Seems Lap Band out...Sleeve in??

**Rjc0704** · 01-10-2015 11:30 PM

I am considering surgery in Mexico because with a BMI of 30 and no significant health issues, I am not qualified in US, but am in other countries.

Initially I thought the lap band may be the way to go, but many surgeons have stopped doing it. Plus, if I were to do it in Mexico, how would I get adjustments?

I am intimidated with the thought of having stomach removed. Seems scary. It doesn't grow back, afterall. Also, what keeps you from losing too much weight? Does weight loss just get to a point and stop?

**shelbyw** · 01-10-2015 11:41 PM

Your body well even out. Amount you eat vs how much you burn. I was young when I was banded, and it was either Mexico or texas. Needless to say Texas was the way for me. I had a surgeon in my area willing to fill, even though fda didn't appove of me having the band at my age. I will never regret being banded but I will never regret converting to sleeve either. What I do regret is letting the band slip

**darla21276** · 01-11-2015 12:32 AM

Id NEVER consider the lapband. My mom and dad both nearly died, sisters was corroding as well. Mom was completely full of puss..seriously almost died even wrote her goodbye letter saved on her computer. My dad ( whom I didn't have contact with at the time) I later found out had lapband here in the states and was hospitalized for 6 weeks. He turned to the sleeve and has lost 100 lbs. Also, ssiter in law had the band.. she lost a bit but still heavy and gets pretty sick and just wants it out after about 8 years. You also have to consider always have to have fills. Having a foreign object inside me is just not for me. Many have had no complications of course, its great we have choices!

Just please continue reading up on em all and I wish you best of luck on whatever you decide

**LaffeyTaffey** · 01-11-2015 01:04 AM

The lap band just doesn't work. It slips and harms the stomach on top of constantly needing to be adjusted. Doctors everywhere are getting rid of it.

**shelbyw** · 01-11-2015 01:17 AM

The slip is very harm and life threatening. People wouldn't think so but it is. With my slip, I had a little bit of acid reflex as night and sometimes a little vomit. Well, later it turned into full on vomiting in my sleep. Turns out when it slip your stomach bubbles over and the food gets stuck and sits there. It it's very advanced, like mine, it didn't matter if you slept at a 90 degree angle.

**terrora** · 01-11-2015 01:54 AM

I thought the sleeve was pretty barbaric too, but the way I see it now is if I don't need it why have it? (The whole stomach)

**MBL** · 01-11-2015 06:38 AM

Originally Posted by Rjc0704

I am considering surgery in Mexico because with a BMI of 30 and no significant health issues, I am not qualified in US, but am in other countries.

Initially I thought the lap band may be the way to go, but many surgeons have stopped doing it. Plus, if I were to do it in Mexico, how would I get adjustments?

I am intimidated with the thought of having stomach removed. Seems scary. It doesn't grow back, afterall. Also, what keeps you from losing too much weight? Does weight loss just get to a point and stop?

I thought you were looking for your sister who you felt would not be successful. Confused.

**Ima Fox** · 01-11-2015 08:52 AM

When I started researching WLS, I too was interested in the lap band. Luckily, all the horror stories I read dissuaded me. I thought the gastric bypass was too much & also had undesirable side effects. VSG or "the sleeve" appeared to be the best option. I think the lap band will either be improved or banned.

There is such a thing as "Fill Centers" where one can go to get the lap band adjusted. I'm sure most cities have them. I'm sure their locations can be found on the internet.

**Rjc0704** · 01-11-2015 09:16 AM

Sorry to confuse

. My sister is moving forward and I am reseaching for my own journey.

**apythia** · 01-11-2015 01:13 PM

Do not get a lap band!!

I had mine removed. As do most patients. They erode and/or slip and cause all sorts of issues. That's why surgeons don't do them anymore. My surgeon said all his lap band patients eventually convert.

I admit I was very happy with the lap band until it slipped and eroded. Then it was a nightmare and I couldn't wait to get it out!

You are right in being wary because being sleeved is a major surgery that is life altering and there is no going back. So since you have less weight to lose then many of us, it is worth researching to see if it is right for you. There are others on the forum that have had it with a low starting BMI, so they will be better suited to talk to you on that front.

**Rjc0704** · 01-11-2015 05:20 PM

BIG thanks to each of you for sharing the stories, advice and cautions! I knew there were reasons so many doctors are stopping lap band procedures or strongly swaying for the sleeve! I will continue to research and learn from all of you while I wait for doctor approval.

Best wishes! You are all inspiring and seem to be doing very well inside and out! ((HUGS))