with their weight. I watch the gastric bypass patient eat candy and have been in the bathroom with her during a 'dumping' episode. The women I know who got the sleeve 2 years ago started gaining her weight back because she wont stop snacking because she says she hates meals because they hurt to eat. And when I asked the sleever if she would get the sleeve over again, she actually told me she wished she got the lap band. Yes that's her own opinion, but its one I value. The lap-band patient re-gained half her weight and goes out to lunch every day, most of the time eating a 10 in sub.

3 diff surgeries, and they all still struggle. It shows you not one of these surgeries is the miracle surgery and they ALL REQUIRE WORK.

Are you kidding me? They are giving up on placing the bands and making patients go with the sleeve or bypass. They are getting paid big bucks for the other surgeries that require minimal or no after care. Most are not even advertising the lap band anymore because they don't want to be bothered.

Personally I don't believe it's "lazy doctors who won't give aftercare". They get paid for this, so there is no reason not to do it.

Edited March 13, 201412 yr by betty_s

Personally I don't believe it's "lazy doctors who won't give aftercare". They get paid for this, so there is no reason not to do it.

I think sometimes they get tired of those that get the lap band but are not prepared to follow the steps to make sure it works and they are constantly having to work with them more, than someone who is following and loosing.

My Doctor told me flat out that he prefers someone getting the Sleeve or Bypass simply because of the compliance factor. He has actually refused to do revisions on patients who have failed due to non compliance. As for aftercare that responsibility falls on the patient just much as it does the Doctor if not more in my opinion. You're the one living with it not the Doctor. He cannot force you to follow the plan and go to follow up appts. They can only give you the tools and knowledge. Real work is on the patient.

My Wife has a friend who had the band and never lost weight. Unsure of the real circumstances but he had asked for a revision to bypass and my Surgeon refused. He ended up having it done by another Surgeon who also happens to be my wife's Surgeon. Sad thing is I can remember him telling my wife a week after surgery that he was craving Chinese food so badly he was pondering blending crab rangoon!! True story I kid you not. It is no wonder my Surgeon said NO to a revision.

My husband had esophageal cancer,,he did not ever have a lapband.. I believe that is a false statement to make that the lapband causes esophageal cancer.. his was caused by smoking. I would like to see some study or medical results that proves your claim. You can have Gerd and Barretts before lapband and possibly develop cancer but when you say Surgeons all over the world are reporting this where is the link to that?

Hi, to me it doesn't matter what WLS I get. If I don't have a life style change no surgery will help me. My sister had gastric by pass over 7 years ago, she gain around 60 lbs. back. She decided to have another wls she was banded a year ago. I'm trying to make up my mind Lap Band or sleeve. I ONLY WANT ONE WLS. Im still doing my research, I have till April to make up my mind. I'm leaning toward 70% Band 30% sleeve

When I was referred to my surgeon but my PCP, I was very pleased to know that my surgeon along with 2 other surgeons are the head of the Bariatric Center at the hospital. My surgeon only does Lap Band, another Bypass only and the the 3rd surgeon the sleeve. When I head my seminar my surgeon was the one who gave it. He spoke on all three procedures. He did state that he specializes and prefers the band because it does not deplete your Vitamins and the ability to absorb new Vitamin intake.

I personally opted for band becsusr like most have stated, i wanted NOTHING removed cut or rearranged. My cousin had the bypass and was very successful as well as a former coworker who did so well that i walked right past her at a seminar.

So i guess my point is choose the WLS that's for you. Its your body, your life, your decision.

They are not becoming obsolete. Doctors are just becoming lazy and don't want to provide the after care that comes with them. They actually have to be responsible for something. If it was becoming obsolete and so many complications why would thousands of people still be getting them. I would not have either of the other surgeries. If there ever comes a time that I need my band out then that will be that and no other surgery will be rerouting or disfiguring anything in my body.

thank you, my sentiments exactly. I have a very good rapport with my lapband doctor and I actually look forward to seeing him on a monthly basis. I need that connection to my surgeon for aftercare.

My daughter on the other hand had the sleeve but her aftercare is minimal. She doesn't get weighed in monthly and she has no accountability to anyone but herself and she does not have a diet anymore. She eats what she wants and she actually gained weight the first month post op. She's losing weight now but she does not have to see her surgeon unless there's a complication. If I didn't have to see a doctor every month I do believe I would be on a care free diet and I'd probably gain weight. I'm happy with the band and the accountability I have with it.

That's not to say I'm against any other type of WLS. If it works for someone else all well and good but I chose the least invasive procedure and I'm happy with it. No changes for me!

