I am still researching. I am a self pay patient, so I am trying to reassure myself the pros out way the cons. The one thing I have not been able to find a lot of information on complications. (my fear) I have noticed that several people are converting from band to sleeve... wondering why. At my BMI I do not qualify for the sleeve. I also would like to know how many people have band removed... and why. I do believe the general success of the band as a weight loss tool is patient specific, based on determination and commitment to the lifestyle. I am mentally and physically prepared to jump in with both feet. It is the unknown that scares me. Are these typical pre-surgery jitters? Can anyone post-op talk me off the ledge? I am excited, yet the fear does creep in.

Hi!

I would like to comment that many of the things folks have considered "cons" were actually the "pros" for why I chose a band over the other options. I am 27 years old and felt that making a decision like the sleeve or bypass was too scary at a young age. I've never had children and definitely consider that to be a future option. I need to know that if I decided to host a child in my body someday, that I wouldn't mess with my capacity to receive the nutrition I need to be a healthy host. I didn't want to have a portion of my stomach physically removed or have any of my organs rerouted. That just seemed too serious of choice for myself. There was comfort in knowing that the band is reversible and more controllable. I like knowing that in 40 years, I still have the option of adjusting my band. Once you've expanded your stomach with a sleeve or bypass, all that can really be helped is to coach you nutritionally. I know there are people who revise their surgeries from bands to sleeves, but also know there are people who have sleeves and bypass who end up getting a band placed over that surgery. The band is always adjustable, I like that. Another reason I chose the band was the fact that I don't have the luxury of taking off 6 weeks from work just for recovery, which is what my surgeon suggests/requires. I basically took off a long weekend to recover from band surgery. I had surgery on a Thursday and was back to work (with light restrictions) by Monday. The band gave me the comfort of WLS surgery, with the control of a less invasive option. The other two were too drastic, scary, and permanent for me. I love my choice!

Thank you all for your responses! From what I have researched, the sleeve is the right decision for me. I am working on all my pre-op appointments now. I have seen the nutritionist, psychologist, (I can't believe he did't think I was nuts... some of the things he asked made me wonder if he was crazy... weird survey questions! LOL)

Example:

Question: Do you have a Love / Hate relationship with your family members?

Answer: DDDDDUUUUHHH!!! Married 24 years with 3 children......

Question: Have you ever wanted to hurt yourself or someone else?

Answer: DDDDDDUUUUUHHHH!!!! Married 24 years with 3 children.....

Not sure it if that was the answer they "wanted" but it is the truth I'll Keep you posted if I "passed" evaluation or not... LOL. I probably should have been a little more "politically" correct on the answers.

I'm honest, to a fault. Aren't we ALL a little looney at times?

I have a few more pre-op appointments to go. Surgery is scheduled for October 21st. It can't come soon enough. I am mentally and physically ready to keep the momentum going. YOU ALL INSPIRE ME!

Blessings to you all for a happier, healthier lifestyle!!

Thanks for this post. What a good belly laugh I got from it.