I just got home form my psych and initial nutritionist meeting. Felt pressure to change from lap band to sleeve. Has anyone had this happen and how do you deal with it? I just in my gut feel the band is the way to go but the pressure is making me reconsider my decision. Help!

I was in the EXACT SAME position as you were about 3 months ago. I had decided in jan of last year I wanted the band. Did the 12 month insurance required health coaching, then when I met up with my surgeon again, he refused to give me the lap band. He said I was way too big (5'7" 295ish) to be successful.

He rescheduled me with the other surgeon in his office later that day. I left the office BAWLING. I knew in my gut that the lap band was right for me. I'm still young, 26, and I didn't want to removed 80% of my stomach.

Luckily, the next surgeon was SUPER supportive. Said since I was young and already active, I should be successful. Yes, it might take some more work than the sleeve, but I'm happy with my decision.

I was banded 11 days ago and have lost 21 lbs since the pre op diet about 3.5 weeks ago.

Do what you want to do, don't let anyone away your opinion.

The sleeve is a much more straightforward WLS. Fewer complicatins, fewer food issues, less aftercare but much more invasive and extreme when it comes to removing most of your stomach.

I agree with Betty. If you're young or even an old fart like me, but you're active, the band can work for you. It also helps if you understand how this all works and don't go into it thinking the band will do it for you. Not gonna happen. You will work harder to lose weight than ever before but the band is like a your security blanket. It can soothe out those difficult times when your hunger and cravings want to just take over. Oh, you'll have to fight those cravings as before but the urges may not be nearly as extreme as before.

I weighed close to what you weigh (225 lbs) when I got banded. I only looked at the lap band, didnt even consider anything else as that would be removing body parts !!!!!!! Was' nt going to happen, not noway, not nohow !!! Im sooooooooo glad I went with the band, as long as I followed my Drs orders 95 % of the time, I was successful. Trust your instincts !! You have them for a reason ! Good luck !!!

Thank you for the responses...it was what I needed. I just don't think I need o remove part of my stomach to get this under control. Thanks again.

I feel so lucky to have gotten my band when I did as there are an increasing number of hospitals not doing it anymore. I'm sure it's all about the money -- paying surgeons for that pesky aftercare when they could be in the OR cutting, cutting.....and let's face it, it's the insurance companies making health care policy these days. Personally I love all the followup in these initial months -- average 11 visits with surgeon in first year. We don't spend a lot of time as I feel like I'm on course, but he would take whatever time needed to answer questions, fill/unfill, etc. I think there are still some surgeons who enjoy an array of treatment -- seeing patients may be a drag for some but others like the variety and to see the outcome over time.

I was pushed toward RNY because I had so much weight to lose. I had been to a consult with one of the best bariatric surgeons in my area. Here I was talking about all the research I had done and why I chose the Lap Band. He shut me down... he told me he knew what was best for me, RNY. I, too, cried when I got to my car.

I thought about it for a week then scheduled an appointment with the surgeon who gave me my Lap Band. As TMF stated,my surgeon told me I would have to be committed and work hard. It hasn't been easy, but I'm successfully losing and I'm very optimistic that I WILL meet my goal.

This choice is all about you. I'm not saying one surgery is better than another. What I am saying is, this about your future, don't let someone else decide for you!

Best wishes!

All the above responses to this post are spot on. It is your decision and your life. There's no wrong decision but make sure it's what YOU want. In my situation I didn't even research any of the other surgeries, in fact I didn't even know what the sleeve was until I went in for the group consultation where all procedures were explained. I'm 5'1 and weighed 289lbs., I'm now almost 1 year post op and am down 142lbs, weighing 147lbs, so I've lost almost 100% of my weight so whatever doctor is telling you that you have too much weight to lose for the band to work is full of shit!!:-) Anyone know matter what your starting weight has just as much of a chance for success with the band as they do anyother procedure. Yes, you will have to work harder, and no it may not melt off as fast as some of the other surgeries but it's the least invasive and most flexible option.

Good luck on your decision and just remember this is for YOU!!

I went with lap-band because I did want to have them take part of my stomach out. I am luck and did not have my doctor tell me know. He understood why I wanted the band and respected that. It is your decision and your life, do not let someone else decide for you. Good luck!

Thank you everyone. You brought me back to all of the reasons I want a lap band.

I just got home form my psych and initial nutritionist meeting. Felt pressure to change from lap band to sleeve. Has anyone had this happen and how do you deal with it? I just in my gut feel the band is the way to go but the pressure is making me reconsider my decision. Help!

Do what you want. Your body. I love the band. I am almost 2 years and 63. My insides are still in me.

Good luck

During my psych visit it was suggested that I consider one of the other surgeries. She didn't pressure but just the way she mentioned it. I am 5'7 295. But the bAnd is the only one I am willing to consider. If they deny me my band I just won't be having wls at all. And I would be very angry if they waited until the last minute to tell me they won't do it.

I too experienced the same situation with my psych visited yesterday, but I know the band is the way for me and I will just have to work hard at reaching my goal. Hopefully I will be banded in Sept. I still have life skills classes to complete.

During my psych visit it was suggested that I consider one of the other surgeries. She didn't pressure but just the way she mentioned it. I am 5'7 295. But the bAnd is the only one I am willing to consider. If they deny me my band I just won't be having wls at all. And I would be very angry if they waited until the last minute to tell me they won't do it.

The other 3 WLS options do have slightly better complication rates and also offer a little more in average weight loss. But, your point is that if there is no band, there is no surgery. That was the same for me when I made my decision. And I think there are thousands who feel the same.

I'm very upset that they are trying to push you toward one over the other, this is your choice! My surgeon said to me as I went back and forth with bypass that if I went for lap band I'd be eligible for other things that might help with weight loss down the road but if I started cutting my stomach ect ect I wouldn't be eligible.

Do what you think is right. You need to decide that you know what is best!