i HAD LAP BAND SURGERY, and a year later the surgeon went in to replace it (i think it was too small). Well he cut my stomach open and what was suppose to be a 45 minute procedure turned into a 6 1/2 hour surgery. I almost died. I recovered but no lap band. I was self pay, so that $$$$$ flew out the window. I have been thinking about the sleeve. Would anybody recommend it?