I am just beginning the weight loss surgery journey and I have so many questions. I didn't think surgery was an option because I thought my insurance didn't cover any type of weight loss surgery but I found out a couple weeks ago that the plan I have does cover bypass or the sleeve. I definitely do NOT want bypass and I wasn't even sure what the sleeve was until I found out it was covered and I started researching it. Two of my family members have had the band and have great success with it so I was disappointed at first that it wasn't covered on my plan. Since I've been reading more and more about the sleeve I've gotten very excited about it. I have my first appointment at the surgeons office on 3/29/12 but I wanted to ask some questions to people who have acutally had the surgery. I have had one person to tell me that I'm just setting myself up for failure because the stomach portion that's left will just stretch back out and in a few years I'll be back in the same boat I'm in now. This same person also says that I'm entirely too young (28) to consider any type of surgical intervention because it's too drastic. He told me I needed to just commit to a diet and exercise plan! Hello!!! Obviously if that worked for me I wouldn't be considering surgery! So basically I would like to know what the long term sucess of the procedure is. Did any of you have it several years ago and been able to keep the weight off or does it creep back up over time? I know it's not a cure for obesity, it's a tool to help me get healthier. I also realize there's lifestyle and diet modifications that must be made. I was just so excited about this and to have someone say such negative things has really got me down. He says it's too dangerous and that I'm putting my life at risk to have a procedure that isn't necessary. I have two kids and I want to be here for them for a very long time and if I don't do something my weight will kill me. I am 5'8" and wear a size 26/3x. Enough is enough, I'm tired of feeling one way on the inside and seeing something else when I look in the mirror. Please give me your advice!