4 1/2 years ago I had lap band done at 283#'s, I lost 140#s in 23 months due to a bad band that restricted me to a liquid diet for 18 of the months before it finally slipped all the way and would not let even fluids through. I was 145 pounds, severely dehydrated and mal-nourished by the time my doctor removed the band... that was just over 2 years ago. Now I am sitting at 229# again and feeling all those old horrible feelings of shame, depression, failure, embarassment... I am consideting having the sleeve done and have started the insurance process... but very scared. It seems like if something CAN go wrong -it will with me. I have a very supportive husband and a good pcp that is working hard to try and get this approved again for me but I have not told any of my friends or family about this. I am worried they will try and talk me out of it due to all the issues I had with the band. I guess I am just looking for support from people that have "walked in my shoes" and know how I am feeling.