When I was referred to my surgeon but my PCP, I was very pleased to know that my surgeon along with 2 other surgeons are the head of the Bariatric Center at the hospital. My surgeon only does Lap Band, another Bypass only and the the 3rd surgeon the sleeve. When I head my seminar my surgeon was the one who gave it. He spoke on all three procedures. He did state that he specializes and prefers the band because it does not deplete your Vitamins and the ability to absorb new Vitamin intake.

I personally opted for band becsusr like most have stated, i wanted NOTHING removed cut or rearranged. My cousin had the bypass and was very successful as well as a former coworker who did so well that i walked right past her at a seminar.

So i guess my point is choose the WLS that's for you. Its your body, your life, your decision.

I don't recall where I read this, and I don't know if it was a study or survey? But, many people who opt for the band, would never have elected to have any WLS had it not been for the band. I believe when I became interested I was only interested in keeping my body intact. Call me silly or call me an idiot, but that's just how I felt at the time.

Now, years later, I think I would look at all WLS options. But, I can understand the mental block to not having your body rearranged.

So, my point is, thank God for the band, as some people would go on dieting(and failing) if not for the band. And I do recognize that the other 3 options provide faster results with more weight loss on average.

tmf

I don't recall where I read this, and I don't know if it was a study or survey? But, many people who opt for the band, would never have elected to have any WLS had it not been for the band. I believe when I became interested I was only interested in keeping my body intact. Call me silly or call me an idiot, but that's just how I felt at the time.

Now, years later, I think I would look at all WLS options. But, I can understand the mental block to not having your body rearranged.

So, my point is, thank God for the band, as some people would go on dieting(and failing) if not for the band. And I do recognize that the other 3 options provide faster results with more weight loss on average.

tmf

Dead on TMF!! I wrote in my introduction that i was not down for WLS at all! My doc mentioned and I was taken aback! One year later and many failed diets only to increase my bmi and gain sleep apnea and pre diabetes and another suggestion from my doc did i decide on the band. For the very reason you just mentioned. Had it not been for the band option i know i would not have had wls.

Well said tmf!!

Only you can make a decision for you @@Ivowtodoit

Have a read of the "Band to sleeve revision" forum and ask people there for their experiences.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/394-band-to-gastric-sleeve-revisions/

Sounds like a tough decision and you have lots if things to weigh up. What's things are most important to you?

- having an implanted foreign body for life

- having part of your stomach removed and this is irreversible

- having to have more surgery to fix problems

I chose the band first time round because nothing was cut out or rearranged and there were no Vitamin and mineral deficiencies. At the time I hand the band I was advised that it was for permanent weight control (so although it's possible to remove it, it shouldn't be viewed as reversible, if you see what I mean). Whe I had my band put in I'm guessing it was early days and not that many patients had run into problems at 10 years out it more. But now that lots of people have had the band in for longer we are seeing longer term problems (like people having to have it removed).

My story is that I had a band for 10 years and got to normal BMI and maintained it oh joy the maintinaing at the new lower weight really was the best part (true it took quite a lot of effort, but if I gained a few pounds all I had to do was cut my intake for a while and do more exercise and I could CONTROL my weight... and that felt good, and I felt like how I imagined "normal" people do about their weight... it's no big deal!). However, after 10years my band mechanically failed and I had to have it removed (this was a total of two unwanted surgeries... number 1 surgery to fix the failure which didn't work, then number 2 surgery to remove the band). Since then has been my far the worst experience for me because i have regained my weight and am obese again ... I don't feel "normal" any more and I am really struggling to controls weight. So that gets me to the point where in sheer desperation I am facing number 3 surgery (gastric sleeve). I am at peace with my decision for this now and just want to get on with things.

Talk to different doctors who can do different types of surgery as they have their own biases and preferences for certain surgeries. And, talk to people who've been through different surgeries themselves as they have their own biases and preferences too. I used to be very positive about the band, and in a way I'm grateful fur the 10 years weight control it gave me. But now I feel anti the band because if my personal terrible experiences with it later. Who knows how I'll feel about the sleeve? Only time will tell.

Good luck with your journey whatever you decide.

Hi, to me it doesn't matter what WLS I get. If I don't have a life style change no surgery will help me. My sister had gastric by pass over 7 years ago, she gain around 60 lbs. back. She decided to have another wls she was banded a year ago. I'm trying to make up my mind Lap Band or sleeve. I ONLY WANT ONE WLS. Im still doing my research, I have till April to make up my mind. I'm leaning toward 70% Band 30% sleeve

Edited March 22, 201412 yr by Band2Sleever