lap band failure to gastric sleeve success????

[1cindy2]

Hi everyone. I'm hoping that there are some of you out there who have had a lap band and then switched to a gastric sleeve. I got the lap band 3 years ago. I lost some weight initially, but it wasn't super significant and it's all back. My doctor tells me that the sleeve will work much better. I'm wondering WHY. They are both restrictive procedures -- why will the sleeve work better? I'm moving ahead step by step with the psych assessment, the nutritionist, the pre-authorizations..... but in the back of my mind I'm wondering.... WILL THIS WORK? If any of you have had similar experiences with the lap band and then moved to the sleeve, I'd really love to hear about your decision-making and your experiences!! THANKS!

[splendaaa]

The one thing I can say is the sleeve is permanent.

[cindylutz]

There are several band to sleeve on this forum. Hope you hear from them. Good luck.

[slim190]

I too would like to hear more. My lap-band was a complete failure. I've already had it removed. I'm now taking the steps for the sleeve.

[poppets]

hi, I had a band for almost 6 years and had to have it removed due to erosion, I now have the sleeve. What can i say, the sleeve is completely different, yes you loose weight but the feeling of fullness is different, you can eat EVERYTHING with the sleeve but in very small amounts, I had my sleeve 5 weks ago and have lost 28lbs already. I'd say the sleeve is better but you need to try to forget you ever had the band in as the sleeve is a whole new learning process, it is starting again. If I had the choice I would never go back to the band, with the sleeve there are no adjustments, no risk of erosion, it's just so much better. You also have to remember that the sleeve/band can only do so much for you, you still need to make healthy choices and look after yourself. I hope this helps you a bit. Good luck

[lizbeth]

I too had the band and started to have problems after a year so I had mine removed and converted to the sleeve. I love the sleeve, and it is true, you feel full in seconds, ha! No more spitting up for me. It was to the point with the band that I was spitting up 3-4 times a day 4 out of 7 days a week and that got old real fast. I have just now started eating softer foods including veggies and small diced chicken bits, and it is amazing to me that I can only eat a small portion of anything.

I know, without a doubt, when I have had enough! No regrets at all for doing this. We are going on vacation in 18 days, on our motorcycle to Colorado and then to Sturgis, SD for a motorcycle rally. Normally I would literally eat my thru vacation eating anything that was put in front of me. We call it "fair food" cause it's mostly deep fried this or that, but now are laughing about how we (hubby and I) are going to share meals cause we certainly won't have room for take-out boxes!! Eating out for 8-10 days will be a challenge, but you have to remember that every town you go into has a grocery store, and they all have yogurt, and protien drinks and better things to eat, so I just have to eat smarter.
Love the sleeve, love it!!!!!!!

[1cindy2]

Thanks lizbeth! Have a great trip to the motorcycle rally!

[1cindy2]

Thanks poppets. That's an interesting perspective to just forget about the sleeve rather than comparing them!

[mich62]

Hi there, I was banded 2 yrs ago and did manage to lose wt. Went from 220lbs to 155lbs. My problem with the band is it slipped 9 mo after banding , I then had a repair to keep it in place and then had a 2nd slip 1 yr late. My surgeon feels it is from the loss of fat in my able. My insurance company was wonderful and allowed my surgeon to remove the band and do a gastric sleeve in its place the same day, which was May 17 2011 and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!. I have continued to loose wt and down to 142lb in 8 wks. My stomach capacity is about 4-6 oz but I am only able to take 2-3 oz at this time.
It is the best decision I have made and glad that I was approved. Best of luck to you.

[cindylutz]

I have seen so many stories like this. I was initially wanting the band but this is the reason why i chose the sleeve over the band. I am losing about a lb a day which right now doesnt seem like so much but if it keeps up it will sure look good to lose 100 lbs in just over 3 months! *happy dance*

[lissyd]

So great to hear all these great stories..I had the lapband 4 yrs ago and have had enough..the constant puking..food getting stuck..not being able to eat healthy foods but bad food is so easy to eat..It's done my head in..I see the sleeve as a new start and new hope..I have a appointment on the 2nd of August to se my surgeon about a change to the sleeve..love to hear more stories from lap-band 2 sleeve