So for over 2 years now, I've been back and forth between lapband and bypass. Now I am 4 weeks away from being done with all my pre-surgery requirements and I STILL can't make my mind up which surgery I want to have. I've read books, websites, internet forums and I can't make my mind up.

What is wrong with me? I have diabetes, so bypass seems best for that, but I'm not sure I want my body parts rearranged. I think lapband because if you later gain some weight you can have it filled again and get back on track, where a bypass if you stretch your pouch you are just out of luck (or so it seems), please don't misunderstand me, I'm not trying to "gain" anything back, but keeping it real I've read many stories of folks who eat the wrong things and gain. I'm just saying that if that were to happen I would think the lapband would make sense.

Then there is the issue of time off work, I don't have much time to be off and with lapband seems like a faster back to work time.

But then I go back and I'm still thinking about my diabetes....see what I mean, this is my head everyday all day long!

If I could hear perhaps from some diabetics that the band has helped that might help me with my decision.

I'm getting down to the wire! Please help

My surgeon said that initially the bypass is harder....longer recovery, etc but the lapband and sleeve have more problems down the line. Sleeve leaking, band slipping. In my pre-op class of 12, three people were there to get bypass after lapband didn't work for them. Also, my insurance would not cover adjustments for the band. These are just my personal reasons. I needed to go "all the way" in order to make the mental commitment.

My surgeon said that initially the bypass is harder....longer recovery, etc but the lapband and sleeve have more problems down the line. Sleeve leaking, band slipping. In my pre-op class of 12, three people were there to get bypass after lapband didn't work for them. Also, my insurance would not cover adjustments for the band. These are just my personal reasons. I needed to go "all the way" in order to make the mental commitment.

What problems down the line have you heard regarding sleeve? I mean 2+ years post op.

My lap band was a nightmare I niw have the sleeve and I an so happy

He just mentioned leaks. 2 years with the sleeve you should be fine as long as you're not constantly filling up with lots of heavy foods and putting a lot of pressure on the "incision line". Lots of people love their sleeve and have zero problems.

Here's my opinion....and it is just that...MY opinion. I know for myself, that I wanted the least invasive type of surgery. And that meant the band. I suspect most folks who feel as I do, go with the band. For those whose priorities are different, they may be more apt to go with the sleeve, or bypass, or some other type of WLS.

Doesn't mean one is better than the other, it just means there are choices...which is a good thing. As has been said many times before, one can succeed or not with any of these options...the WLS, regardless of which, is a tool and only a tool.

We still need to do the work, and must be accountable. I've seen lots of posts over the past nearly year and a half on this site, of folks who truly do not understand the level of commitment any WLS entails. I often wonder if it's because the doctor is not explaining the process well enough, or if it is the desperation we feel to have something, anything work this time. Personally, I suspect it's a combination of both.

Regardless of which WLS you choose, just make sure it's what you want...not the doctor, not the folks on this site, not your spouse...blah blah blah. It must be what you are comfortable with. Good luck with whichever surgery you decide upon.

Wow! Soooo much information to take in. I am glad that I made my decision and actually I dont believe that I was given the choice. I went to my family Dr. Told him I want some info on WLS. He sent me to a Dr. That has a practice in Michigan and also practices surgery here. He told me that I was perfect candidate for Garstric Bypass and that got me to my surgeon Dr D. Lindsey. Long story short he told me that RNY and not the sleeve was what he would bedoing. Dont ever remember being given a choice. I am excited and cant wait for April 222nd. :-)

I keep seeing people talk about a fill or a fill in. What does this mean?

I think lap band folks have to get their band "filled" with fluid. It might also be called an adjustment? Its one reason I didn't get lapband. My insurance doesn't pay for these.

Cleveland clinic just released a study that said bariatric surgery can cure type two and the effects are long lasting. The band was not mentioned in the study. 150 diabetics were followed for three years. some of the group tried diet and exercise others had bariatric surgery. 37.5% of bypass patients and 25 % of the sleeve patients were medication free. This is compared to only 5% of the diet and exercise people. You should read the full article online, it was pretty persuasive. Follow your surgeon's advice on which procedure the by-pass or sleeve. Forget about the band, too many problems. My dr. does not do the band anymore and switches many bands to sleeves because the banders don't lose the weight they want and have many side effects.

