Hi, just starting my journey. I am 41 years old, 5'3, 215lbs. I am trying to find info on lap band vs sleeve. I have Horizon BC BS insurance.

I am registered for an informational seminar Feb 4, but I want to do some more research on my own first so I know what questions to ask.

Can anyone recommend some sites or provide some info on how you made your decision, pros and cons of each?

Thanks!

Tonya

Hi Tonya, I'm the same age and height as you, but I weigh 115 kg (254lb). I have not yet have the WLS, but have decided on the sleeve for a number of reasons :

1. I will still enjoy spicy foods, and a variety of foods without fear of them getting stuck or causing bad reflux

2. There are many long term complications of the band, including erosion, slippage etc.

3. I want something permanent, I need to change my lifestyle forever.

4. I really don't like the idea of a large foreign body inside me, and be able to feel the port under my skin is not appealing.

However, having said all that, I have a close friend who is very happy with the band and loves it. So it's very much an individual choice.

I didn't want the band because I didn't want to keep going back for "fills". You have to do this on occasion, especially at the beginning. The band starts at a certain tightness and as you lose weight, it needs to be tightened. Or if may be too tight and you have to go back and have some of the fill removed to loosen it up, etc. Plus, it can slip. I think if it slips, you have to have it removed or redone or something (though don't take my word for it on that, just use that as a question to ask your doctor!!). And, you will notice that many people here have started with the band and then end up having a different surgery later for a variety of reasons. Often times, between the 2 surgeries, they put back on a lot of weight. I just didn't want to take that chance. I chose the gastric bypass over the sleeve though the sleeve interested me. Partially, because my doctor recommended that choice since I was quite a bit overweight and you can lose more weight on the gastric bypass. You don't have as much to lose so the sleeve may be a viable choice for you. I am very happy with my choice.

You might want to ask about the percentage of people who have had one surgery and the had to have another.

But basically, it's up to you and each person has their own experience.

The biggest factor that I see on this site in terms of hoosing one surgery over the other is how invasive or not each one is. For those who want no permanent changes to their 'insides', they usually go with the band because it can be removed. For those who prefer not being bothered with the hassle of fills and finding 'the green zone', they usually go with something more permanent.

Do your research and likely you will find which surgery makes you most comfortable going with. Good luck.