:clap2:I was so glad to see your post. I, too, have a band that has completely eroded into my stomach (not removed yet) and I am devastated. I have been researching VSG because I don't want to take a chance that this will happen again. However, I am self-pay also and it really hurts to cough-up another $10,000.
I am not sure who "DH" is (this is the 1st time I have ever posted on a sight, although I read, read, read them), but I am going to assume it is the equivalent of my husband, who also thinks I should just be able to lose the weight & keep it off. He has a very strong will-power & is able to accomplish pretty much anything he wants -- I guess he thinks the whole world is like him. Anyway, I am terrified of putting back on the weight and feel like I will do whatever it takes to not be fat again. I DO NOT want to go back to the old Jacki. I knew I could lose the weight but did not want to struggle the rest of my life to keep it off. I had surgery to keep the weight off forever, and now this. I, too, enjoy feeling more attractive, etc. I only had my band for 1 year, though, and was only able to get 1 fill. I was 200lbs down to 158 -- need to lose 20-25 more. Personally, I was getting excited about the VGS because of the "no maitenance" it seems to provide. Where are you located? What surgeon are you considering?
Thanks for your input -- I need it as much as you need others.