Cleveland clinic just released a study that said bariatric surgery can cure type two and the effects are long lasting. The band was not mentioned in the study. 150 diabetics were followed for three years. some of the group tried diet and exercise others had bariatric surgery. 37.5% of bypass patients and 25 % of the sleeve patients were medication free. This is compared to only 5% of the diet and exercise people. You should read the full article online, it was pretty persuasive. Follow your surgeon's advice on which procedure the by-pass or sleeve. Forget about the band, too many problems. My dr. does not do the band anymore and switches many bands to sleeves because the banders don't lose the weight they want and have many side effects.

Here's a link to the study that Bob mentions...

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/811284

I too was given the decesion to do RNY or Sleeve. After my experince from the lapband, I really wanted a choice where I would be healthy. Remember I was 100% compliant, then I started experincing pain in my stoamach. I couldnt keep Protein down even if I eat the smallest amounts stopping before I was full. The problem was my body was rejecting all protein and I wouldnt now it until it happened and I threw up.

I had extensive test ran, to find out my lapband had a leak and at surgery my New Doctor showed me in the Xrays that it was twisted. He stated that 3% of lapband patients do really well on it. Others do not, they are the luck and fortunate ones.. I suffered from Acid reflux and gerd, my endoscope showed that I had started to have scar tissue. So for me the Sleeve was my 1st choice but I also had to have a Espohageal Manometry Test done to make sure I would be a good candate for the sleeve. It was a very expensive test. Check it out on webmd, yes it wasnt fun. But it gave my Doctor the answers that I could go forward to having the sleeve. For me after being malnurished from the lapband I wanted the ability to eat well and take my Vitamins too.

Now the RNY is great if you are a diabetic. I was told it would help anyone immidately with their craving for sweets. My doctor suggested it to me since my father had died due to complications from obisity and this would help get the weight off quickly. The RNY is a wonderful tool for those that are diabetic or those who have alot to loose and have health issues. We all have the right to have a healtier life!!

I had the lapband over 5 yrs. I had my sleeve surgery in Jan and I am so Happy I did I am only a little bit over 10 weeks out and I have lost 53 lbs. I have more energy then ever, I work out every day and more then anything I count my blessing each and every day to be alive and well.

I was I just met with my Endocrinologist and she couldnt be happier with my desecion to go from LapBand to Sleeve. My Cardiologist was extremly happy with my test results and how good I am doing with the Sleeve as well.

Having said all this, remember each of us has a journey to be healthier. So do your research and go to all the meetings you can to learn about the variety of WLS out there. YOU are worth it, so be healthy.

Edited April 2, 201412 yr by BellaHugz

I keep seeing people talk about a fill or a fill in. What does this mean?

It is when your Doctor put saline solution into your port of the lapband to make it tighter around your stomach. If you are lucky the Dr will use a florescope to do the fills and double check how tight the band is. If you are not lucky your docotr will stab you with a needle and blindly add saline hoping it is the right adjustment.

I got to the point where I insisited the fills were done with the help of a radioloist site. That is how I found out my lapband leaked.

Some people are very lucky and dont have leaks in their lapbands.

Edited April 1, 201412 yr by BellaHugz

Wow Bellahugz you have certainly gone through the ringer. I am so glad that you are finally on your way to health and happiness. Thanks for sharing your story it was very enlightening for me. All the best as you continue your journey. :-)

Kristina I think everyone has opinions like navels but I don't necessarily want to keep reading the same drivel about which WLS is best. If you are happy with your Bypass or whatever good, otherwise don't tell me that the Lapband is bad.. I am tired of the "know it alls" telling everyone else<br>the horror stories or whatever. I signed up for lapband discussions and that is why I don't go on the other sites and tell them I think it was wrong for them to have their stomach's rearranged or cut out.. I say whatever works for you is just fine... don't care if you think I"m right or wrong.

I never even posted my opinion on any of the surgeries in this thread. I don't go around preaching about WLS. I was just saying I don't think it's inappropriate for these people to express themselves you can choose not to read it or not to even open the threads that are clearly on the subject. That is your choice but no one should have to censor themselves to cater to you especially when they are clearly responding to the subject of the post.

Edited April 1, 201412 yr by KristinaRnY

Wow Bellahugz you have certainly gone through the ringer. I am so glad that you are finally on your way to health and happiness. Thanks for sharing your story it was very enlightening for me. All the best as you continue your journey. :-)

Oh yes, i have.. My theme song is "What doesnt kill ya makes you stronger-Kelly Clarkson.

Now I am blessed and trying to get healthier.

Congratulations on your Gastric Bypass too!! You are doing so good!!