I am only 3 weeks sleeved, but am totally convined that this is the way to go. I am eating a limited group of food but as you have read, you can step up as you body becomes used to the smaller stomach. And the part of the stomach that goes away is the part that makes you hungry.
As far as leak goes, I was taken to xray the day after surgery, drank some radiopaque fluid and was checked for any leaks- it was all good. Your surgeon and his dieticians will teach you how and what to eat ... And when. As long as you follow the routine, you should be great. You have be through the band. VGS should be the last weight loss surgery you have to have!