Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🎉 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins

Sleeve or band

CrissyCakes

Recommended Posts

CrissyCakes    110

CrissyCakes
Posted

I'm one weigh in away and I'm trying to decide between the sleeve or the band. When I initially started the process I wanted the band. But after speaking with my PCP, friends that's have done weight loss surgeries and general research. I decided on the sleeve. My surgeon is saying now to the band because I've been having problems with acid reflux. My personal thought at first was, he knows what's best, but ultimately I feel that the band will be an inconvenience, and lessen my weight loss goals. I'm new here, and welcome any thoughts, advice etc... thanks

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

JamieLogical    8,727

JamieLogical
Posted

I'm not sure if your reflux would be any better with a band than with a sleeve. Really the only way you be sure you won't have reflux issues would be to have RNY. Ultimately the decision has to be yours. For me, it was an easy choice with all of the potential for long-term complications with the band. But there are many people who are happy and successful with the band too.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Bufflehead    6,358

Bufflehead
Posted

My surgeon rarely performs the band and thinks it is the least effective weight loss surgery out there, so I guess I am biased against it. For me, it was not a consideration at all. My surgeon would not have done it for me since my BMI was too high for the band under his personal guidelines (plus I didn't want a band).

I also had acid reflux before the sleeve. My surgeon had me do an upper GI series before the operation. This showed that I had a hiatal hernia, which he could fix during the sleeve surgery. Because he felt that the hiatal hernia repair would likely cure my reflux, he thought the sleeve would be a good option for me. If my reflux hadn't been caused by the hernia, he would have recommended gastric bypass for me, as that virtually always cures reflux -- and I would have followed his recommendation. So, do you know what is causing your reflux? Have you had an endoscopy or upper GI series to see if you have a hiatal hernia? For me that was the key question.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

CrissyCakes    110

CrissyCakes
Posted

My surgeon rarely performs the band and thinks it is the least effective weight loss surgery out there, so I guess I am biased against it. For me, it was not a consideration at all. My surgeon would not have done it for me since my BMI was too high for the band under his personal guidelines (plus I didn't want a band).

I also had acid reflux before the sleeve. My surgeon had me do an upper GI series before the operation. This showed that I had a hiatal hernia, which he could fix during the sleeve surgery. Because he felt that the hiatal hernia repair would likely cure my reflux, he thought the sleeve would be a good option for me. If my reflux hadn't been caused by the hernia, he would have recommended gastric bypass for me, as that virtually always cures reflux -- and I would have followed his recommendation. So, do you know what is causing your reflux? Have you had an endoscopy or upper GI series to see if you have a hiatal hernia? For me that was the key question.

I did an upper endoscopy and my GI says there was only mild irritation in my stomach, changed medications and now it's a lot better. I had an array of issues, main one being I would wake up choking, but after seeing an ENT that was attributed to post nasal drip. GI also states that with as little as an 8 pound weight change it would more than likely stop.

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

CrissyCakes    110

CrissyCakes
Posted

I'm not sure if your reflux would be any better with a band than with a sleeve. Really the only way you be sure you won't have reflux issues would be to have RNY. Ultimately the decision has to be yours. For me, it was an easy choice with all of the potential for long-term complications with the band. But there are many people who are happy and successful with the band too.

My GI feels that with a few pounds lost I will be fine, as it's very mild. Is the choice ultimately up to me?

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

JamieLogical    8,727

JamieLogical
Posted

I'm not sure if your reflux would be any better with a band than with a sleeve. Really the only way you be sure you won't have reflux issues would be to have RNY. Ultimately the decision has to be yours. For me, it was an easy choice with all of the potential for long-term complications with the band. But there are many people who are happy and successful with the band too.

My GI feels that with a few pounds lost I will be fine, as it's very mild. Is the choice ultimately up to me?

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Absolutely the choice is ultimately up to you! No one can cut you open and perform surgery on you without your consent or the consent of your medical proxy.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

jahemenway    40

jahemenway
Posted

I had the band for 2 years and had to have it out due to slipping and cutting off blood supply to my stomach. Took me almost 10 years to get my sleeve because of the fear I had about my experience with the band.

I didn't know what I could or couldn't eat one day to the next because of the band. Its so temperamental. I would never in a million years tell anyone to get the band. I was so depressed and miserable for the 2 years I had it.

As soon as I got it removed, my personality came back.

My 2 cents--

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

CrissyCakes    110

CrissyCakes
Posted

I had the band for 2 years and had to have it out due to slipping and cutting off blood supply to my stomach. Took me almost 10 years to get my sleeve because of the fear I had about my experience with the band.

I didn't know what I could or couldn't eat one day to the next because of the band. Its so temperamental. I would never in a million years tell anyone to get the band. I was so depressed and miserable for the 2 years I had it.

As soon as I got it removed, my personality came back.

My 2 cents--

I've seen so many bad experiences with the band. That's a risk I'm not willing to take. Glad you're back to yourself.

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

CrissyCakes    110

CrissyCakes
Posted

My dr doesn't perform the band anymore due to it dislodging itself and too many complications!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm so confused as to why he wants to go forward with that. Honestly I think it's because insurance doesn't pay for the upkeep of the band after I believe the 3rd visit. I picked an excellent program, but this choice had me baffled.

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

BelgianGuy    350

BelgianGuy
Posted

My mother had the band, and it was a disaster: lots of problems: acid actually damaged the band, she would throw up quite often,etc. She went from the band to the sleeve and now she is happy with it.

My surgeon also said the band surgery would soon be outfashioned since it's not really effective and rarely works properly. The sleeve seems to be the best option.

Good luck with everything!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

WantToBe    77

WantToBe
Posted

I had the band for 2 years and had to have it out due to slipping and cutting off blood supply to my stomach. Took me almost 10 years to get my sleeve because of the fear I had about my experience with the band.

I didn't know what I could or couldn't eat one day to the next because of the band. Its so temperamental. I would never in a million years tell anyone to get the band. I was so depressed and miserable for the 2 years I had it.

As soon as I got it removed, my personality came back.

My 2 cents--

I wish that I were as smart and proactive as you. I had my band for 11 1/2 years and never k ew what I could eat day to day. I went to high calorie liquids for pleasure. I still managed to maintain. A 100 pound loss but need to lose 100 more. Sounds like we were banded around same time.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

CrissyCakes    110

CrissyCakes
Posted

My mother had the band, and it was a disaster: lots of problems: acid actually damaged the band, she would throw up quite often,etc. She went from the band to the sleeve and now she is happy with it.

My surgeon also said the band surgery would soon be outfashioned since it's not really effective and rarely works properly. The sleeve seems to be the best option.

Good luck with everything!

Thank you

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

JLyn    18

JLyn
Posted

I had the band n lost very little weight in 7 years! I just had revision surgery (sleeve) on Jan 7 and now lost 13 pounds more than I lost with the band! Wish I would have done it sooner

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

katanne    215

katanne
Posted

My surgeon rarely performs the band - he won't outright refuse to do it, but told me he's put in about 3-5 over the last year and removed 20-30 due to complications or ineffectiveness. He also said he doesn't really feel comfortable putting one in someone who isn't male and under 40 (i.e., already biologically predisposed to take off more weight w/WLS). And that someone like me who gets tempted to overeat at night might not do so well, because the restriction isn't as strong at night. So it does work for some select people, but there are factors to take into consideration.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    Bariatric Forums

    For Patients

    Health Professionals

    Search Surgeons

    Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

    ×