Hi, I'm a 57 year old male with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, colitis, depression, and a stint put in my main artery. I am 255 pounds, 5'11 and am hoping to get down to 200 pounds with the aid of lap band or sleeve. I am having trouble deciding between the two. I'm not sure which procedure would be better for my situation but I would really appreciate some advice. Please post your experiences with either the lap band or the gastric sleeve but please keep in mind I'd like to try to live a fairly decent, normal life. Help!

Seriously, I'd ask your doctor, and your choice for a surgeon is going to be more important than the type of surgery for the long term. Support before and after the surgery, and choosing what is safest and most effective should be a decision that your doctor is capable of providing.

I wanted the sleeve, but my doctor strongly advised against it. My wife had the VSG. In my opinion, the VSG is more effective since the weight loss is quicker, and she is forced to eat like a mouse. Her weight loss has been dramatic! Mine less so, but I've let the diet and exercise slide. I can say one thing, even being lazy I'm eat well enough that haven't regained any lost pounds.