What are your regrets about getting the sleeve or lap band

**TulipMom** · 07-30-2013 10:21 PM

Four years ago, I was coaxed into getting a Roux-en-y by a boyfriend. I did everything I was supposed to do and on my last visit before meeting the surgeon and setting a date, I took my mom with me and she walked out and told me that she did not think this was a good idea and would not support me. I'm glad she was so brutally honest with me. When I made the decision a few months ago that I was going to do something, I was looking at a lap band and that is what I told the doctor for my consult and he told me immediately to reconsider the lap and choose the sleeve because of all the reasons people here have said and he told me that in particular when someone needs to lose more than 100 lbs and has a high BMI, the statistics are not good. The weight loss is not great and the longterm outcomes are not good and then he said plainly, "And I think you will regret it and wind up having a sleeve or a roux in the end." So, I started reading and researching and watching videos and found this forum. I am confident that this is a good choice and one I will not regret. Better yet, I am ready to do this. I am making changes now. I have told my whole family and I have their complete support. I asked my mom what the difference is between now and 4 years ago...She said, "You know what you want and you are ready to do what it takes."

So if you have serious doubts, it's ok to take more time to think. This is a life-changing and permanent change.Being scared and nervous is one thing but flip flopping back and forth and feeling like you are being persuaded on either side could be a clue that you need more time to decide. You have to decide that this is what YOU want, not what someone else wants for you.

**ACE** · 07-31-2013 08:26 AM

I am almost 2 years out from my sleeve and at times it got a bit rough but that was my emotional issues surrounding the weight so as does everyone I vented on this site when needed but all in all i have NO REGRETS!I still have good restriction even though there have been times when I thought for sure I had stretched my stomach. Life isnt perfect on this side of the fence but its so much better for me than it used to be lumbering through my day always afraid I would have to sit in a small chair that would either get stuck to my butt or afraid the chair would collapse. Now I still have a lot of my old pain but without the extra weight its so much easier to deal with. I know there are those who have regrets immediately after surgery and some continue to have them longer but from what I have read from everyone here the likely hood of really regretting sleeve has been very low. We are all different I dont know your reasons for the sleeve but if you are on the fence I always tell people you know what is right for you and ONLY YOU know so dont listen to those who are afraid for you they are only afraid because they know you will change.

**ximmia** · 07-31-2013 08:29 AM

Welcome! For what it's worth my surgeon doesn't do many bands any more, and he's one of the pioneers in the area. I did my research because I was originally thinking about the RNY but he talked me into the sleeve. Much less problems overall.

**Aspinetti** · 08-22-2013 07:12 AM

thank you

**Aspinetti** · 08-22-2013 07:18 AM

thank you so much for your comment!

**ecarasick83** · 08-22-2013 07:48 AM

I was on the fence too about getting the sleeve. In fact, I never heard of the sleeve. I told my surgeon I was interested in Lapband and then he spoke of the sleeve. He told me everything I wanted to hear about the sleeve. The good thing with the sleeve is there's no maintainence whereas with the band you have to keep getting it filled and unfilled and if it slides you have to get it fixed yadda yadda. So my suggestion to you is read up on the lapband. The lapband may be reversible but that is about it. Good luck to you!

Liz

**yankegal** · 08-22-2013 07:54 AM

ACE you look fantastic! and wow what a wonderful success. i had my surgery around the same time as you did. I had health issues and that was why i chose the sleeve. I am doing better, feel better, but still lack the emotional part of it also. I am trying to deal with my life changes.

**yankegal** · 08-22-2013 08:00 AM

Congrats to you and your decision, I had waited myself to decide what I wanted. My insurance would only cover the band, and I was told by the dr that there are a lot of problems associated with them, so I decided not to do it, waited 2 yrs and started all over again. then the ins. said they would cover the gastric bypass, but I have a close friend who had it and I see what she deals with everyday. and said no! so they wouldn't help me out, so then I waited and tried to have ins cover the sleeve and fought them 3 times. but in the end I went to Mexico and paid for it myself, but I am glad that I waited and did what i did, it was in my choice the best decision that I could make for me. I have no regrets, my health issues have gotten much better, and I do things I never did before, you have to remember this is a tool, not a cure or fast fix. But if you follow your drs. orders, and nutritionist, you will do just fine. I feel it is better to take your time, and weigh all the decisions and choices. AND do it for you! not someone else. Good luck to you!

**shasta** · 08-22-2013 01:43 PM

Welcome! I got the sleeve done in June and have nothing but good things to say about it. I had the option of the sleeve, lapband, or bypass and I looked at it this way: Bypass means they are going to leave my stomach in and it really won't be used anymore, lapband means I will have some foreign equipment in my body, and the sleeve means that I will have a good chunk of my stomach gone.
Good luck with your surgery and only you can decide which one is right for you!