Doctor pro band, I was thinking sleeve

[Leesa926 72]

If you were thinking of the sleeve and during your first appointment with the doctor he told you he was partial to bands would you have doubts? He said he would do either surgery and it is my choice but he is always more in favor of the band.

This threw me for a loop and has me all confused now. I am wondering if I should talk to another doctor to make sure I do full research.

[Tauni 4]

If you were thinking of the sleeve and during your first appointment with the doctor he told you he was partial to bands would you have doubts? He said he would do either surgery and it is my choice but he is always more in favor of the band.

This threw me for a loop and has me all confused now. I am wondering if I should talk to another doctor to make sure I do full research.

[Tauni 4]

If you were thinking of the sleeve and during your first appointment with the doctor he told you he was partial to bands would you have doubts? He said he would do either surgery and it is my choice but he is always more in favor of the band.

This threw me for a loop and has me all confused now. I am wondering if I should talk to another doctor to make sure I do full research.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Did he say why he was recommending the band? Give you pros and cons? If you are not 100% comfortable with the band do not get it.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Yeah, no.

Not thinking that makes any sense.

Did you see the post Alex made yesterday?

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/344560-interesting-us-bariatric-surgery-statistics/?p=3874902

[alisawoo22 13]

Funny you say this...my doc was complete opposite. I went in thinking I wanted the band. He said 2/3 of people who decide on the band, usually end up with a follow up surgery with the sleeve or bypass. I did more research and did decide on the sleeve. I think a 2nd opinion might be a nice option for you. You want to do what works best for YOU. Don't let a doc make the choice for you. Good luck!!

[catwoman7 10,874]

my surgeon's office doesn't even do the band anymore. Too many issues with it.

[KSTUZ 438]

My surgeon only takes bands OUT now. He wouldn't even discuss having it done.

Go with the sleeve. You will NOT be disappointed. Bands slip, and I've sent too many people that go for conversions from band to sleeve.

I'm 6 months out next week and I'm down 102lbs. SLEEVE!! ????????

[Leesa926 72]

Thanks all!

Again he wasn't against the sleeve just prefers the band. He says there is more information on it, etc.

Personally I like him but think I will always have an issue that deep down he is pro band. That wasn't so much the issue it was more how obvious it was. Going to go to another doctors seminar next week to discuss.

I only did my first appointment and will have my nutitional visit next week so not too late to switch.

[parisshel 1,892]

Alex's chart was very interesting. It really shows that there are trends in WLS focus, just as there are trends in diets.

It is clear that the lapband is no longer the hot new WLS tool and is going the way of stomach stapling. Still, my band surgeon supports bands for patients who meet the criteria because he says there is so much longterm data on them, vs. the newer procedures that he won't (yet) do.

[Nurse 52 94]

If you want the sleeve stick to that. I'm one of those unfortunate people who had 2 lap bands and both slipped I let my surgeon talk me into putting in the second band and it was the worst experience with the first one I lost 115lbs I have gained back all but 30lbs

[Bandista 7,466]

My surgeon is pro-band also and I'm glad that I was able to go that route -- I'm sure I would have chickened out otherwise. Just know that whatever WLS you decide on, you are choosing yourself and your healthy future. That is a beautiful thing! Oh, and note that if you go the band route, there's a lot of followup with the surgeon. You want some one who is on your side. I liked this accountability -- it helped me stay on course. All WLS requires a lot of research. Good luck to you as you move forward!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

For those of you whose surgeons are leaning heavily toward one WLS vs. others, ask them these simple questions:

1. How many lapband surgeries have you done?

2. How many sleeve surgeries have you done?

3. How many gastric bypasses have you done?

You can also ask questions like these:

4. When did you perform your first X surgery?

5. Which of the surgeries seems to have more complications?

6. If you have a preference, why do you prefer that specific tool?

7. To which kinds of patients would you recommend they have X, Y, Z WLS procedures? And to which kinds of patients would you strongly argue against their having X, Y, Z WLS surgeries?

In other words, don't just let the surgeon(s) you're interviewing blurt out some generic, general statement -- without you then asking some follow-up, probing questions until you really understand what they believe and why they believe it.

It's your stomach. Become your own healthcare advocate and collaborator. It's how healthcare is delivered best these days.

[catfish87 3,471]

One thing to keep in mind and consider: the lapband is the only adjustable surgery after its done. Maybe a pro, maybe a con. ...depends on your viewpoint. I often reflect on the MANY years I've been to support group meetings where I see patients with each type of surgery. Those who have done well and those who haven't been quite as successful....yet. ( I hope they all will be! ) When I hear from and speak with/to those with lapbands, we can get an adjustment. Others get told to diet. Just keep that in mind. I'm not talking what I've read or heard. ....just what I've seen. Best wishes on ANY surgery type you choose.

[insideout629 7]

If you were thinking of the sleeve and during your first appointment with the doctor he told you he was partial to bands would you have doubts? He said he would do either surgery and it is my choice but he is always more in favor of the band.

This threw me for a loop and has me all confused now. I am wondering if I should talk to another doctor to make sure I do full research.

I just had surgery on Monday converting from band to sleeve and wish I had done the sleeve from the very beginning. I have heard many stories of band failure and ppl converting to sleeve. I would recommend the sleeve. Good luck either way you go.