Hey everyone, I'm new to this site and just starting the WLS process. I went to my informational seminar, set up my consultation appointment and decided I wanted the Sleeve. Called my insurance only to find out they won't cover the sleeve. So I'm left deciding between the Bypass or the Lap Band. I'm looking for your real life experiences with both and suggestions. Most of my friends have received the sleeve and love it, but since that is no longer an option let me know what you recommend. I know someone who has had the lap band and had to have it removed and someone with the bypass who needs Iron transfusions. I do plan on asking my PCP and surgeon for their recommendation as well.

Thanks for your help!!

Hi redwings! I was banded in 2008 and lost 120 in 9 months was at goal for 5 years and I was anemic with the band. I had to have iron infusions.. Anyways my band all of a sudden after 5 years failed me, I couldn't keep anything down. So on May 21 I had it taken out and revised to rny. Best thing I ever did! I wish I had gotten rny first!!! I didn't even consider the sleeve reason being I saw people were being revised from sleeve to rny on here! Hell no was I doing another wls surgery! This was my last one! I am self pay for both surgeries and can tell you I am much much happier with the bypass! I don't throw up, I don't have food stuck, I feel better than I did with the band too! I was a huge fan of the band but when I heard my doc say most bands are failing after 5 years and he doesn't want to put them in anymore I was upset I chose the "new" thing first instead of the tried and true. $18,500 wasted. Oh well.. So I would if I were you look at the boards of band to bypass revisions and sleeve to bypass revisions. Also I have quite a few friends who had the band and were not successful with it. I was lucky that I was successful, I did everything right, my band did not slip, it just eroded. Good luck and please don't hesitate to pm me with any questions..

Great success story! I. Lost over 160# after my band to sleeve revision in 2011. Highly recommend rny over band!!

Hi redwings! I was banded in 2008 and lost 120 in 9 months was at goal for 5 years and I was anemic with the band. I had to have iron infusions.. Anyways my band all of a sudden after 5 years failed me, I couldn't keep anything down. So on May 21 I had it taken out and revised to rny. Best thing I ever did! I wish I had gotten rny first!!! I didn't even consider the sleeve reason being I saw people were being revised from sleeve to rny on here! Hell no was I doing another wls surgery! This was my last one! I am self pay for both surgeries and can tell you I am much much happier with the bypass! I don't throw up, I don't have food stuck, I feel better than I did with the band too! I was a huge fan of the band but when I heard my doc say most bands are failing after 5 years and he doesn't want to put them in anymore I was upset I chose the "new" thing first instead of the tried and true. $18,500 wasted. Oh well.. So I would if I were you look at the boards of band to bypass revisions and sleeve to bypass revisions. Also I have quite a few friends who had the band and were not successful with it. I was lucky that I was successful, I did everything right, my band did not slip, it just eroded. Good luck and please don't hesitate to pm me with any questions..