I had my band removed three years ago.  I wasn't mentally ready to have them done at the same time.  As far as recovery, the band was much easier on me.  I had my surgery at 8 am and was at my son's baseball game at 6pm the same day.  I think the sleeve recovery has been harder because of the damage of the band coupled with the fact that it is a more intense surgery.  I took 6 weeks off, but I work in patient care.  Even at that, I could have probably gone back at 4.  If you have a desk job, I would plan on taking at least 2 weeks off.  I love my sleeve.  I am so glad I made the decision to have it done. Good luck with your decision.

CJ, this exactly what I am experiencing!!! Had the band in 2005. Went through the exact same things you experienced. My band has been sitting inside me empty since about 2009. MRI has shown it is broken in 2 places. I need to have it removed but am soooo afraid of what will be found. I've been on the fence about a revision forever due to what I consider a traumatic experience having that darn band! Wish I knew then what I know now. I would never have had band surgery. Despite being a lightweight, I would have fought for something different or simply waited to see if something better would have come along, which is exactly what happened when the sleeve came around a few years later. I've also been researching the mini gastric bypass. I just don't want to experience failure again and have to worry about another surgery down the road if I can help it. Congratulations and all the best to you!!!

I'm pretty used to being the only guy in chat rooms, forums, or support groups.  I guess guys do have trouble showing when they are in pain or uncomfortable but I'd rather address my issues and move past them.  I'm over the band.  I have no fluid in my band and still have heartburn and indigestion every day.  I have my wellness assessment on Monday and that's one of the last steps before trying to get insurance approval so I am definitely ready and excited.  Fingers crossed that insurance approves quickly and I can get the surgery!  Thanks for the encouragement.

I think when doctors make blanket statements like that you really need to look at what their practice focuses on.  If that doc only specializes in one type of surgery then they are obviously going to be biased and steer you to the surgery that they want to do on you.

I am sorry you are going thru this.  I have no idea about RNY, but I love my sleeve.  You will probably have a harder recovery bc of the band...I did....but totally worth it.  I say sleeve, but my suggestion is to post this on the revision board and get input from people with both surgeries.  My sleeve has done what the band was supposed to do.  The thing I like is that I don't have to deal with dumping and malabsorption!  It sounds like you do well with restriction.  Sleeve is restriction without agony.  I LOVE MY SLEEVE.  Good luck with your decision.  Please keep me posted.

CJ