That's exactly what I thought Kate, also felt a bit too permanent - I liked the flexibility with the band, that it could be adjusted or removed fairly easily. But the surgeon explained that they're learning more things about the band now, and they tend to only have a 10-15 year life span - not the band itself, rather the stomach underneath the band deteriorates to the point where the band slips, and then has to be removed and can't be replaced. That's why more sleeves are being performed these days.

Although, it hasn't been around for 10 years, so the long term side effects are as yet unknown. I think the main reason for my decision was seeing Mum's failure - if I were to lose that much weight, only to gain it back....well, I really don't know what I'd do y'know?