I am having a hard time trying to decide to have the gastric sleeve. I had the lap band and only lost about 20 lbs. I threw up all the time and the band slipped and had to have it removed. That was about 5 years ago. Has anyone had a bad experience with the gastric sleeve?

I am 54 years old and had the gastric sleeve just shy of 8 months ago and haven't had one minute's problem or complication. It's been wonderful.

I had the Lap Band in 2005. While I lost about 80% of my excess weight, my life with the band was very miserable. I had horrible reflux and later found out that I had been living with a slipped band for years.

I had gastric sleeve April of last year and am very happy with my decision. No significant complications and I feel great!

One thing: when I had my sleeve done, my surgeon said that the procedure took him at least an extra half hour while he sorted through the scar tissue from the band. From what I've read on this form, that is quite common when you see revision from lap band.

For me, all that scar tissue and extra work to deal with it made my initial recovery a little different. I saw others talking about feeling great and being up walking right away. I felt like I had been hit by a Mac Truck! I couldn't tolerate the laps around the nurse's station and was lucky to make it about 20 feet down the hall. I stayed an extra night in the hospital and was a little more on track by day 2.

I've talked to several people who had the band and went to the sleeve. They all had great results. Of course, everyone is different. Do your research before. But, the sleeve is great and issues have been minimal.

Depends if you suffer with reflux or gerd plus other issues you will need to research

10 hours ago, nursebev said:

I am having a hard time trying to decide to have the gastric sleeve. I had the lap band and only lost about 20 lbs. I threw up all the time and the band slipped and had to have it removed. That was about 5 years ago. Has anyone had a bad experience with the gastric sleeve?

Enjoy your research. Find the option that works best for you. You will see good and bad experiences with any type of surgery. I’m five years out from sleeve. My experience was great.