I understand your frustration about being overweight. I was there over two years ago, wow, does not seem that longago. I did not chose the lap-band, I chose the gastric by-pass. In the area I live in the sleeve was not even on the table. If it had been, that is what I would have choosen. Per Ted Smith, I needed the by-pass not the lap-band. Now, until I decide to have the by-pass revised I have to take extra vitamins, minerals just so I don't die of malnutrition. Yes, it is a permanate life-style change, but if you are not also working with someone professional and have a local support group of others whom have had the same surgery the weight will come back. My weight at the time of surgery was 310, I have been at 210 for a year and half. I have two problems with why the last 60 pound has not come off; One being I am not sure who I would be at 150, and two I can't leave the Dr Pepper alone. By the way this December it will have been three years since the surgery was done.