Hi Sharon, both of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mona

Don't expect ANY sympathy from me!!!! We pay 1.06p a litre - which is (after long calculations from litres to US galllons and pounds to dollars!!) is over $8 dollars a US gallon!! Most of it is tax - we have always had very high levels of duty imposed on gas for cars (business lorries, farm tractors etc. pay less) and now, because of environmental concerns, we pay even more! Kate

Wow! Isnt it interesting that all the experienced bandsters are saying sleeve? I thought I would be unique...lol. I dont know enough about the sleeve to say with conviction, but if it required only a small amount of supplementation and their regain statistics were low..I would go sleeve too. I love my band. (well depends on the day) But like you as a vet I understand that the long term statistics will actually come from us. Do they have long term statistics on the sleeve? ( I doubt it) Do people revise from the sleeve? At least your sleeve will never have to come out. If you reposition your band it might. I have never had a band complication, but I live my life like someday I might. Which means going to school, getting a good job, and getting group health insurance. Ask your doctor about the long staple line with the sleeve, does it concern him? Some doctors would rather go full on RNY cause the staple line is much shorter and thats where the serious complications come from. But keeping a functioning stomach is pretty attractive. I totally understand your position...at least you can decide and have options. Thats a great thing.

Such a difficult decision for you, Phyllis. The band has worked for me but it self-evidently does not work for everyone. i can see why you are tempted to try something else. I don't know much about the VSG - why not get n touch with Bridget S and see what her take on it is now? Kate

Men are like kids arent they? Thinking of you and hoping it all goes smoothly...