is that the sleeve will be just like the band in 5 years... I had the band 4 years ago and no one was talking about it negatively. Now nearly all the info out there is negative. I can have my band out (and I am next Tuesday), but the sleeve is not reversible. I've decided to do it but I am worried about long-term issues. I don't want another WLS in 5 years. I want this to really work.

Any long-termers have any input?

It's a risk that I considered and decided to take. For one thing, there's no foreign body inserted and there's no remnant or blind stomach left behind to worry about. I was willing to be part of a big experiment (and that's what any new treatment for any condition is) to see if the benefit outweighs the drawbacks. I can't donate blood anymore because I can't replenish my Iron stores fast enough and I have to take B-12 for life. There's an increased risk of osteoporosis that I'm willing to take as opposed to obesity and the associated co-morbidities.

So far, so good. I have lost all my excess weight and then some and don't find the limitations VSG imposes a burden. I am delighted so far. If something crops up in the future, there is nothing I can do about it now so I feel there's no benefit to worrying about what may or may not happen. I am kind of practical that way and at peace with my decision.