Hello! I'm almost 5 years out with my band and have loved everyday that I've had it, until recently. I've lost 80 lbs and have been succssful (except for a few highs and lows of everyday life with the band). I've kept the weight off and I no longer have diabetes or high blood pressure. I learned back in May of this year that my band slipped and I had to have all the Fluid removed, hoping that it would move back into place, it was just my luck that it did not. The docter wants to remove it and replace it with a new band, which sounded great until I started reading about all the horror stories of the 2nd time around band. Now I'm torn and leaning towards getting the sleeve. I was wondering if I could get some of your opinions on what to do??? Before the fluid was removed I was holding steady at 145, so I'm worried the sleeve might be a bit drastic. Any help is appreciated!!

Yes, the sleeve is drastic but it works. I personally know two people who have had their bands removed for the sleeve and are quite successful. They still battle the eating demons of course but love the fact that there is so little upkeep, no stuck or slime issues and they're both keeping their weight down. But, then I know one who did not have the band, went straight for the sleeve and has only lost about 45 lbs of her 145 she needed to lose? She's been stalled for 6 months and can't control the cravings

You might want to dig deep and try to understand why your band slipped? If it's due to eating or lifestyle behaviors maybe the band isn't a good choice? I know I'm hypersensitive to any changes in how food goes down or if I can suddenly eat lots of food or big bites with no notices coming from my band? I guess I'm trying to say that slips are a drain on my brain at times but it's so much better than the obese alternative?

tmf

I am on my second band. The first one worked fantastic and I lost all my weight. Then I got embarrased of my port when I started dating. I also got a little cocky so I got the band taken out. The weight came back so I just got the band again and love it. I am almost in the green zone. I have very little hunger and I am starting more and more movement which is coming easier. I say go back to the band because it has worked for you.

How did you know band had slipped????

For a few weeks i was throwing everything up and developed intense heartburn. A few times I would throw up in my sleep and wake up coughing and the final straw was I couldn't catch my breath. I knew something was wrong so I called the next day for an appointment and the doctor said the band was prolapsed. He took all the Fluid out and I went back in 4 weeks hoping it moved back into place - unfortunately it did not! So I had to make a decison to get another band or go with the sleeve. After quite a few sleepless nights I deciced to go with the sleeve instead. Now that it sank in, I'm really excited!!

Edited July 21, 201412 yr by DebbieZig